Complete Degu Care Guide — Social Needs, Diet & Temperature
Complete degu care guide covering social needs, proper diet, temperature management, and cage environment setup.
Key Takeaways
Complete degu care guide covering social needs, proper diet, temperature management, and cage environment setup.
The degu is a small rodent native to Chile, often called the "singing mouse of the Andes" due to its highly social nature and diverse vocalizations. Degus bond closely with humans, communicate through a wide range of calls, and display impressive intelligence—qualities that have fueled their growing popularity in Japan. However, their unique metabolic characteristics regarding sugar require special dietary attention. This article provides a comprehensive guide to living well with degus.
Basic Information and Appeal
Degus measure 12-20 cm in body length and weigh 170-350 grams. Under proper care, their lifespan is 5-8 years, with some individuals living nearly 10 years. The standard coat color is wild-type agouti (brown), but blue, sand, and other color variants are also available through selective breeding.
