Notes on Degu (Octodon degus)

From South America, Atacama to Curico Province, northern and central Chile, West Andean slopes,at an elevation to 1200 m.

These animals are grey/brown, underparts creamy yellow, they have a black tail tip ‘brush’. they may slip fur, chew off. Fifth digit claw reduced, comblike bristles over the claws of the hind feet.

Active throughout the year, and they are diurnal which helps as pets since they are awaake and active with owners!

Vocalize with soft chortles, whistles.

Construct burrows, and they mark territories so may generate an odour!

Lives in colonies, females rear young in common burrow.

Captivity: pair or group. They may utilize chinchilla-dust baths.They can bite!

Natural diet: grass, leaves, bark, herbs, seeds, fruits, fresh cattle/horse droppings during dry season, crops

Captive diet: grass hay, small amounts of fresh greens, rodent pellets, occasional bits fruit, seeds, herbs. Stores food for the winter. BSP in the drinking water.

Coughs and sneezes, refusal to eat, heavy breathing and lethargy are all signs of serious disease and are an indication that the surgery should be contacted immediately.

Diarrhoea is potentially very serious, this is likely to require veterinary treatment but as part of this treatment Vetark Pro C or Avipro Plus can be extremely useful. These provide very useful 'support'.