Degus are highly social South American rodents increasingly kept as pets, but their specific social, dietary, and enrichment needs are often misunderstood by owners.
Degu welfare in captivity depends critically on social housing - at minimum in pairs, ideally in larger groups of the same sex. Solitary degus develop chronic stress indicators including stereotypic behaviours and elevated glucocorticoids. Dietary management is essential given their diabetes susceptibility. An enriched environment with tunnels, gnawing material, dust baths, and foraging opportunities is necessary for psychological wellbeing. Many owners underestimate these needs when choosing degus as 'easy' small pets.