Degu Health: Essential Care for Beginners

Good health is vital for happy, active degus. On this page, you will find concise guidance on finding an experienced exotic vet, basic at-home health checks, and essential care tips to help your degus thrive.

1. Why Health Monitoring Is Important for Degus

Degus are prone to certain health issues that require prompt attention. Regular monitoring helps detect problems early and ensures a better quality of life. Being proactive with health care can prevent serious conditions.

2. Finding an Experienced Exotic Veterinarian

Search for veterinarians who specialize in exotic pets, especially rodents. Ask for recommendations from other degu owners, hobbyists, or online communities. Ensure your chosen vet has experience with degus, so they can give appropriate advice and treatment. Help from a regular house pet veterinarian is inadequate, even when they see rabbits once in a while.

3. Basic At-Home Health Checks

Weigh your degu every two weeks with a sensitive kitchen scale and keep a log. Look for changes in activity, fur, eyes, breathing, and droppings. Check their teeth and nails for overgrowth. A normal adult weight ranges between 200 – 300 grams depending on your degu’s bodysize. More important than the exact weight (absolute weight) are the weight changes (relative weight). Any weight loss or behavioral change deserves attention. If in doubt, consult your vet promptly.

4. Health Checklist

Monitor weight and behavior, schedule regular vet visits, keep the living space clean, and ensure daily social interaction. Early detection and consistent care keep degus healthy and happy. Offer a wide variety of fresh and dried plants and avoid feeding too much power feed.

What to Aim For

✔ Stable normal weight
✔ Normal nail length
✔ Clear and open eyes
✔ Sleek, clean coat
✔ Rice-shaped dark brown droppings
✔ Normal grooming behavior

Contact your vet immediately in case of weight loss, wounds, difficulty breathing, not eating or drinking, eating slow, lethargy, or sudden changes in behavior. Quick response can save lives.

5. Your EHBO Box

✔ Anti-inflammatory medicine + syringe(meloxicam 1,5 mg/ml – dog dose)
✔ Disinfecting spray or ointment (honeybalm or woundspray for pets)
✔ Rescue feed and proper feeding syringe (Critical Care, Rodicare,…)

6. Extra Resources and Support

Join degu owner communities or forums to exchange experiences. Reliable online resources, owner groups, and local breeders may offer practical advice and recommendations for vet care.

On Facebook:

Degumania (English)
Degufreunde
Degoes Natuurlijke Stijl
Degoes Belgie en Nederland
Degoe Verzorging en Gezondheid
Degus Frischfutter

Have questions about degu health or care? Please turn to your vet if it could be urgent. For not so urgent questions, feel free to send me a message: