\n | Breeding considerations<\/td>\n | Best left to experienced breeders; requires knowledge of genetics and prenatal care<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<\/span>How Are Degus as Pets?<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/span>Pros and Cons of Pet Degus<\/span><\/h3>\nDegus can make wonderful pets for the right person, but they do have their pros and cons. Some of the pros of keeping degus as pets include their intelligence, social nature, and unique appearance. They are curious and interactive, which can make them fun and engaging pets. However, they do require specialized care, can be noisy (especially during their active nighttime hours), and may not be suitable for very young children due to their need for gentle handling and potential for nipping if frightened.<\/p>\n <\/span>How Much Do Degus Cost?<\/span><\/h2>\nThe cost of a degu can vary depending on where you purchase them. From a breeder, they typically cost between $50 and $100, while at a pet store, they may cost between $30 and $60. Keep in mind that the initial cost of the degu is only a small part of the overall expense of owning a pet degu. You will also need to invest in a proper cage, food, bedding, and other supplies, as well as ongoing costs for food, veterinary care, and replacement of items as needed.<\/p>\n <\/span>Quick Facts About Degus<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/span>Degus Lifespan: How Long Do Degus Live as Pets?<\/span><\/h3>\nWith proper care, degus can live between 6 to 9 years. Providing a balanced diet, clean environment, and regular veterinary check-ups can help ensure a long, healthy life for your degu.<\/p>\n <\/span>Looks and Appearances<\/span><\/h3>\nDegus have brown fur with a white belly, large round ears, and a brush-like tail. They are often compared to small chinchillas or squirrels in appearance.<\/p>\n <\/span>Color Varieties<\/span><\/h3>\n\nMost degus have agouti (brown) fur with variations in shading. Although there are some slight color differences, there are no widely recognized color varieties like you might find in other rodents.<\/p>\n <\/span>Size<\/span><\/h3>\nDegus are typically 5-7 inches (13-18 cm) in length and weigh between 6-10 ounces (170-300 grams). This makes them slightly larger than gerbils but smaller than chinchillas.<\/p>\n <\/span>Degus Temperament and Personality<\/span><\/h3>\nDegus are social, curious, and active animals. They enjoy interacting with their human caregivers and other degus. However, they can be somewhat skittish and may nip if they feel threatened or stressed.<\/p>\n <\/span>Caring For Degus<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/span>Are Degus Easy to Care For?<\/span><\/h3>\nDegus require a medium level of care, which means they are not as easy to care for as some other rodents, but with proper knowledge and commitment, they can make rewarding pets. They have specific dietary, environmental, and social needs that must be met to ensure their health and happiness.<\/p>\n <\/span>Habitat<\/span><\/h3>\nA degu’s habitat should be a large multi-level wire cage with solid flooring, well-ventilated with hiding places, nesting material, and exercise opportunities such as a solid exercise wheel, climbing branches, and platforms. The cage should be placed in a quiet, draft-free area away from direct sunlight and extreme temperature fluctuations.<\/p>\n <\/span>Indoor or Outdoors?<\/span><\/h3>\nDegus should be kept indoors, as they are sensitive to temperature extremes and need a stable, controlled environment to thrive.<\/p>\n <\/span>Primary Diet For Degus<\/span><\/h3>\nDegus should be fed a diet primarily consisting of hay, degu-specific pellets, and a limited amount of fresh vegetables. It’s important to avoid feeding them foods high in sugar, as they are prone to diabetes.<\/p>\n <\/span>Degu Treats<\/span><\/h3>\nTreats for degus should be given sparingly and consist of occasional unsweetened dried fruits or seeds. Avoid sugary treats to prevent health issues.<\/p>\n <\/span>Exercise<\/span><\/h3>\nProvide your degu with exercise opportunities such as a solid exercise wheel, climbing branches, and platforms within their cage. Additionally, safe, supervised playtime outside of the cage is essential for their well-being.<\/p>\n <\/span>Common Health Issues<\/span><\/h3>\nSome common health issues affecting degus include diabetes, dental problems, cataracts, and respiratory infections. Regular veterinary check-ups and proper care can help prevent or manage these conditions.<\/p>\n <\/span>Can Degus Live With Other Animals?<\/span><\/h2>\nDegus are highly social animals and should be housed in pairs or small groups of the same sex. However, they should not be housed with other types of animals, as this can cause stress and potential harm to all parties involved.<\/p>\n <\/span>Degu Breeding Considerations<\/span><\/h2>\nDegu breeding is best left to experienced breeders, as it requires knowledge of genetics and prenatal care. If you are considering breeding degus, it is essential to research and consult with experts to ensure the best possible outcome for both the parents and their offspring.<\/p>\n <\/span>FAQ for Degus as Pets<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/span>1. Are degus friendly?<\/span><\/h3>\nYes, degus are friendly and social animals. They enjoy interacting with their human caregivers and other degus, but they can be somewhat skittish. With patience and gentle handling, you can build trust and form a strong bond with your degu.<\/p>\n |