The Degu is a curious playful critter, relatively new to the pet scene. If handled from a very young age, they make wonderful and gentle domestic pets.

Degus are very social curious animals that thrive on both human interaction and interaction with other Degus. If trained to human contact from infancy, Degus become both gentle and receptive to their owners and other Degus. It is best if they are kept in pairs or groups as the Degu does not do well on its own. When choosing to house them in groups they may be best in groups with only one male or males from the same litter. This is because two males from different litters may fight with each other. With other Degus around, they become more playful, social, and vocal. Degus are known to make a variety of quiet whistling, chatty sounds, as though they are speaking just a bit too soft to be heard. On their own, Degus can become hostile and aggressive and they are more susceptible to disease and depression. However, if you prefer to keep only one Degu, be sure to give them plenty of love and attention daily, which can keep your Degu from becoming aggressive and lonely. Most homes are okay for Degus, but a few precautions need to be taken. The Degu should be kept out of direct sunlight otherwise they may end up suffering from a number of heat related illnesses. They require a large cage so they have plenty of room to play in. A glass aquarium is best, but a wire mesh cage will work. Degus will chew through plastic cages, so one should avoid cages with any plastic on them. Avoid picking up the Degu by its back, as this may surprise them and cause them to attack. Once accustomed to humans, they will often come to your outstretched hand for some time outside the cage. Never lift or grab your Degu by its tail. It will break off, hurting the animal. The area will heal, but the tail will not grow back. Degus aren't usually aggressive to one another, but if they are, they should either be kept separately within one cage, or in separate cages. Also note, the Degu has a fearless curiosity. When outside their cage, they need to be watched carefully. The Degu has a good memory and can remember people who have mistreated them - so always play nice. In the wild, a Degu may live up to 15 years old, but as a house pet, they don't usually make it past 10 years of age. It should be noted that some Degus may become jealous when a new pet is introduced into the house. It is important not to neglect them during this time.

The Degu is a smallish rodent typically measuring about six inches long, with another six inches of tail decorated with a fluff of fur at the end. Most commonly, Degus have brown coats on top, with lighter gray-white fur on their stomachs, feet and legs. There is some speculation that with selective breeding, white and black Degus will soon make their way onto the pet scene. They have a body similar to the Gerbil's, but their facial features more resemble a Squirrel's or a Chinchilla's. Perhaps one of the most interesting physical features of the Degu is its teeth, which are bright orange. Bright orange teeth are signs of good health for the Degu. Conversely, if the Degus teeth have turned white, it means that it will soon die. Another interesting tidbit of information is that there is some speculation now that the Degu is actually more closely related to the Rabbit family than the Rodent family.

The Degu originally came from the lowlands and coasts of Chile in South America. There, they are considered pests by farmers and others involved in agriculture. They were originally exported in the 1950s to the US and Canada. In the wild they tend to live in large family units of 10 or more Degus (which goes a long way to explain their very social nature) in underground tunnels and holes.

The typical Degu diet should consist of a mixture of Chinchilla and Guinea Pig pellets, sweet potatoes, carrots, dandelion greens, timothy hay, and fresh green alfalfa. For an occasional treat give your Degu some unsalted sunflower seeds or half a peanut. Degus come from a dry climate, so they need plenty of water - more than most rodents. Never feed Degus any food with sugar, such as fruits and raisins, as they can't digest sugar. Also avoid letting Degus eat the skin or green parts of potatoes which are extremely toxic for them. It is best to avoid using wire running wheels in Degu cages, which is a cause of sore feet, or bumblefoot, for them. Degus should not be housed in cages with plastic, as they are avid chewers and will break out of these cages. If you want to give your Degu a treat, they love a good dust bath! This will be entertaining for both you and your Degu.

Common diseases for Degus are bumblefoot, diabetes, cataracts, liver disease, mouth infections, and parasites.

The sex of a Degu is difficult to determine by sight, but typically, the female Degu is larger that the male. Females are sexually mature by the age of nine months, but in rare occasions, impregnation can occur as early as eight or nine weeks. There is no standard estrus cycle, but ovulation does seem to be dependent on the availability of a male. Degu males do have mating cries, described as a "wheep," which they will call both before and after mating - first to attract and then to brag.

Kitten booster formula has been reported to be beneficial to pregnant females during the last 3 weeks of pregnancy. In addition it is supposed to help the females remain healthy while they are lactating. Additionally if more pups are born than the mother can feed naturally they can be fed the booster forumla.

Be aware that some Degus, especially on their first litter, will not care adequately for their babies. Watch the baby's eyes throughout the weaning process, if you notice their eyes are closed more than one day after birth, or were open and are now closed, there is probably something wrong. Also, when hand nursing, unless the mother has totally abandoned the babies, start with the strongest kits, keeping them separate to give the small kits a better chance at mom.