What is a degu?
![20251013_190446[1].heic](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0f68bc_b8acd2b3f9be40778de8d1647b34d6fe~mv2.png/v1/crop/x_496,y_0,w_3008,h_2252/fill/w_378,h_283,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/20251013_190446%5B1%5D_heic.png)
Degus (pronounced DAY-goos or DEH-goos) also known as Octodons or affectionately "goos", are charming little rodents native to the foothills of Chile. They are close relatives to chinchillas and guinea pigs, and distantly related to species like the capybara and agouti.
Unlike many small mammals commonly kept as pets, they are diurnal with crepuscular tendencies, meaning they are more active during the day and most active around dawn and dusk. This makes them excellent companions for people who want to enjoy their pet without disrupting their sleep. Degus often adapt to their human’s daily rhythm and enjoy being part of your routine.
While a rarer find than rats, degus are sometimes preferred over them for their longer lifespans (6-10+ years), lower incidence of health issues in comparison to rats/mice and minimal strong or unpleasant odor.
![20241120_135611(1)[1].jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0f68bc_53679af6cd8c487bab928a375a86f5dd~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_378,h_283,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/20241120_135611(1)%5B1%5D.jpg)
Degu care
![20250207_171726[1].jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0f68bc_6382c86b977040f8bbd440b46da3ccdf~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_378,h_283,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/20250207_171726%5B1%5D.jpg)
Degus are considered intermediate-level care pets, not because they are high maintenance, but because they have very specific needs. They have very sensitive blood sugar levels and are prone to diabetes. Their digestive tract is built more for fiber. They should have unlimited hay (timothy or meadow), 10-12g of low-fat low-sugar degu pellets daily, occasional forage like degu-safe dried herbs/flowers.
Degus are active physically and mentally. Even though you should give them as much out-of-cage time as possible, their cage will be their mainstay and should be decked out to the tens with wooden toys, fall catchers, and of course a wheel. They should have at least one level of long, uncluttered, undisturbed run room.
![Screenshot_20251013_204300_Gallery[1]_ed](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0f68bc_fea2f0ef04d246d8b8e0d527bd845896~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_378,h_282,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/Screenshot_20251013_204300_Gallery%5B1%5D_ed.jpg)