Octodon Degus

The common degu (O. degus) lives in the Chile Matorral region, with dry summers and rainy winters. Their habitat overlaps with the moon-toothed degu (O. lunatus).O. degus is not a threatened species, and are considered "Least Concern" by the IUCN Red List. They are also the most well known and researched degu species.Degus are diurnal (awake during the day) and will often explore the area in search of food. They are strictly herbivorous, and will eat mostly grasses, leaves, and seeds. However, they are highly intolerant of sugars even those found in natural foods. This is likely due to the lack of foods with sugars in them in their wild environment as they've evolved.Wild degus always have brown fur with lighter colored fur around the eyes and belly. Their hairs are actually "agouti" which feature bands of multiple colors.Degus are highly social and live in large communal burrows! Female degus have even been seeing nursing eachother's young.

Want to learn more about wild degus?World of Degus
Degutopia
Octodons.fr
Animalia
Smithsonian National Zoo
Animal Diversity Web
Wild Journey – Chile: Country of Contrasts

Pet degus are gaining in popularity, thanks to their social and friendly nature, and longer lifespans than other pet rodents. They can live 7-8 years on average!You should always try to have 2 or more degus. They are more social than guinea pigs or chinchillas, and can get very depressed without having a companion. While some degus can be solitary, they will need much more attention. It's best to try to get them a friend!The one main concern with keeping degus is watching their diet. Degus cannot metabolize sugar, so making sure your degu's food is free of any suggary ingredients is a top priority. This includes limiting fruit! Healthy treats often come down to dried flowers and herbs. Majority of a degu's diet should be hay.Degus require a large area to run. Most ferret or chinchilla cages work perfectly for degus, as long as the platforms are not plastic! Degus will chew anything and everything, so having an all metal cage with wood platforms is ideal.

Breeding in captivity has created a variety of degu colorations! In the wild standard brown agouti is all you'll see. As pets you can find more colors such as blue, sand, cream, and black, along with piebald (white splotches) of each!Want to learn more about keeping degus as pets?Degutopia
Degu World
Octodons.fr
Dein Degu
Pet MDBefore adopting a degu, be sure to check local laws! Due to them being new to the pet trade, many states and countries do not allow them as environmental impact (if they escape) has not been researched. Also be sure you find a local exotic veterinarian who can help keep your degu healthy and happy!

ATARU

Who would have guessed that degus would be featured in a TV show! "ATARU" aired in Japan in 2012. The main character Ataru (aka Chokozai) carries a small degu plush, resembling his childhood pet Choro the degu. Later in the show, another character adopts a pet degu and names it Chokozai after the title character.A movie was released as a finale to the tv show in 2013. This movie shows a degu being edited into a photo by the villian to frame the protagonist. Glimpses of the degu Chokozai also appear a few times, though sadly he’s not a cage fit for degus.The show and movie aren’t available offically in English. You can read summaries of the episodes as an alternative.

Delia Degú y su sombrero

"Delia Degu and Her Hat" by Cecilia Beuchat is a Spanish children’s book about a degu wanting to decorate her hat! She is given a wide variety of decorations by friends, and even if it isn’t what she originally wanted her hat to look like, she loves her new hat.The book is out of print so you can only find it in used bookstores or for Kindle.

Wild Journey – Chile: Country of Contrasts

A documentary about the wildlife of Chile which includes a feature on degus. A great look at degus in the wild! It is available to watch on YouTube.