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Do You Want a Pet Degu
If you've never heard of a Degu, you might wonder what in the world a Degu is, and then wonder why you might want one. A Degu, formally known as an Octodon Degus, is actually a member of the rodent family, closely related to chinchillas and guinea pigs.
Degus are herbivores, meaning that they live on plant life, and do not eat meat. They are also diurnal, as opposed to nocturnal, which means that they are generally awake during the daylight hours, and that they sleep at night. Degus became popular as pets back in the 1980's, and have gained in popularity since that time.
Degus are great pets for people who do not have a great deal of space, or a great deal of time to spend with a pet. Note, however that this does not mean that you can get a pair of Degus and ignore them. Some level of attention is, of course, necessary. Also note that most people do not just get one Degu. Instead, they get at least two, because socialization is very important to Degus.
Again, Degus are social animals, and have great personalities. They always seem so happy – and busy. Degus can live to be as old as 13 years, but the average for a captive Degu is about 8 years.
One advantage of owning a Degu is that they groom themselves, as long as you provide the necessary tools. This grooming is done in what is known as a dust bath. This is basically a dish that you put in the cage, filled with an inch or two of chinchilla dust. The Degu gets in and rolls around, and this dust removes dirt and debris, as well as excess oils that are unhealthy for his skin. As long as you clean the cage weekly, you won't have to deal with any pet odor.
The one drawback concerning Degus that you may not find acceptable is their chewing habit. You see, chewing is very important to Degus, because their teeth grow for their entire lives.
If left unchecked, the teeth can grow into the jaw. Therefore, chewing is important because it helps to keep the teeth worn down to a comfortable level for your Degu. However, if you keep your Degu in a large cage, where he is comfortable, and you provide him with things to chew on this shouldn't be a problem for you or for him.
Degus are amazing, and you will get hours of enjoyment watching them live their busy little lives. It is especially fun and interesting to watch groups of Degus interact with each other. So, the real question would by why wouldn't you want a pet Degu?
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Next Article: Choosing a Veterinarian for Your Degu
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