What;s a degu and how much are they?

Question

I want to get a degu, a south-african rodent, but I don't know about their mantinence, how much they cost, and where to get them. Please answer those questions. No joking please!

Answer 1

WHERE to buy--

You will not find them in many pet stores as they are exotics, and illegal in some locations. I have never seen one in a pet store, ever. I'm not exactly sure but i know there are breeders out there-- Here is a website where you can find a list of degu adds and owner directories.

http://www.angelfire.com/on4/degumania/

As for the legality of owning a degu-- you can check the local level of government first - your city, town, or county. If you have a hard time finding out who you should call, try asking a local humane society, animal shelter, or veterinarian for advice. Sometimes health departments have regulations in addition to the city laws.

How many to buy/social interactions--

First, make sure you have time to spend with your new pet...Degus are family oriented and crave social interaction. They do not do well as solitary animals unless you, as their owner, commit to spending quality time with them every day. Degus become hostile without companionship. Even so... it's best to buy two--even two of the same sex--rather than keeping a lone animal. If handled from birth, degus retain their endearing pet qualities, even when kept in groups. You don't need to rule out purchasing a male/female pair, either; they are still friendly pets when breeding and caring for young.

Handling--

To pick up a degu, scoop it up with both hands rather than grabbing it over its back. Grabbing a degu over its back seems to simulate a predator's attack, and degus tend to bite when grabbed this way. They usually do not bite if picked up from beneath. Once bonded to their human, degus usually wait for a hand to be extended so they can get a lift out of the cage. Once out, everything must be investigated.
Never pick up a degu by its tail. The skin will slough off, leaving a bony, bloody stub. The degu will then chew off the exposed tail. The area will heal, but the tail will not grow back.


Housing--

Housing for degus is simple if you remember one rule: If they can chew it, they will. Accordingly, a 20-by-20-by-20-inch wire cage of 1-by-1/2-inch welded wire or a 20-gallon glass aquarium with a locking screen lid works well. A plastic container does not work at all.

Feeding--

A good base diet for degus consists of chinchilla pellets with hamster or gerbil food added for some variety. Rodent blocks can be added as a treat; they're good for degu teeth. Timothy hay, along with fresh green alfalfa, is a must for any degu diet. Once or twice a week, your degu may enjoy a small handful of unsalted peanuts or sunflower seeds. Don't offer too many, though, because this could result in a unhealthy, overweight pet that will begin refusing the healthier degu foods.

Offer your degu fresh water every day, bottled mineral water kept at room temperature is preferred. If you have more than one degu, use as many water bottles as necessary to accommodate the number of animals in each enclosure.

Supplies--

When preparing a cage for your pets, don't forget toys and other accessories. Most degus enjoy playing on 11-inch exercise wheels. They also need nontoxic tree limbs (not black walnut or cherry) 6 to 8 inches long and 1 inch or more in diameter to chew on, and a 2-by-4-inch piece of pine to sit on. A pumice stone for chewing is also a good idea. If degus do not have something to chew on, their teeth will overgrow their mouth, and they will die. A healthy degu has bright yellow to orange teeth. White teeth means the animal will shortly die, regardless of medical intervention.
To help care for your pets' skin and hair, give them chinchilla dust to bathe in two or three times a week. Like chinchillas, they immensely enjoy rolling and playing in the dust.

Answer 2

a degu is a cousin of the chinchilla, i sell them at my pet store. our price usually ranges in age, size( babie's go for $5.99, juvie's $ 9.99 and full grown $12.99)...But that may not be true with all pet stores..check first. They are jumpers so keep a top on ur cage at all times. but they are very cute, easy to care for. to find a degu....hmmm that's another story, i would check on of the websites the other user's suggested! my store get them in every once in a while. sad to say i am out of stock right now.

Answer 3

I'm not sure where you could get one or how much they cost. Here is a website though that tells all you need to know to care for a Degu. http://www.degus.org/

Hope that helps.

Answer 4

Degu information:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Degu

In America, however, they are less often found in pet shops, caused by the import restriction placed on the species.

The price varies, depending on where you purchase your Degu from (if they're even legal to own, in your area.)

Some shelters will adopt them out for as little as $10.

Answer 5

rat lol they're pleasant, effortless to maintain and preserve. very wise, you'll be able to play with on ur mattress & they wont simply randomly FALL OFF (ahehehem like a hamster could..) degus are rough to discover, rough to maintain, recognized to chew & will by no means totally "chill out" & be handeled good...the proposal of proudly owning one is cool as you dont listen so much approximately them, however they're highmaitenence pets and on best of that also don't seem to be as loveable as a rat..