Degu Care Quiz

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You should feed your degus guinea pig mix as this has all the vitamins and minerals degus need, and has added vitamin C. Always check that it does not contain molasses on the ingredients list. Never feed rabbit food/mix as this often contains coccidiostats which are toxic to degus. Hamster and gerbil mixes are unsuitable as they contain a high percentage of seeds which are high in fat and protein and can cause obesity in the degu. Chinchilla MIX is unsuitable as it often contains dried fruit which is sugary and can cause your degus to develop diabetes if fed regularly. Chinchilla PELLETS on the other hand are fine to give to your degus.

Correct!
You should feed your degus guinea pig mix as this has all the vitamins and minerals degus need, and has added vitamin C. Always check that it does not contain molasses on the ingredients list. Never feed rabbit food/mix as this often contains coccidiostats which are toxic to degus. Hamster and gerbil mixes are unsuitable as they contain a high percentage of seeds which are high in fat and protein and can cause obesity in the degu. Chinchilla MIX is unsuitable as it often contains dried fruit which is sugary and can cause your degus to develop diabetes if fed regularly. Chinchilla PELLETS on the other hand are fine to give to your degus.

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You should use sawdust as a litter substrate for your degus. Sawdust is shaved from kiln dried pine and completely safe for your degus, as well as being absorbent and hygienic. NEVER use cedar chips as these are highly TOXIC to degus. Sand is great for a dustbath, but not so good for litter as your degus will still try and bathe in it even if it is dirty. Newspaper should be avoided as the ink used to print it can be toxic. However, if your degus have a respiratory infection or allergy, you should use shredded plain paper as a replacement for sawdust so as to minimise the dust in their environment.

Correct!
You should use sawdust as a litter substrate for your degus. Sawdust is shaved from kiln dried pine and completely safe for your degus, as well as being absorbent and hygienic. NEVER use cedar chips as these are highly TOXIC to degus. Sand is great for a dustbath, but not so good for litter as your degus will still try and bathe in it even if it is dirty. Newspaper should be avoided as the ink used to print it can be toxic. However, if your degus have a respiratory infection or allergy, you should use shredded plain paper as a replacement for sawdust so as to minimise the dust in their environment.

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You should give your degus a supply of clean, fresh drinking water every day, whether they need it or not. Fresh water is the most important component of degu health, and contaminated drinking water can quickly cause your degus to become ill, often with symptoms that are not instantly recognisable.

Correct!
You should give your degus a supply of clean, fresh drinking water every day, whether they need it or not. Fresh water is the most important component of degu health, and contaminated drinking water can quickly cause your degus to become ill, often with symptoms that are not instantly recognisable.

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The first thing you should get for your degus cage is a good quality solid running wheel. This is essential as it provides your degus with exercise that they relate to foraging behaviour. Degus can cope without cardboard tubes and a hayrack, they will still eat hay out of a bowl. They will even build their own nest if a nest box is not provided immediately.

Correct!
The first thing you should get for your degus cage is a good quality solid running wheel. This is essential as it provides your degus with exercise that they relate to foraging behaviour. Degus can cope without cardboard tubes and a hayrack, they will still eat hay out of a bowl. They will even build their own nest if a nest box is not provided immediately.

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You should make sure your degus have access to a dustbath when you let them out. Dustbathing is important in keeping your degus coat free from oil, allowing them to regulate their body temperature better. The other things are still reasonably important: you should give your degus somewhere to hide, they will usually run into their cage if they feel scared. Climbing exercise is also important when they are out as they cannot get this exercise (including running and jumping) in their cage. Giving a timid degu food when they are out will encourage them to be more adventurous.

Correct!
You should make sure your degus have access to a dustbath when you let them out. Dustbathing is important in keeping your degus coat free from oil, allowing them to regulate their body temperature better. The other things are still reasonably important: you should give your degus somewhere to hide, they will usually run into their cage if they feel scared. Climbing exercise is also important when they are out as they cannot get this exercise (including running and jumping) in their cage. Giving a timid degu food when they are out will encourage them to be more adventurous.