A recent article published in Nature made clear that the Degu isn't a rodent. DNA research of guinea pigs, which are of the same 'Octodon' family as Degus, made clear that Degus are more related to rabbits than rodents.

Degus are very social pet animals and need attention. It is usually recommended to keep at least two Degus. It is possible to keep just one Degu, but a single Degu may get depressed.

They definitely recognize sounds and they recognize voices. Degus are able to recognize their owners.

Because Degus are social pet animals, they rarely bite a person or another Degu. Only when Degus feel threatened, will they occasionally bite. Usually, if they feel threatened or uncomfortable, they will give a large 'WEEP!'. Degus fear nothing, so protect them from ferrets, cats and dogs, and vacuum cleaners.

Degus are great nest builders. Apparently in the wild they spend a lot of making piles of twigs to nest. Status within the Degu community is thought to depend on the size of their respective nest size.

Food

Wild Degus mainly live on bulbs, tubers and bark. Feed your Degus a 50-50 mixture of chinchilla pellets and guinea pig pellets, sweet potatoes, carrots, dandelion greens, timothy hay and always a large supply of fresh green alfalfa. Give your Degus a few sunflOver seeds or a peanut, a few kernels of dried corn and some green beans.

A Degu can survive in the wild without any water supply , but have free choice water supply at all times.The typical rodent type drip bottles work great.

Degu Housing

Degus should have a cage at least 20x12x12 or larger, because they like to run and climb a lot. You can look at cages made for other mammals also because you will not find anything made specifically for them. Degus love a a large exercise wheel.