What are Degus?

Degus are highly intelligent social rodents, sometimes kept as pets. They are the type members of the rodent family Octodontidae, named because the wear pattern of their teeth is roughly a figure eight. There are thirteen species in nine genera, some named with variants on degu, like the Moon-toothed Degu, but the type species is Octodon degus. Some of the species, including the common degu, are called Brush-Tailed Rats or Viscacha-Rats, though they are not closely related to the rat family. At one point, it was thought that they might be better classified as lagomorphs, based on morphological characteristics, but subsequent molecular systematics studies established their solid position within caviomorph rodents.

Degus are native to South America, especially concentrated in the Andes mountains, which include a large number of endemic plant and animal species, and are relatively isolated from the rest of the continent due to the terrain. Though native to South America, degus have been introduced worldwide as pets, gaining in popularity especially in recent times.

Degus are considered demanding pets because their social needs are great and their dietary needs are particular. However, the benefit is that degus are smarter than other rodents such as mice, rats, and hamsters. In fact, degus are the only known rodents that can be taught to use tools. Researchers at Japan’s Institute of Physical and Chemical Research were able to get a degus to use a miniature rake to obtain a sunflower seed on the other side of a barrier. Research on degus appears to be gaining a recent popularity among some scientists in Japan, also with a demonstration that degus spontaneously construct "Chinese boxes" when given the required materials, considered by the authors of the study to be suggestive of a rudimentary form of recursive intelligence.

Degus are not domesticated to the degree that other popular pet rodents are, and require great attention from humans while growing up to establish relationships with them. Considering a degu for a pet is a serious venture, and any prospective owner will need to conduct much research on the specifics of degus, requiring far more information that can be fit in this short article.

A degu is a small rodent native to Chile, belonging to the Octodontidae family. They are social creatures that live in communities and have a lifespan of about 5 to 8 years in captivity. Degus are known for their high level of activity during the day, which sets them apart from other nocturnal rodents.

Yes, degus can be kept as pets. They are known for their sociable nature and can form strong bonds with their owners. However, they require a spacious cage, a dust bath, and opportunities for social interaction and exercise. Prospective owners should be prepared for a commitment, as degus need daily attention and care.

Degus have a herbivorous diet that primarily consists of hay, fresh vegetables, and a limited amount of fruits due to their sensitivity to sugar. A high-quality degu-specific pellet can also be included to ensure a balanced diet. It's important to avoid sugary foods, as degus are prone to diabetes.

In the wild, degus are highly social animals that live in complex burrow systems with their colonies. They communicate using a variety of sounds and are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day. Degus also exhibit dust-bathing behavior to keep their fur clean and free of parasites.

Breeding degus can be relatively easy, but it requires a responsible approach. They are prolific breeders, and without careful management, the population can quickly grow beyond control. It's essential to have a clear plan for the offspring and to separate males from females if unintended breeding is to be avoided.

Degus have several unique features, including their ability to metabolize high-fiber diets efficiently and their resistance to some toxins found in native plants. They also have a distinctive way of communicating through a series of chirps, squeaks, and barks. Additionally, degus are known for their sharp incisors, which continuously grow and require constant wear down through gnawing.