The Basics:

There are many ways that the Degu stands out from the pack when it comes to pocket pets. Unlike most small animals found in pet stores, the Degu is diurnal rather than nocturnal, which means that it tends to be active during the day rather than at night. Given its very sociable nature, the Degu really doesn't do well when it's kept as a solitary pet. If handled regularly from a young age, the Degu becomes an amazingly tame pet that's very attached to its human companion. In nature, Degus live in small, tightly knit groups, and much of their time is spent playing with and grooming one another. They also build an elaborate network of underground tunnels and nesting areas. Intelligent animals, Degus are great communicators. They will warn each other when a predator approaches by making sounds and thumping their tails.
Aside from its brightly colored teeth, there is little to distinguish the Degu's appearance. Many people have described it as a "big gerbil." (It's almost as large as a guinea pig.) It's brown in color with a creamy underside, and a long tail covered with a thin layer of fur.

Enclosure: A Big Space Is Essential:

Since Degus are so active, they must be given an enclosure with a lot of space. More space is always better as far as this curious, busy pet is concerned. A cage that's at least three feet long by two feet wide and four feet high should be used for a pair of Degus. Given the fact that some Degus will kick substrate out of their enclosures, the cage should
have a solid metal bottom with an apron, and metal bars everywhere else. Do not use a plastic or wood apron, since this will be chewed through quickly. The enclosure’s bars
should be spaced no more than a half-inch apart to prevent escapes. Including multi-level platforms in the enclosure, along with climbing ramps and fruit tree branches (except
cherry) at least 2 inches wide, will enrich the lives of Degus by giving them a chance to climb. The enclosure should include one hide/nesting box for each animal, measuring at least 6" x
8" x 6". It's recommended to house at least two Degus together. A same sex pair can usually be housed together with no aggression problems.

Chewing & Exercise : They Need Chews, Toys, and Wheels:

Degus have relatively powerful bites and being rodents, their teeth are always growing. So, in addition to being fed the right foods, they must be provided with wooden chew blocks and branches to keep their teeth from getting too long. A variety of different chew blocks should be provided to provide mental stimulation. Mineral and salt blocks designed for rodents can also be offered. Aside from needing to keep their teeth in shape, Degus love to chew for the sheer enjoyment of it. Avoid chew toys or branches made from potentially harmful woods like laurel, cedar, black walnut, cherry or chestnut. Chew toys should be inspected on a daily basis, and replaced if they’re soiled or excessively worn. Keeping a Degu busy playing is the best insurance against a pet becoming overweight or neurotic. For this reason, a Degu's enclosure should also include an exercise wheel and a variety of safe toys. A Degu's exercise wheel should be 11” in diameter. Choose a solid wheel; the Degu's tail can become caught in between the bars of a wire wheel. The wheel should be made of metal, since a Degu's chewing will quickly destroy a plastic model. Sturdy chew toys and thick rope toys designed for rabbits can also be included in the enclosure. Inspect rope toys frequently and replace them as soon as they become worn or damaged. Plastic and rubber toys should also be avoided, since they can be chewed into little pieces and ingested.

Bedding: Absorbent And Dust-Free:

Place about 2 inches of bedding on the solid bottom of
the Degu's cage. Use an absorbent dust free wood like Aspen shavings, or pelleted paper bedding. Avoid cedar and pine bedding, since they can cause severe, even fatal respiratory
problems. If you use corn cob bedding change it often to protect against the build up of bacteria and mold. Also do not use corn cob bedding with a pet that may ingest bedding.

Temperature & Humidity: They Like Relatively Cool Dry Condition:

Like their cousin the Chinchilla, Degus developed in the Andes Mountains, where temperatures and humidity
are both low. These conditions should be replicated in their captive environment. The temperature in and around a Degu’s enclosure should be kept around 68-70 degrees
Fahrenheit. During hot summer days, a Degu’s enclosure should be kept in an air-conditioned room. Do not locate a Degu’s enclosure in the basement, since the conditions are likely to be too humid. Also avoid locating an enclosure in a drafty area of the home.

Never place a Degu's enclosure in direct sunlight: exposure to direct sunlight for even a short period of time can overheat this pet and cause death.

Food & Diet: Sugar Must Be Avoided:

Degus are not able to process sugar. This fact should
never be forgotten when feeding them or offering treats. Fruits such as apples and honey treat sticks, which can be enjoyed safely by most other small animals, should never be
offered to a Degu because of their high sugar content. Instead of fruits, a Degu can be offered sunflower seeds (limited to 2-3 seeds once a week), and root vegetables like carrots
as treats. The bulk of the Degu’s diet should consist of Chinchilla or guinea pig pellets and timothy hay. Small animal food blocks can also be offered, provided they do not contain fruit. Fresh, washed leafy green vegetables, dandelion leaves, broccoli and cauliflower can also be offered on a regular basis.
Timothy hay should be free-fed from a hayrack on the side of the cage. Since pellets alone will not provide adequate fiber, hay is an essential part of the Degu's diet. Roughage from
hay also helps a Degu keep its teeth trim, making it less likely to develop a dental disease. Corn, cereals and hamster mixes must be avoided. It is essential to keep a Degu on a
"sugar free," low fat and low carbohydrate diet. In their rather barren natural environment, Degus survive on meager diets. Overfeeding is a leading contributor to illness among captive Degus, so care should be taken to limit a pet's
food intake. An adult should be fed in the morning and evening, being offered half a tablespoon of pellets per serving. Pellets can be offered in a heavy ceramic crockery bowl
or a metal cup that attaches to the cage.

Water: Use Bottles Instead of Bowls:

Clean, fresh chlorine-free water should always be available to a Degu. New Degus should be given water from a bowl, but most will eventually learn to drink from a bottle. Offering Degus water from a bottle is preferable, because it’s more
sanitary. A bottle with a metal spout should be used, because the Degu's constant chewing will quickly reduce a plastic bottle to rubble. The water bottle should be introduced to the enclosure while the animal is still drinking from a bowl. Gradually, most Degus will learn to accept the bottle. The keeper should make sure that the Degu is accepting water from the bottle before removing the bowl.