Degus need a high-fiber, low-sugar diet. Their main food should consist of high-quality hay and specially formulated degu pellets. Avoid foods that are high in sugar, like fruits, as degus are prone to diabetes.

Degus need a large, multi-level cage with plenty of space to run, jump, and explore. Wire cages with solid floors are ideal, as they provide ventilation and prevent foot injuries. The bigger the cage, the better for their wellbeing.

Yes! Degus naturally groom themselves using dust baths. Provide them with chinchilla sand or degu dust in a shallow container a few times a week to help keep their fur clean and healthy.

Degus are highly social animals and should never be kept alone. They thrive in same-sex groups or pairs, and a solitary degu can become depressed or anxious.

Spot clean daily to remove soiled bedding, leftover food, and waste. A full clean, including washing the cage and replacing all bedding, should be done weekly.

Absolutely! Degus are playful and intelligent, so enrichment is essential. Offer a variety of chew toys, tunnels, and climbing structures to keep them mentally and physically stimulated. They love to gnaw, so safe wooden chews are ideal.

Degus are fast and can be nervous when handled at first. Start by gaining their trust—offer treats, and allow them to come to you. Avoid picking them up by the tail, as their tails can easily break or deglove (skin may come off).

Yes, degus are highly trainable! They can learn simple tricks, respond to their name, or come when called. Use positive reinforcement techniques like treats to encourage desired behaviors.

Degus are prone to diabetes and dental issues. Monitor their diet closely and look out for overgrown teeth, weight loss, or lethargy, which could indicate a health issue. Always seek veterinary care if something seems off.

With proper care, degus can live for 6-8 years, sometimes even longer. Providing a healthy diet, proper cage setup, and mental stimulation will help your degus live a long, happy life.

Degus can safely enjoy a variety of seed sprays, such as millet, but they should be given in moderation due to their natural sugar content. Herb sprays like oat or wheat sprays are also suitable and provide additional foraging fun.

Yes, millet sprays are generally safe for degus, but should be considered a treat due to their carbohydrate content. Too much millet could lead to weight gain, so it's best to offer sparingly.

In addition to millet sprays, you can offer degus dried herbs, flowers (like dandelion or marigold), and leafy greens as treats. Avoid sugary or processed foods, as degus are prone to diabetes.

Seed sprays should be offered as an occasional treat, around once or twice a week. Degus have sensitive digestive systems, and excessive treats can lead to imbalances in their diet.

Avoid any treats high in sugar or fat, such as fruits or commercial treats containing added sugars. Degus are highly sensitive to these ingredients and can develop health problems if consumed regularly.

Hoarding hay is a natural behavior for degus, as it helps them create a cozy nest or hiding place. This instinctual behavior can also be a way for them to prepare for colder weather, even though they don’t hibernate.

Yes, degus are avid chewers! Chewing on walls, furniture, and toys helps keep their teeth trimmed and gives them mental stimulation. Providing chew toys and lots of hay can help direct this energy in a healthy way.

Sometimes degus will increase their nesting and hoarding behavior if they sense a change in their environment, such as a temperature drop. It could also just be part of their natural instinct to build a comfortable, secure nest.

Hoarding hay is normal, but if one of your degus seems particularly obsessed or you notice other unusual behaviors, keep an eye on them for any signs of stress or discomfort. If you're concerned, it’s always a good idea to consult with a vet.

Provide plenty of enrichment like hay, chew toys, tunnels, and different textures to explore. This will keep their natural nesting instincts satisfied and prevent boredom.

Degus can sneeze due to several reasons, including environmental irritants like dust, changes in bedding, or respiratory infections. If your degu is sneezing frequently, it's important to observe if there have been any recent changes in their environment, such as dust from building materials or new bedding.

Yes, dust from activities like drilling or woodwork can irritate a degu’s sensitive respiratory system. If you’ve recently done woodwork near your degu’s space, the dust could be the cause of the sneezing. Ensure their environment is well-ventilated and thoroughly cleaned to minimize dust exposure.

If your degu is sneezing frequently or for prolonged periods, it could be due to an irritant or a sign of a respiratory issue. Monitor their symptoms, and if the sneezing continues or they exhibit other signs like lethargy or loss of appetite, it's best to consult a vet.

Each degu may have different sensitivities to environmental factors. If only one degu is sneezing, it could be due to individual sensitivity to dust or allergens. However, it’s still a good idea to keep the environment dust-free and observe both degus for any further symptoms.

Yes, a healthy diet and natural forages can support your degu’s overall health. We offer specialised forages, including a medicinal collection that may help boost their immune system. These forages can provide natural support, but if respiratory issues persist, it’s important to seek veterinary care.

To prevent respiratory issues, ensure your degu’s environment is free of dust and other irritants. Use dust-free bedding, clean their enclosure regularly, and avoid placing them near areas with heavy construction or strong-smelling materials. Providing a healthy diet, including specialised forages, can also help support their overall health.