Degus, also known as common degus or bush-tailed rats (scientifically Octodon degus), are small, intelligent, and social rodents native to the Andes Mountains of Chile. These diurnal creatures, active primarily during the day, have become increasingly popular as pets due to their playful and "bubbly" personalities. However, their specific dietary needs often differ from those of traditional rodent pets, making it crucial for owners to understand and provide a suitable diet to ensure their health and well-being.
Understanding the Degu's Natural Diet
The best degu diet should mimic what they would eat in their natural environment. Wild degus are herbivores, primarily consuming grasses, leaves, twigs, bark, roots, and stems. This high-fiber diet is essential for their digestive health and dental care.
The Foundation of a Healthy Degu Diet: Hay
Hay should constitute the largest portion of a degu's diet. It is crucial to provide a minimum of their body size in high-quality feeding hay daily to enable their digestive systems to function properly. Grass hays like Timothy or Brome are ideal due to their high fiber content and lower levels of calcium compared to legume hays.
Hay serves multiple vital functions:
- Fiber Source: Fibre is essential for maintaining a balanced bacterial flora in the gut and for stimulating gastrointestinal motility.
- Dental Health: Since degus have cheek teeth that continuously grow, they require the grinding action of a high-fiber diet to keep their teeth healthy.
- Natural Behavior: Hay provides opportunities for chewing and foraging, which are natural and enriching behaviors for degus.
Different "cuts" of hay offer varying nutritional value:
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- 1st cut: Thinner stems, more stems than leaves, lighter color with more yellow and brown parts.
- 2nd cut: More leaves on the stems, greener than the 1st cut.
- 3rd cut: Very soft and heavy leafy.
The Importance of Greens
Leafy green vegetables are another excellent source of fiber and offer other nutrients not found in hay. A cup of fresh greens should be provided daily, diversifying the types of vegetables to ensure a balanced intake of nutrients.
Suitable leafy greens include:
- Lettuce
- Parsley
- Dill
- Cilantro
- Basil
- Mint
- Watercress
- Dandelion leaves
- Celery leaves
- Beet greens
- Chicory
- Escarole
- Rocket
- Kale
- Brussels sprouts
- Collards
- Carrot greens
It is essential to avoid high-sugar vegetables like carrots or peppers, as well as fruits, due to the degu's susceptibility to diabetes.
Commercial Pellets: A Supplement, Not a Staple
Several commercial chinchilla diets are available in pet stores and can safely be given to degus. Choose pellets that are plain and do not contain added grains or dried foods, as degus tend to select these instead of pellets. Pellets should be made from grass hay.
While pellets can be a part of the diet, they should not be the primary food source. When pellets are offered freely, degus become more susceptible to weight gain, dental disease, and digestive problems. Burgess Excel Chinchilla Nuggets with Mint are suitable for Degus.
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Water: An Essential Element
Access to plenty of fresh, clean water around the clock is crucial for a common degu's well-being. A good water bottle should be invested in and inspected daily for clogging to prevent illnesses.
Foods to Avoid
Degus are prone to diabetes and cannot digest or metabolize sugar and carbohydrates effectively. Therefore, the following foods should be strictly avoided:
- Fruits
- Sugary treats (including those containing molasses or honey)
- High-sugar vegetables (carrots, peppers)
- High-fat seeds or nuts (except as occasional treats)
- Muesli mixes containing dried fruit
- Foods formulated for other species (rabbits, hamsters, gerbils)
Sample Degu Diet
- Hay: Timothy, Meadow, or other grass hays available ad libitum.
- Leafy Greens: A cup of mixed greens daily (lettuce, parsley, dandelion greens, etc.).
- Pellets: High-quality chinchilla or degu pellets (grass hay-based, low sugar) in limited quantities.
- Water: Fresh, clean water available at all times.
Important Considerations
- Gradual Diet Changes: Degus are very sensitive to diet changes, and an abrupt change can result in serious health problems. All diet changes should be instituted gradually and under surveillance.
- Individual Needs: Some animals may refuse to eat hay because of underlying health problems (hay can be difficult to chew for an animal with dental disease, for example).
- Routine: Like many animals, degus prefer having a regular routine.
Enrichment Through Diet
In addition to providing a healthy diet, it's important to offer food in ways that stimulate a degu's natural foraging behaviors. This can be achieved by:
- Hiding hay, food pellets, and greens in paper bags and cardboard tubes.
- Offering yummy, healthy nature snacks such as a Forage & Feast Hay Bar or Meadow Munchies.
Common Health Problems Related to Diet
Most health problems encountered in chinchillas and degus occur as a result of an inappropriate diet. Some of the most common diet-related health issues include:
- Dental Problems: A poor diet or inappropriate environment can cause dental problems.
- Diabetes: Degus can be prone to diabetes - especially if they’ve been fed an unsuitable diet including sugary treats like fruits and chew bars.
- Obesity: Overfeeding, especially with high-calorie foods, can lead to obesity.
- Digestive Problems: An imbalanced diet can disrupt the gut flora and lead to digestive issues.
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