A degu is a small mammal.They are friendly and can make great pets.Make sure they have the right environment to keep a degu.A large cage with lots of hiding places and perches is what a degu needs.Make sure you feed your degu a healthy diet.You should entertain your degu as well.Degus need a lot of stimulation to be happy.Only keeping a single degu as a pet is a bad idea.Degus should always be in groups.
Step 1: It is important to get a big cage.
A lot of space is needed for Degus to be healthy and happy.They will not do well in a small cage.You can fit the biggest cage in your apartment.You may not be able to find a cage for degus that is specifically designed for them.You can buy a cage for a chinchilla.The cage should have no plastic parts.Degus will chew.A metal cage is the best for a degu.
Step 2: Give your hiding areas.
They need some privacy during the day.If your degus craves privacy, you should have a lot of boxes.A large cardboard tube can be used to make a hiding place.You can put a box or tube in the cage to hide.There are hiding boxes and toy caves for sale at a local pet store.Make sure the materials used are safe for animals.
Step 3: Provide perches.
To keep your degu active, make sure the cage has perches and ledges.Installation of bird perches and ledges can be done at a local pet store.It is possible to install hammocks, but be careful when using the hammock.When you're not around, remove the hammock from the cage.
Step 4: Don't forget to clean your degu's cage.
Degus need their cages cleaned in order to stay healthy.Your degu will spend most of its life in its cage, so make sure to clean it regularly.Droppings, spilled food, and other debris should be removed from the bottom of the cage once a week.You should replace any old bedding with new ones.Things like toys and food should be wiped down.If the food or water bowl is dirty, remove it and wash it with soap and water before returning it to the cage.You should change the bedding when you clean the cage.A degu's cage needs to be lined with bedding from a pet store.You should replace all the bedding once a week.
Step 5: A mixture of guinea pig and chinchilla pellet.
You might not be able to find food that is made for degus.You can mix chinchilla and guinea pig pellet to feed your degu.You should choose pellets that do not contain molasses because Degus can't process sugar.
Step 6: They can add vegetables to their diet.
Degus likes to eat sweet potatoes, dandelions, and leafy vegetables.They should have a continuous supply of hay in their cages because they eat a lot of it.Don't feed your degu potatoes if the skins are present.Potato skin can be toxic.Fruit and dried fruit are not good treats for a degu.
Step 7: Ask your vet about vitamins.
Talk to your vet about supplements if you're worried about getting the right vitamins.You may not be able to find food specifically made for degus, so supplements may be necessary to keep your degu healthy.You need a vet that knows how to treat small animals.
Step 8: Don't eat treats with sugar.
Degus can't process sugar.Stick to fresh fruit if you want to give your degu sweet treats.Don't buy treats with sugar because they can be very harmful to a degu.You shouldn't eat treats that are high in fat or honey.
Step 9: Allow degus to play outside.
While degus will be in their cages for most of their lives, they are social and active animals.It's important to give your degu time out of its cage to keep it happy.Degus enjoy fresh air and sunshine, so play with your degu next to a window.Degus are hard to catch, so don't take a degu directly outside.At least once a day, give your degu some time out of the cage.
Step 10: Make sure you do your exercises.
When its not out of the cage, your degu needs the chance to exercise.Make sure you have access to an exercise wheel.Degu should not be kept in a cage without a wheel.The perches and ledges in a cage will allow a degu to jump and climb.A metal exercise wheel that's at least 11 to 12 inches across is best for a degu.
Step 11: Your degu's personal space should be respected.
Degus like to socialize with their owners.Degus don't like to be held.Allow your degu to come to you, and limit the amount of time you hold it.Before you try to hold or cuddle it, give it a few days to settle in.
Step 12: Ensure that your degu is supervised at all times.
Don't let your degu go out of your sight.Due to their size, degus are not easy to catch.It's important that your degu doesn't get hurt when playing outside of the cage.Keep your degu away from furniture and plants.
Step 13: You should keep more than one degu.
It's not a good idea to keep a single degu.Degus do not do well as pets.You should have at least two degus.Degus do well in large groups.Instead of just one, consider adopting three to four degus.