Also called Common degu, Chilean degu, Brush-tailed rat
SpeciesDeep profile
From Central Chile. Wild degus live only in the Chilean matorral, a dry Mediterranean-style shrubland on the lower western slopes of the Andes, roughly between 28 and 35 degrees south, from sea level up to about 1,200 m.12
Short, dense fur; long thin tail ending in a dark tuft
A compact, rat-sized rodent with a rounded head, bright dark eyes and fairly large ears. The wild-type coat is a warm yellowish brown on the back that fades to a creamy belly, with a pale ring around each eye and a lighter band at the neck. The slim tail is almost as long as the body and finishes in a black brush. Head and body measure about 25-31 cm, or roughly 32-44 cm when the tail is included. Its cheek teeth have a figure-of-eight shape, which is where the genus name Octodon comes from.12
Degus are lively, inquisitive and strongly group-minded. They spend their day digging, chewing, climbing and chatting to each other, and they tend to be most active in the morning and late afternoon. As prey animals they can be cautious at first, but with calm, patient handling and small rewards they learn to come to their keepers and will climb onto an open hand.421
Daily activity how busy a day looks
High. Degus are diurnal and need room to run, jump, climb, dig and chew every day. Give them a solid exercise wheel, tunnels, platforms at several heights and branches of safe wood such as apple, pear or beech. Rotating chew toys and digging material keeps them busy.53
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Degus keep their own coats clean with sand baths. Offer a heavy, shallow bowl of chinchilla sand about 4 cm deep two or three times a week for around 20-30 minutes, then take it out. Clean feeding and toilet areas daily and the whole enclosure at least weekly. Pick them up by letting them walk onto your palm and cupping them with both hands, approaching from below rather than from above, and never lift them by the tail.541
Home where they are happiest
A large, tall enclosure with a solid floor and lots of vertical space, several levels and stable climbing features. Use a deep layer of hay, shredded paper or dust-free wood shavings for digging, and give nest boxes big enough for the whole group to sleep together plus separate hiding spots for each animal. Degus chew through plastic, so wooden, rope and cardboard furnishings work best (avoid cedar). Keep the room no warmer than about 20 C and place the enclosure away from cats, dogs, ferrets and other predators.54
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Herbivore. Unlimited good-quality hay should make up most of the diet, plus a small measured daily portion of plain guinea pig or chinchilla nuggets without molasses or dried fruit. Degus are naturally suited to a low-sugar, low-fat diet, so skip fruit and sweet treats and give sweeter vegetables such as carrot only as tiny occasional pieces. Fresh water from a bottle should always be available. Like rabbits, they re-eat some of their droppings to get the most from their food.612
Company who they like around
Degus should never live alone. Keep them in same-sex pairs or small groups, or a neutered male with females; do not keep more than one male in a mixed group. In the wild they live in family groups of one or two males with several related females. Regular gentle contact with people helps them become confident and friendly.42
The story where it all began
The degu was first written up in 1782 by the Chilean naturalist Juan Ignacio Molina, who placed it with the squirrels as Sciurus degus. George Robert Waterhouse moved it to the genus Octodon in 1848, named for its figure-of-eight molars. Its common name comes from the Mapuche word for a mouse or rat. Degus spend their lives in communal burrows in the scrubland of central Chile, where their daytime habits and social life made them valuable to scientists. They became well known as laboratory animals, especially in studies of daily body rhythms, and that familiarity led to them being kept as household pets in Europe and North America, where they are now a popular choice among small rodents.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
1
Degus can see ultraviolet light, and fresh degu urine and belly fur reflect UV, which may help them read each other's scent marks.1
2
They have a large vocabulary, with researchers counting up to 15 distinct calls.1
3
In a 2008 study degus learned to use a tiny rake to pull seeds that were out of reach, which is rare tool use for a rodent.1
4
Degus have been seen stacking objects in order of size, largest at the bottom, without being taught.1
5
Group members dig burrows as a team, lining up in a chain to pass soil back out of the tunnel.1
6
Mothers in a group share a nest and will nurse each other's babies, and males help raise the pups too.1
7
Pregnancy lasts around 90-95 days, very long for a small rodent, and pups are born furred with their eyes open.2
8
Keeping degus is not allowed in some US states, including California, Utah, Georgia, Connecticut and Alaska.1
First named by Juan Ignacio Molina in 1782 as Sciurus degus; described in its current genus Octodon by George Robert Waterhouse in 1848. There is no breed registry: pet degus are the wild species kept in captivity.1
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Degu. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Sand bathevery 3 days
Spot cleanevery day
Full cleanevery week
Teeth checkevery week
Vet check-upevery year
Treats they will love homemade and simple
Dried Herb and Flower Forage Mix
A natural, low-sugar treat that encourages foraging and provides enrichment. Dried herbs and flowers are safe for chinchillas and degus when given in small amounts.
You need
1 teaspoon dried dandelion leaves
1 teaspoon dried nettles
1 teaspoon dried chamomile flowers
1 teaspoon dried rosehips (crushed or whole)
1 teaspoon dried parsley
How
Combine all dried herbs and flowers in a small bowl.
Mix gently to distribute evenly.
Sprinkle a pinch of the mix over your chinchilla or degu’s hay or pellets, or scatter it around their enclosure for foraging.
Offer no more than 1 teaspoon per chinchilla or degu, a few times per week.
How much: 1 teaspoon per chinchilla or degu, a few times per week
Fresh vegetables provide extra water and fibre, but should be given in very small amounts to avoid digestive upset. Based on Blue Cross and PetMD advice.
You need
1 small slice of carrot (about the size of a 5p coin)
OR 1 small slice of celery (about the size of a 5p coin)
OR 1 small slice of bell pepper (about the size of a 5p coin)
How
Wash the vegetable thoroughly.
Cut a slice no larger than a 5p coin.
Offer the slice to your chinchilla or degu by hand or in their bowl.
Only give this treat once or twice per week, and remove any uneaten pieces after a few hours.
How much: 1 slice (5p coin size) per chinchilla or degu, once or twice per week
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Degu?
Offer unlimited good-quality hay at all times and a small measured portion of plain guinea pig or chinchilla nuggets daily. Always provide fresh water from a bottle. This keeps their diet balanced and healthy.612
What should a Degu eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Degus thrive on unlimited hay and a small daily portion of plain nuggets. Avoid sugary treats, fruit, and sweet vegetables; only tiny occasional carrot is okay. Dangerous foods include chocolate, avocado, grapes, raisins, onion, garlic, and xylitol.6127
Should I bathe a Degu?
No, degus keep clean with sand baths. Offer a shallow bowl of chinchilla sand two or three times a week for about 20-30 minutes. Never use water, as it can harm their coat.541Pet Wiki plan
Does a Degu need brushing?
Degus do not need brushing; they groom themselves with regular sand baths. Their short fur stays clean naturally. If you notice any skin or fur issues, consult an exotic-pet vet.541
How do I look after a Degu's nails and teeth?
Provide plenty of hay and safe wooden chews to help wear down teeth naturally. Check teeth weekly as part of routine care, as Furry Diary suggests. For nail trimming, ask a vet if needed.56Pet Wiki plan
How much space and exercise does a Degu need?
Degus need a large, tall enclosure with multiple levels, a solid exercise wheel, tunnels, and safe branches. They are active during the day and need daily opportunities to run, climb, dig, and chew.534
Should a Degu live alone or with friends?
Degus should never live alone. Keep them in same-sex pairs or small groups for their happiness and social needs. Regular gentle human contact also helps them become confident.42
How long does a Degu live?
With proper care, degus typically live 5 to 8 years. A good diet, spacious environment, and regular vet check-ups help them reach the upper end of that range.312
Is a Degu a good pet for children?
Degus can be good for calm, older children who understand gentle handling. They are cautious at first but become friendly with patience. Always supervise interactions and teach children to approach slowly.421
How do I hold a Degu?
Let your degu walk onto your open palm, then cup it gently with both hands. Always approach from below and never lift by the tail. Be calm and patient to build trust.541
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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