Degus come from the same family as the guinea pig and chinchilla. Though recent studies show that they may actually be closer in relation to rabbits. Originating from Chile, you can find degus anywhere from coastal plains to the Andes mountains.

Are degus rats?

The word degu comes from the indigenous language of Chile, Mapudungun, and the word dewü, meaning ‘mouse’ or ‘rat’. The animal may be kept as a pocket pet, though there are prohibitions on their ownership in some territories. As a pet, the animal is larger than a golden hamster but smaller than a fancy rat.

What's the difference between a degu and a chinchilla?

Visual Differences Chinchillas have slightly longer bodies and fluffier tails than degus. Also, chinchillas have rounder eyes, while degus have eyes that are shaped more like almonds. Some people liken the chinchilla to guinea pigs and the degu to hamsters.

What kind of animal is a degu?

degu, (genus Octodon), one of four species of ratlike South American rodents found primarily on the lower western slopes of the Andes Mountains. It is one of the most common mammals of central Chile at elevations up to 1,200 metres (3,900 feet), where it prefers open grassy areas near shrubs, rocks, and stone walls.

What is the difference between a gerbil and a degu?

Gerbils are smaller than Degus and require less space to live. Degus can be expected to grow up to three times the size of a Gerbil. Lifespan: Another major difference between the two lies in their lifespans. … Degus are better companions for the day as they sleep during the night.

Can degus have carrots?

Many fruits can be high in sugar and should not be given to degus. Some vegetables for example carrot, sweet potato, beetroot and parsnips can also be high in sugar, so should only be given in very small pieces as an occasional treat. Be wary of commercial treat products as these can also be too sugary.

How do degus mate?

Breeding activities include: the male grooming the female, tail-wagging, nose-to-nose contact, nuzzling, trembling, and the male chasing the female around the cage. After mating the male makes loud, repetitive squeaks that are unlike the usual day-to-day squeaks for up to 20 minutes.

What is a bunch of degus called?

They cooperate to dig extensive underground living quarters, which have dozens of tunnels leading to an assortment of different compartments. There are nurseries, bed rooms, and food stores, and all members of the colony work together in groups called digging chains to remove soil to create new chambers and tunnels.

Are degus social animals?

Degus are small, social and vocal rodents. They have long silky coats that are grey-brown tinged, and a long, thin tail with a tufted, black tip. Typically degus can live for 6-7 years in captivity.

How do you get a degu to trust you?

As normal, give your degu treats through the bars, but after a few, this time slowly and calmly open the cage door, then move back to your previous position and offer a few more treats through the bars just to put them at ease.

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Are degu good pets?

Degus are very intelligent and highly sociable animals that love to play and explore. They have a friendly nature and are outgoing little rodents. They make fantastic pets, but need a lot of care and aren’t an animal you should choose on a whim.

Can a degu live alone?

Degus are social animals that live in large groups in the wild. In general, it’s recommended to keep at least a pair of degus. There are some rare cases where a degu is (temporarily) kept as a solitary pet. … They‘re not used to living alone like some pocket pets.

Are degu related to chinchillas?

Degus are related to chinchillas and guinea pigs – and they all come from South America. Unlike most other pocket pets, degus are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day.

Can degus live with chinchillas?

They are sociable animals and should live with their own species, but they must be introduced before they’re fully grown (8 months for Chinchillas and 4 months for Degus).

Do degus like to be held?

Do degus like being handled? … As long as your degus have gotten used to being gently handled from a young age, they will be fine with being picked up. This said, it’s better to play with them rather than picking them up a lot! Never pick your degus up by their tails.

Is a Degu a gerbil?

As big as a guinea pig but with brown fur and a long, thin tail, degus look like oversized gerbils. They have round, squat bodies, weigh between a half pound to a pound, and grow to about 10-12 inches long, from nose to tail tip.

Are hamsters or gerbils better?

Gerbils don’t smell bad as they urinate less frequently than hamsters. Gerbils can learn commands, while hamsters are clever escape artists. Their care needs are about the same, but gerbils usually cost more as they need a companion. Both pets have their advantages and disadvantages, so there isn’t a better pet perse.

Are degus hyper?

Degu are rodents. They belong to the family Octodontidae. … Degus are quite hyper and energetic animals and most active during the day. They are also quite intelligent.

How many babies do Degu have?

Baby degus are large and numerous (3-8 pups to a litter), which can often lead to birthing complications. The gestation period is 90 days, and it often difficult to tell that a female is pregnant until the last month.

What is the gestation period for a Degu?

In the field, degus typically breed once a year (May–July), and litters of 3–10 pups are born in September–October [15]. Gestation is 90 days.

How old do degus have to be to breed?

Degus are sexually mature around 3-4 months old. It is recommended to wait until the female is at least 220 grams before mating to ensure she is able to support the pregnancy and care for the young.

Can degus have kale?

Lettuces, parsley, dill, coriander, basil, mint, watercress, dandelion leaves, celery leaves, beet greens, chicory, escarole, rocket, kale, Brussels sprouts, collards and carrot greens are well appreciated by chinchillas and degus. High sugar vegetables such as carrots or peppers can be offered in limited quantities.

Can degus have cauliflower?

AsparagusCarrot topsDandelion leavesBroccoliCauliflowerFresh herbs

Can degus have peas?

Degu can have a small portion of suitable vegetables but too much or the wrong type can be harmful so limit how much they eat each day. … Vegetables – degu’s should be fed green vegetables, peas, beans, dandelion and broccoli. Cabbage can cause bloating so should be avoided. All greens should be washed before feeding.

Are degus exotic pets?

These pets include parrots, reptiles, amphibians and rabbits, as well as small species of rodent such as degus and guinea pigs. Many of these exotic pet species are not domesticated, and often have special requirements in captivity, which many owners do not have the facilities or knowledge to provide.

Can I have a pet rat?

Rats are very low maintenance pets to own. They are very comfortable in their own environment and can go long periods of the day without much attention. If you are the type of owner that is away for long periods of the day then pet rats may be a good choice for you.

How much is a degu?

On average you can expect the price of a degu to range from $30 to $300 with most degus to cost around $40. The price will depend on a lot of factors like the age, the region and the season.

How smart is a degu?

Degus are highly social, intelligent rodents native to the highlands of Chile. They adorn the openings of their burrows with piles of sticks and stones, have bubbly personalities and like to play games.

Can you own a degu in Canada?

The degu, a small rodent native to Chile, is now prohibited under the province’s expanded exotic wildlife rules. … In an email response to CTV News, the ministry said degus have never been legal to own in Saskatchewan without a licence.

How do you know if a degu is happy?

For example, happy and content degus will often huddle together or groom each other (your degu might even try to groom you!). When your degu is feeling playful or happy in their environment, you will likely notice that they run, hop, jump and twist too.

How old was the oldest degu?

Longest living degu One scientific article referenced an 11 year old degu, but that’s all we could find in terms of verified long degu lifespans. However, degus are generally one of the longest lived rodent species.