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ESSENTIALS                                                                                        EXTRAS
CAGE                                                                                                      WHEEL
BEDDING                                                                                              TOYS
DISH                                                                                                       TREATS
WATER BOTTLE & HOLDER
FOOD
SALT LICK
VITAMINS
CHEW STICKS
     Degus are a South American rodent, related to the guinea pig and chinchilla, although they look like giant gerbils.  They are social animals and like to live in groups, so if you only have one it is important to give it lots of attention everyday.  They do tend to be fast moving so they may be difficult for small children to handle and pick up.     Degus live 7-8 years .  They have a gestation period of 90 days and an average litter size of 4-6 and the babies are generally weaned by 4 weeks of age.
THE CAGE  The cage should be large (at least 18 x 30) enough that the degus will have enough room to eat and sleep and also to play.  WIRE CAGES  are durable and easy to clean with good ventilation , but litter can be kicked out and fingers can be mistaken for food when stuck through the wire.  GLASS CAGES WITH METAL SCREEN COVERS keep shavings in and fingers out but do not have enough ventilation during hot weather.  It is a matter of choosing what will work best for you.  Make sure the cage is not placed in sunlight and that during hot weather it has proper ventilation.
     NEVER use cedar bedding in the cage.  Cedar oil is very irritating to the respiratory system of most small animals.  The bedding should be changed at least once a week and the cage cleaned with bleach and water and then rinsed thoroughly.  NEVER use household cleaners.
     Degus take dust baths.  Chinchilla dust in a fish bowl works well.  They also like things to hide in such as cardboard houses, clay pots, hollowed out coconuts, etc.
THE DIET The diet should be well rounded, varied and fresh.  Pelleted and premixed foods should always be supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables, vitamins, treats, nuts, timothy hay, chew sticks and even insects.
FRESH, CLEAN WATER AND FOOD SHOULD BE AVAILABLE AT ALL TIMES.
HANDLING Remember that degus are very active and move quickly.  When you wish to handle your pet, talk softly, move slowly and never pick them up by their tail.
Always wash your hands before and after handling to remove any food smells and to reduce the risk of giving an illness to your pet or possibly catching something from your pet.  Exercise and chewing are very important for your pet, otherwise we can get either fat and lazy or his/her teeth might get to long.