On arrival at the rescue, every animal is given a health check and any necessary treatment. All animals are monitored for a minimum of 2 weeks to ensure they are fit and healthy, and to assess their temperament, prior to being put up for adoption.

DEGUS

The average life span of a
Degu is 6-8 years

Degus like to live in pairs or same sex groups. Some can live for up to 10 years so are a long term commitment.

Their diet consists of good quality Timothy hay, dried herbs and good quality degu nuggets. They may also enjoy a healthy treat of a tiny piece of fruit or veg occasionally.
Fresh drinking water and Timothy hay should be available at all times.

YOU SHOULD NEVER FEED YOUR DEGU ANY TREATS CONTAINING SUGAR AS THEY CAN BECOME DIABETIC AND SUFFER OTHER HEALTH PROBLEMS.

Being classed as "exotic species" means you should register with an appropriate vet well versed in degu ailments BEFORE YOU NEED ONE.

Degus need a large metal gnaw proof cage or aviary with plenty of shelves and good gnawing material - willow or fruit tree branches.

A large metal cage is essential - MINIMUM SIZE: 4ft high x 3ft long x 2ft wide for 2 - 4 degus (1.3m x 1m x 0.7m)

The cage should have a solid floor as mesh flooring can lead to injured feet. If your cage has mesh flooring you should place some ceramic tiles on top of it to prevent over exposure to the mesh.
Plastic cages aren't suitable as degus will chew their way out.

Another source for metal degu cages is John Hopewell

The cage should have absorbent litter in the bottom (paper based - not wood shavings) which will allow them to express their normal behaviour - foraging and digging. They will also need soft hay for bedding as well as shredded paper. Toilet roll tubes stuffed with hay make great toys for degus - they will eat the hay and shred the cardboard to use as bedding. Different size cardboard boxes are fun to explore and shred.

Hammocks, wooden toys and branches (fruit tree or willow) for climbing, as well as lava or wooden shelves to rest on. A wooden nest box/house should be included to provide a cozy secluded sleeping area.

Exercise wheels can be a good addition but ensure they are large enough and do not have exposed rungs - they must be the closed in type to avoid damage to feet and tails.
See Tic Tac Wheels

Whilst on the subject of tails - do not grab your Degu as they can shed the skin on their tails leaving exposed bleeding flesh open to infection.

Degus also enjoy taking a sand bath (chinchilla sand - volcanic dust) which keeps their coat in good conditon.

Strict hygiene is essential - the cage should be spot cleaned daily (you will find that they use one area in particular as their toilet) and you will need to remove any damp soiled bedding. Cages should be thoroughly cleaned once a week using a pet-safe disinfectant.

We have a number of Degus staying with us long-term because they cannot be re-homed due to old age or they have special requirements. We do not give up on animals just because they have problems - we provide them with the long term care they need.
If you would like to sponsor a Degu find out more.

VIEWING IS STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.

Please complete our homefinder form to express an interest in any available Degus, then we can keep you updated on any suitable animals that are cleared for adoption.

We request a donation for each animal adopted so that we can continue to help other animals in need.

Watch this space......