Supply Checklist Before Taking Your New Degu Home
Welcoming a degu into your home is an exciting experience, and preparing ahead of time will help your new pet settle in comfortably and safely. Use this checklist to make sure you have everything ready before bringing your degu home.
🏠 Cage & Setup
Degus are active, social animals that need plenty of room to explore. A sturdy, chew-proof wire cage with multiple levels is ideal.
✔ Recommended: Exotic Nutrition’s 2-Level Mansion Cage for one degu, or the 4-Level Mansion Cage for two. Degus thrive in pairs, so housing two together helps prevent loneliness and stress.
🌿 Hide Areas
Degus love tunnels and cozy spaces where they can feel safe. Offer multiple hideouts so they can sleep, nest, and explore.
Exotic Nutrition offers a variety of huts, tunnels, and hideaways perfect for degu burrowing habits.
🏃 Exercise Wheel
Daily activity protects your degu’s health. Choose a wheel with a solid running surface to prevent injuries.
✔ Top pick: Treadmill Wheel (metal saucer design) — safe for backs, durable for heavy chewers.
For a quieter running option, the Silent Runner 12” Wide is another excellent choice.
🧴 Dust Bath
Degus keep their coats clean using dust baths. Provide a bath 2–3 times per week to remove oils and dirt from their fur.
✔ Pair Desert Sand with a bath house for easy grooming.
🎉 Bedding & Toys
Use shredded paper bedding to line the cage—avoid cedar or pine bedding due to respiratory risks.
Toys encourage movement and prevent boredom. Provide safe chew toys to support healthy teeth.
✔ Try forage and chew treats like Crunchy Swirls, Pineapple Chews, or wood-based toys.
🥗 Food & Treats
Degus require a high-fiber diet with limited sugars. Provide a pellet-based diet along with timothy hay.
✔ Best choices: Exotic Nutrition Degu Diet with Whole Oats or Timothy Pellets.
Treats such as our new Santa's Snack Mix should be offered only occasionally for bonding and training.
💧 Water & Feeding Dishes
Use a hanging water bottle and sturdy food dishes to keep food clean and organized.
✔ Stainless steel bowls work best for preventing tipping and chewing.
🧽 Cleaning Supplies
Clean the cage weekly and wash dishes, toys, and accessories as needed.
✔ Safe choice: Kage Kleen for odor-free, pet-safe cleaning.
🚗 Travel Carrier
A travel carrier is essential for vet visits, boarding, or simply cleaning the cage.
✔ Choose a secure, chew-proof small animal carrier.
🩺 Exotic Veterinarian
Before bringing your degu home, locate a trusted exotic pet veterinarian in your area. Having contact information ready can save time in an emergency.
❤️ Final Tips
Degus are playful, highly social companions. With the right setup, nutrition, and enrichment, they can thrive in your care. Preparing ahead ensures a smooth, stress-free transition to their new home!
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Notice: Exotic Nutrition cannot provide specific care guidelines on an individual basis. Please consult a veterinarian or experienced breeder.
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