Feeding

Degus are herbivorous animals but have quite complicated diets compared to most rodents. They can become diabetic very easily so it is important that they are not given much sugar. Also, excess fats and carbohydrates can lead to health complications. Many prepared rodetn foods have far too many dried fruits and fatty seeds to give to degus. If you want to feed them a prepared mixture, you have have to hand-pick out all of these treats.

So what should be in a degus diet?

    Dry Food
    Chinchilla pellets or guinea pig pellets are best, but chinchilla pellets will often contain dried fruit which needs to be picked out and guinea pig food should be supplemented with gerbil or hamster food. This should be available at all times, but don't rish to fill up the dish as soon as it is empty. Degus bury their food to store it. If you find a lot of food in the wood chips when you clean the cage, give them less food next time.
    Hay and Grass
    Fresh grass and alfalfa should be given in small amounts all year except winter. If they are given too much, the degus can get diarrhea, which is fatal in an animal of such small body mass. Dried hay, timothy hay and alfalfa should always be available. It is an important and healthy part of the degus diet.
    Fresh Vegetables and Fruit
    Degus love fresh fruit and veggies, but you have to be careful when giving it to them. Some have too much sugar and could lead to diabetes. Carrot, broccoli, cauliflower and leafy greens are best, but all degus have their preferences. It is very important that all fruits or vegetables that aren't from your garden are thoroughly washed.
    Treats
    Dried carrot is a great treat for degus as it is low in sugar and they love it. Dried bananas and apples are also popular. Potato or carrot juice is also great, as are seed blocks and nuts (preferably in the shell)

Degus also require twigs and mineral stones to grind their teeth down and fresh water. Vitamin C supplements added to the water and calcium enriched mineral stones can help maintain good health. One way to verify the health of a degu is to check the teeth. Healthy degus will have bright orange teeth, while sick ones will have pale yellow. If a degu's teeth are white, it is near death.

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