Degu—The Adorable Pet You Never Knew You Wanted

When it comes to choosing pets, most people default to the more traditional animals like cats and dogs. But for those looking for something a bit different, the degu may be just what you need. While they are an uncommon pet choice, degus can make amazing companions with their playful personalities and low-maintenance care needs. If you’re curious about this adorable rodent, read on and decide whether a degu is the right fit for your family.

In this article, we’ll cover all of your questions related to owning a degu including how much it costs upfront and ongoing expenses. We will also discuss some important tips on selecting the right degu for your home and how to provide proper care once you bring them home.

How Much Does a Degu Cost?

The cost of owning a degu can vary based on several factors including where you purchase the pet, its age, and its gender. If you're considering adding a degu to your family, here's what you might expect to spend.

On average, the purchase price for an individual degu ranges from $10-$30 but this can vary. However, keep in mind that degus are social animals and thrive best when housed in pairs or larger groups. This means if you plan on getting more than one degu, the initial cost will increase.

In addition to the purchase price, there are ongoing expenses to consider such as food, cage supplies, and veterinary care. Compared to other small mammals like guinea pigs or hamsters, the ongoing costs for a degu are relatively low.

For instance, a 10 lb bag of degu food typically costs around $14 and can last up to three months, depending on the number of degus you have. Cage supplies such as bedding, toys, and hiding places will also add to your ongoing expenses but are essential for your degu's wellbeing.

Remember, the cost of a degu is not just the initial purchase price. Be sure to factor in the ongoing costs to ensure you can provide a happy and healthy life for your new pet. As always, it's a good idea to consult with a vet or a pet professional to fully understand the costs and responsibilities associated with owning a degu.

Things to Consider When Buying a Degu

Before bringing a degu into your home, it's essential to ensure that you're prepared and that the degu is a good fit for your lifestyle. Here are some key attributes to look for in a healthy degu:

• Clear Eyes: A healthy degu should have clear eyes with no discoloration or discharge. Any signs of cloudiness, redness, or discharge could indicate an eye infection or other health issue.
• Clean Fur: Check for clean, smooth fur with no bald spots, parasites, or signs of skin irritation. Patchy fur or visible parasites can be a sign of skin conditions or infestations.
• Healthy Claws and Teeth: Brightly colored claws and teeth are signs of good health in a degu. Yellowed or overgrown teeth can indicate dietary issues or dental problems.
• Active Personality: Degus are naturally curious and active creatures. Look for a degu that is interacting with its environment, showing interest in its surroundings, and demonstrating typical degu behaviors.
• No Signs of Lethargy: A healthy degu should not be sleeping all day or refusing to eat or drink. Lethargy or a loss of appetite can be signs of illness or stress.

Remember, choosing a degu is a long-term commitment. Before making a decision, ensure you are ready to provide the care, attention, and environment necessary for a degu to thrive. If you're unsure about any aspect of degu care or their health, always consult with a vet or pet care professional.

Healthcare Costs for Degus

Just like any other pet, degus require regular veterinary care to ensure they stay healthy. This includes both routine check-ups and emergency care, which can add up to significant costs over time.

Routine veterinary check-ups are an essential part of your degu's healthcare. These regular visits allow your vet to monitor your degu's weight, dental health, and overall condition, helping to catch any potential health issues early. The cost of these check-ups can vary based on location and specific veterinary practices, but it's an ongoing expense that should be factored into the cost of owning a degu.

In addition to regular check-ups, it's important to budget for potential emergency veterinary care. Just like humans, degus can fall ill or get injured unexpectedly, and these situations often require immediate veterinary attention. Emergency care can be more expensive than regular visits due to the urgent nature of the treatment and any necessary tests or procedures.

Preventative healthcare is another crucial component of a degu's healthcare costs. This includes treatments for common parasites that can affect degus, such as mites or lice. While these treatments are generally not expensive, they are vital to keep your degu healthy and prevent more serious infestations that can lead to higher veterinary costs.

Time and Commitment Costs

While owning a degu does come with certain financial costs, there are also significant time and commitment investments that shouldn't be overlooked.

Daily Interaction

Degus are social animals, and they thrive on interaction with their human caregivers. Spending time playing with and handling your degu is not only essential for their mental health but also helps to build trust and strengthen your bond. This can involve training sessions, playtime outside the cage, or simply sitting near their cage and talking to them. You should aim to spend at least 30 minutes to an hour each day interacting with your degu.

Feeding

Degus require a balanced diet of hay, pellets, and fresh vegetables. Preparing their food and ensuring they have access to fresh water daily is another time commitment to consider. It's also important to monitor their eating habits, as changes can indicate potential health issues.

Cage Cleaning

Maintaining a clean living environment for your degu is crucial for their health. This involves regular spot cleaning to remove soiled bedding and uneaten food, as well as a more thorough weekly clean to sanitize the cage and replace the bedding. Depending on the size of the cage and the number of degus you have, this can take a significant amount of time.

Providing Proper Care for Your Degu

Caring for a degu involves more than just providing food and water. It's essential to create an environment that promotes their physical and mental well-being. Here are some tips on how to provide the best care for your degu:

• Spacious Environment: Degus are active creatures and need plenty of space to explore. Provide a large cage with plenty of toys and activities to keep them entertained and stimulated.
• Balanced Diet: Feed your degu a balanced diet consisting of fresh vegetables, fruits, grains, and small amounts of protein. This will ensure they get all the necessary nutrients they need for a healthy life.
• Regular Interaction: Spend at least 30 minutes per day interacting with your degu. This can include playtime outside the cage, handling, or training sessions. Regular interaction helps keep your degu stimulated and strengthens your bond with them.
• Clean Living Space: Regularly clean their cage using non-toxic cleaners to ensure their living environment is free from bacteria or parasites. A clean cage is vital for preventing diseases and maintaining good health.
• Safe Cage Items: Make sure all items used in the cage are safe for your degu. This includes removing any objects with sharp edges or small parts that your degu could potentially chew on and swallow.

By following these tips, you can help ensure your degu remains healthy, happy, and active. Always consult with a vet or pet care professional if you have any questions or concerns about your degu's care.