Degus make very good pets for different reasons:

They are active during the day unlike hamsters or mice.

They have cheerful personalities and like interaction with other degus or their owner.

They have a nice hairy, brushy tail unlike rats and mice and that why they are also called " Brush tailed rat" and "trumpet tailed  rat"

They have a long life expectancy of up to 10 years (average 5-8)

Looking After Your Degu

Degus can be kept in a cage smilar to a chinchilla's, which should have a sold metal base as they like to chew though a plastic or wooden base. They are  very intelligent animals so you should make sure the cage is secure since they can easily learn how to open the cage themselves! Never put their cage in draughts or direct sunlight, since degus can overheat easily, just like Chinchilla's. Temperature range is between 18-22c. The cage should have shelves, twigs, a running wheel and plenty of room to climb and run around. Tunnels and burrow or nest boxes are a good thing, they like to sleep in a bourrow. Degus also need dustbaths on a regular basis (this should be twice a week) to keep their fur free from naturally secreted oils and in top condition. It is vital to have good quailty sand for this to make sure their skin is not irritated and the fur is not damaged.

Feeding 

In the wild degus feed on a varity of plants, roots, seeds, fruit and livestock droppings. They are hindgut fermenters like rabbits, so fibre is a key part of their diet, to  ensure a healthy digestive system and also helping to wear down their continally growing teeth. Their diet should be low in fat and therefore sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, hazel nuts and peanuts should only be given in very limted amounts, if a all, only just as an occasional treat. Degus don't really drink water but fresh water should be given, preferably in a bottle to prevent bacteral contamination.

Exercise

Degu's love to exercise and perferably should be let out of their cage frequently to run, jump and climb. Just make sure your room is 'Degu proof'  An exercise wheel will keep your degu busy, as well safe branches to climb on and graw. You can make tunnels out of drainpipers or terracotta chimney liners. Flower pots are great for  hiding and exploring, cardboard or wooden boxes give them something to hide in that they can shew as well.

Handling Your Degu

Degus are quite easily tamed due to their inquistive nature. They can best be scooped up with two hands but if you let your Degu walk up to your handsm they will readily learn to step on to them. They can also be scruffed or held in an encircling grip but only for examination, but don't ever pick them up by the tail (Neither the base nor the tip) Restraining your Degu by its tail can lead to "degloving" of the skin near the base of the tail. This is a defence mechanism against predators, but the tail will never grow back!

Common Illnesses

Diabetes Mellitus & Cataracts -  Degus can develop diabetes mellitus spontaneously due to pancreatic disease. This can be coursed by certain viruses, or a high blood sugar level as a result of eating sugar rich food. Within 4 weeks of the onset of diabetes, cataracts can occur. The pupils of the eyes change colour to a milky grey and the degu will inevitably become blind. There is no treatment for diabetic degus so it is best to avoid sugary foods

Pneumonla - If yout degu is wheezy, or finding it diffcult to breathe or has a runny nose, he may have a chest infection or pneumonia. You need to take him to the vet immedately as penumonia puts a lot of stress on their bodies and can be tatal.

Diarrhoea - This is always a reason for concern and needs to be treated as soon as possible. Excess freash greens can cause digrrrhoea. If the diarrhoea persists for 24 hours or more, you should take your degu to a vet immediately. If fresh greens are not the cause, then go to the vet at once.

Tail degloving - Deaus can slip the skin of their tail when it is grabbed at the base or tip. So never hold them by the tail. The skin will not grow back and the exposed bond can become infected. If you are worried about infection, take your degu to a vet  for advice on treatment. When degus are familar with their owners, they are much less likely to shed their tail.

Overgrown teeth - Like Cninchillas, degus have orange coloured teeth that grow continuously throughtout their life. It is very important to ensure that they alwasy have something to chew and graw on to help wear down the teeth. If the teeth become overgrown, they may be unable to eat properly, therefore lose weight, become weak and more suscepitble to illness. Dental disease can be recognized by excessive salivation, diffculty eating and weight loss. It will be necessary to take your pet to the vet to have the teeth trimmed if they have become overgrown.

Neoplasia - Like other animals degus can develp tumours. Most commonly they suffer from liver tumous. The risk of a tumour increases with old age. If you feel any swelling or a hard lump or bump you should seet veterinary attention. Loss of appetitie and weight loss are also common symptoms of certain form of cancer. Don't wait to long before seeing your vet.

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