Keeping degus and chinchillas

In short: Degus and chinchillas are social rodents from South America that have high demands regarding care and enrichment. Both species are relatively calm during the day and become active mainly at dusk.

In more detail: Both animals need dry sand baths, since they clean their fur not with water but by rolling in sand.

In detail

• Group housing: Both degus and chinchillas are highly social animals and should never be kept alone, but at least in pairs.
• Cage size: Due to their strong urge to climb, both species need large, tall cages with multiple levels.
• Sugar sensitivity: Degus are especially prone to diabetes and need a low-sugar diet without large amounts of fruit.
• Dental health: Both species have continuously growing teeth, which must be worn down through sufficient gnawing material.
• Temperature sensitivity: Chinchillas tolerate heat poorly and need cool, well-ventilated rooms, especially in summer.
• Life expectancy: Chinchillas can live over 15 years with good care, meaning a long-term commitment.
• Enrichment: Climbing opportunities, appropriately sized running wheels, and varied chew material prevent behavioural problems from understimulation (hamster-artgerecht-halten, kaninchen-und-meerschweinchen-halten).