Mary Allen
If you want to buy degus, you should consider a few things. Read here what degus need for a happy life in your apartment.
Degus in the Wild
Contrary to what was assumed when it was discovered in the middle of the 18th century, degus (scientifically: Octodon degus) are not croissants, but rather related to guinea pigs. In their native Chile (and parts of Argentina) they officially come in four types. However, deforestation and introduced brown rats are also increasingly affecting them. The ordinary degus kept in our homes, on the other hand, live as clans of five to ten animals in branched tunnel systems. Because they undermine entire fields and eat plant roots, they are sometimes even considered a nuisance.
Ordinary degus are up to 20 centimeters tall and weigh up to 300 grams. At the end of its approx. 12 cm long tail, this species is the only one with a brush-like tassel. Unlike hamsters, for example, degus tend to be diurnal (especially early in the morning and late afternoon). They do not develop as strong odors as rats and do not hibernate like hedgehogs. Important reasons why degus are so popular as pets with us.
Basic Information About Buying a Degu
Degus – like all living things – have their own demands on their human roommates. Therefore, before you step into the nearest pet shop, you should clarify a few basic questions:
Group housing: Degus are pronounced team players. Can I take care of two, three, or even more animals at the same time?
Life expectancy: Degus live on average five years old, individual specimens up to ten. Am I willing to take care of several furry roommates for that long (food, grooming, hygiene, occupation, visits to the vet)?
Space: Animal rights activists recommend stables of at least 120 x 50 x 100 cm for two to three animals to accommodate degus in a species-appropriate manner. Do I have enough space?
Apartment: Degus gnaw everything that comes in front of their incisors – regardless of whether it is wood, leaves, metal, or plastic. They can also escape through the smallest gaps. Can I furnish my apartment appropriately and safely (applies in particular to electrical cables, sockets, poisonous plants, windows, and doors to the outside)?
Relationship: Degus can become very trusting. But some animals find it difficult to do so, some remain shy. Do I have the patience to get my degus hand-tamed and would it be enough for me to just watch the animals?
Consent: Keeping small animals cannot be prohibited under tenancy law. Still, life is calmer if all parties involved tolerate your new roommates. Ideally, you will also find a degu sitter next door. So: do landlords and neighbors give their okay?
Health: Are everyone living in the household sure that you are not allergic (e.g. to animal hair, house dust, litter)?
Of course, this list could be continued indefinitely. But, if you can answer these seven questions with “Yes!”, You can embark on your degu adventure much more confidently.
Where Can I Buy Degus?
Degus are undoubtedly one of the trend animals of the past few years. Therefore, it is getting easier and easier to get hold of these cute rodents. On the other hand, one can also buy more and more degus from private owners who are either overwhelmed with responsibility for their animal clan in the long term or who have had offspring. After all, female degu gives birth to an average of five babies. But it can be ten.
In addition to dogs, cats, and rabbits, degus are increasingly waiting for a new home in animal shelters. In addition, there are now private associations in almost every region that mediate degus and help with questions.
Price
While rodent pens, terrariums, or aviaries can cost around 200 euros due to their size and equipment, the animals themselves are quite cheap to buy.
Some degus are already available for 5 or 10 euros, but can also cost up to 100 euros per specimen. The price is partly determined by the provider (private or commercial? Selling urgently or not?), But also by the age or the color of the fur: blue or medium gray degus have only been around since the late 1990s. Therefore they are naturally rarer – and more expensive – than their relatives with reddish-brown fur (“agouti”).
If you want to buy degus, keep in mind that food and accessories are also important. Older animals in particular are prone to diabetes, for example. Therefore, you should always set aside a nest egg for visits to the vet as soon as you buy degus.
Health Status
In order to enjoy your animals in the long term, you should make sure that the degus offered are healthy. On the other hand, you should be skeptical if rodents with open wounds, sticky eyes or noses, discover dull or partially bald fur. Likewise, lack of drive can be a sign of illness or unsuitable housing conditions. Instead of buying these unfortunate creatures, alert the nearest animal welfare organization.
Age
Just like us humans, degus are significantly shaped and socialized after birth by the way they deal with parents and siblings. Cuddling with each other, brushing each other’s fur, or even fighting over food prepares them for “real life”, the connection to the family makes them more balanced and even strengthens their immune system. If, on the other hand, your new degus are younger than six months, they lack important experience and there is a risk that you will bring behavioral loners with a tendency to illness into your home.
The Optimal Group
In the wild, an adult male lives with two to three females. Since there are already enough “unwanted” Degu babies, the buck should definitely be neutered. The procedure is relatively complicated, but it is worthwhile in terms of harmonious coexistence. In addition, pregnancies are a long-term burden on the health of females. Same-gender groups are also possible. All the better if there are siblings from the same litter.
Nevertheless, there can always be quarrels between your degus. As a rule, these are completely normal, playful arguments in which the animals rearrange their hierarchy over and over again. As long as no one is injured in the process, this is not a concern. Only when an inferior group member is constantly mistreated should you give each individual animal more space so that the “brawlers” can get out of the way. Even then, complete separation is not advisable. In the end, degus need each other.