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The Degu (Octodon degus) is a small caviomorphtohle je nějaký latinský podřád rodenthlodavec that is native to Chile. It is also called the Common Degu, to distinguishodlišit it from the other members of the genusrod (v biologické hierarchii) Octodon. Other members are also called degus, but they are distinguished by additional names. The name “degu” on its own, however, indicates either the genus Octodon or, more usually, O. degus. Degus are closely related to the chinchilla and guinea pigmorče, also placed in parvorderněco jako podřád Caviomorpha.

Degus relate well to humans, but due to their highly social nature it is far better for their welfareblaho to keep them in same-sex pairs or more. Two or more males may be kept together, provided they have been housedubytovani together from an early age. Keeping degus in pairs is very popular; degus bond stronglyvytváří si silná pouta, vztahy (žádná VKVčka) with other members of their ‘group’ and this is often extended to include humans who spend a lot of time around them.

Degus should be kept in large roomy cagesprostorné klece with lots of frequently changed straw and sawdustsláma a piliny, for the animal to dig in. Hay should be provided freelyseno ma byt volně k dispozici as this helps to keep their digestive system healthy, and enables foragingpotravu shánějící behaviour. Plastic-bottomed cages will often be destroyed due to gnawinghlodání (although this can sometimes be avoided by supplying other materials for chewing) so housing degu in all-metal cages is required. Also, because of their gnawing nature, plastic toys and other objects must be kept out of a degu’s reach, because some plastics contain components such as plasticizers that are toxic when ingestedpožity.

Finally, the social nature of the degu can make them lonely, so humans keeping single specimens should take care to talk to their pet a lot, place the animal where it can take part in daily life of the household, and get them frequently out of the cage (degus like cuddling with humans, and can sit still and even sleep on laps if comfortable, but shouldn’t be left running freely).

The recent upsurge in interest in the degu as a pet has had both positive and negative results. The increase in popularity has created an increased awareness of the needs of degus as unique rodent companions, but there is also an increase in the amount of degus being put up for adoption because of ignorant or unsuspecting owners unable to care for them properly.

When keeping as a pet it is very important that their diet is strict; degus cannot be fed a sugary diet as they are prone to diabetes, and some woods can poison them. Captive degus can be fed twice a day with a 5g spoonful of either guinea pig mix/pellets or chinchilla pellets, or a mixture of both (care should be taken to check feeds do not contain molasses- a sugary substance). Rabbit feed or pellets is not suitable for degus since it does not contain added vitamin C, which it is thought degu require, and often contains coccidiostats which are toxic to degus. Hay should be provided as needed due to the high fibre requirements of this species. Also degus enjoy gnawing on fresh broccoli, carrots, and the hard center core of romaine or other lettuce (except iceberg). Degus also enjoy tomatoes and cucumber peelings. When feeding produce be sure to thoroughly wash it off; and in addition scrub cucumber skins to remove any wax or other coatings.

For some degus feeding them with separate food dishes is a good idea as they tend to squabble and fight over their food. As with most small animals, fresh drinking water should be provided daily in their water bowl or drinking bottle. It is worth noting that even if food dishes are empty it does not mean the degu ate everything; they like to bury the food and store it. If your degus are doing this it is a good indicator they are being over fed.

Degus have continuously growing incisor and molar teeth and therefore should be provided with plenty of materials to chew/gnaw. If degus cannot grind their teeth, they can grow too much and the animal would not be able to eat anything at all. Apple and hazel woods are non-toxic for degus and help them with tooth wear. Occasionally, give them calcium blocks, which you can buy in pet shops and add to them in order to pass the necessary calcium, phosphor and iron (mainly nursing females need calcium) to the animals.

Also, very much like their larger cousin the chinchilla, degus require regular dust baths to keep their coat free from oils and allow them to express related behaviors. You can use the same product as you would a chinchilla, most commonly the absorbent clay sepiolite.

Degus are diurnal by nature, although they express crepuscular patterns, tending to be more active in the morning and evening. This relates to their wild activity patterns, where it is often too hot for them to forage during mid-day in their native habitat. However, degus are known to be able to invert their circadian rhythms and become nocturnal in certain situations (but this is easily reverted).

Some degu owners supplement their degus with calcium and/or vitamin C supplements in their drinking water. However, it has not yet been conclusively proven that degus require dietary vitamin C, and such supplements are prone to deteriorate rapidly in suspension so the dose each degu receives is unknown. It is advised to consult your veterinarian about mineral supplements for your degu.

It must be noted that a degu should never be grabbed or lifted by its tail. Like some lizards, a degu’s tail can come off if grabbed. Unlike some lizards, it does not grow back and can permanently affect their balance.