Goosemoose Pet Portal - If you know about Degus or Chinchilias(since they are like the same) open this p

I keep degus, I need to update my siggy as I currently have 3. Mine are in a Ferret Nation. I personally follow the 2 cubic feet per animal rule, but it's not a standardized rule by any means. Taller is better as they like to jump. THey aren't very grace ful though, so try to avoid perilously high drops.

I originally had the "Chew-Proof Chinchilla Home" by Superpet. It stopped being produced under that label, but the exact same cage can now be found as part of a "chinchilla starter kit" in Petco stores for 75 dollars o so, it was nice 18X30X30...ironically the bar spacing is bad for chins, but it works for degus older than 5 months or so.)

Because degus are diabetic it isn't uncommon for them to have problems with the nerves in their feet. This means that you need to make sure that levels aren't made of wire that's easy for them to slip their paws in (I prefer no bigger than 1/4in by 1/4in which is what the floors and ramps of the chew proof chin cage are made of) they are very prone to ailments like bumblefoot. THe cage should be cleaned weekly, even if there is no smell. Because of the amount of fiber they eat, the feces will collect under the substrate fast. THey are dry so they don't smell bad until 2-3 weeks, but it's really unsanitary for them and is bad for their feet.

I personally have found that a degus' chewing habit varies by individual. When I first got them I read all about their incessent chewing but honestly I haven't had any problems with plastic in the cage. I provide them with several lava ledges and landings which they LOVE. They're made by superpet and are a rock-type substance that the 'goos love to chew. I feel they are a degu-owning requirement! I also keep wooden bird toys, although their interest varies. Many people find that their degus love fleece hammocks dearly. Mine ignore 'em. Lava chews are nice, but you might as well get the ledges because it's a better deal. I use tissue boxes, cardboard bits, and shredded paper for them to use as nesting material. The most important toy in the cage is a wheel, degus adore them nd a cage isn't complete without them. I use the comfort-mesh ones with the rounded bars; some people don't think they're safe however I've had mine for a long while and I haven't seen anything about this wheel that makes me afraid; the mesh is too small for toes and there is space enough between the bars and the hanging mechanism that it's pretty accident-proof.

Some people feel that the ideal cages for degus are 20 gallon or larger tanks with 2 level toppers. They aren't as prone to the respiratory problems we see in rats, and they produce less urine. My housemate is currently keeping two young rescues in a 10gallon tank with a topper until she can acquire a bigger adult-cage, and they really like the safety of the tank. Make sure whatever cage you have has room for shavings, I'm looking to get a pan for the degus part of the FN because I think they liked aspen better than the fleece they're on now. Mine are doing better on fleece than my girls though! I got them used to a vacumm cleaner at a young age, so I can clean the cage with them in it no problem (it's a weak, 20-dollar vaccum, no danger, I promise!) they just move to the other part of the cage where I move their wheel to.

Hope that helps some ^_^