Is a degu a chinchilla?
The degu is a small caviomorph rodent that originates from Chile. They’re a distant relative of the chinchilla and guinea pig. Degus are said to be a social animal, thus making them the ideal pet for your home.
Do degus like to be held?
Do degus like being handled? As long as your degus have gotten used to being gently handled from a young age, they will be fine with being picked up. This said, it’s better to play with them rather than picking them up a lot! Never pick your degus up by their tails.
Are degus good pets?
Degus are very intelligent and highly sociable animals that love to play and explore. They have a friendly nature and are outgoing little rodents. They make fantastic pets, but need a lot of care and aren’t an animal you should choose on a whim.
Why are degus illegal in some states?
Legality of Degus In some regions, keeping a degu is illegal or requires a permit. The most common reason for this is that they’re sometimes considered a potentially invasive species that can pose a potential threat to the native fish and wildlife, agriculture or public health and safety.
Do degu bites hurt?
Degus are friendly animals that generally won’t resort to biting unless they feel threatened and have no way out. A degu might give you a little “grooming” nip but this doesn’t really hurt or break the skin. It’s only in rare cases that a degu will bite hard and such a bite might hurt and cause an injury.
Can you hold a degu?
With a new or nervous degu never try to grab them. Eventually your degu will increase in confidence but you need to be patient! Once your degu is happy being held and is settled in your company it is possible to carefully pick them up by putting your thumb behind their front legs and your fingers over their back.
How much do degus cost?
Degus breed prolifically. Breeders and pet stores usually have domestic-bred degus for sale. They cost $25 to $100. You also try your luck rescuing a degu.
What’s the life expectancy of a degus Chinchilla?
Chinchillas are nocturnal which means that they are most active at night, and they have a life expectancy of 15 to 20 years. Degus are diurnal (most active during the day) and can live for 6 to 8 years.
Can you keep a degu with a chinchilla?
A lot of Chinchilla owners have other pets such as a degu as well keeping their chinchillas. They are very similar to chinchillas and many people keep them because; So its obvious that chinchillas and degu’s should be kept in the same household, but is there anything that can be done to save on the cost of food if this is so?
How are degus related to guinea pigs and chinchillas?
A Degu is a member of the Octodontidae Rodent family. Being a sub-order Caviomorph, Degus are related to guinea pigs and chinchillas, and most closely rabbits.
What’s the difference between a gerbil and a chinchilla?
However, chinchillas and gerbils are distinct species, and have vastly different care requirements. Chinchillas are bigger than gerbils, requiring a larger cage. They need lots of floor space, whereas gerbils need deep bedding for digging. Both gerbils and chinchillas are friendly animals, but chinchillas can easily be injured while handling.