Degus are affectionate pets and most of them enjoy being held. It is important to allow your degu to get used to being picked up and held. Notice signs of stress, such as freezing or restlessness, and use treats to win trust when first starting to hold a degu.
Do Degus Like Cuddling And Being Held?
In general, degus are more affectionate than most rodent pets.
If a degu is comfortable and familiar with his or her environment, the animal is likely to be willing to come out of the cage, explore, sit with the owner, and interact by nibbling your fingers lightly, squeaking, and even acting playfully.
It is always important to read the animal’s cues and notice any signs of stress, especially if your pet is new to you or if you recently moved, or moved your degu into a new cage. Degus do not normally bite but it is good to respect the animal’s space and avoid challenging your pet if the degu appears fearful or stressed.
How To Hold A Degu Without Causing Distress
If your degu is new to you or your home, allow your pet a few days to settle in before even trying to approach or pet him or her.
- First, put your hand inside the cage and see how your pet behaves. If the degu is comfortable, the animal will come to explore your hand and pick up the scent of your skin. That way your pet will gradually become used to your presence.
- Some degus become comfortable and eager to interact very quickly, while others need time. It is important to let your pet set the pace.
- When you are ready to pick up your pet, hold your hands like a cup so your pet can feel contained and safe in your hands.
- When your degu is new to being held, first holding/cuddling sessions are great times to offer treats. This way your pet immediately learns to associate being held with something tasty and good. It is okay to taper off the treats when your degu is comfortable in your hands, although it probably would not hurt to still occasionally treat your pet while he or she is in your hands.
- Keep your hands close to the floor or a table when you pick your pet. Degus are quick and squirmy, and they can get injured easily if they fall.
- If your degu looks restless and eager to get away from you or freezes in your hands, put your pet back into the cage and try another time. Your pet will likely get used to you and feel confident in your hands eventually. It is good practice to allow time for that.
A degu that is happy and content in your hands might look like he or she is exploring, sniffing your fingers, squeaking, and looking around. Many degus will also try to get out of your hands to explore the room but they don’t look frantic and anxious as when they want to get away from you due to fear and stress.
Do Degus Need To Walk Outside Their Cage?
Degus are inquisitive animals and they benefit from variety in their environment. That includes being able to explore space beyond their habitat.
It is essential to make sure that the room does not have any cords and wires your pet might chew through.
If there are piles of something or spaces under furniture, a degu will most definitely try to explore those and might hide there. They will usually come out eventually but it is good to keep in mind that these animals will burrow and hide, so consider how safe the room is for a small rodent before letting your pet venture out.
Do Degus Know Their Owners?
Degus know their owners and learn to recognize their names over time.
Your degu will love you in the sense that the animal will associate you with comfort, food, security, and petting. Their response to you will be conditioned by all the positive associations. Your appearance will elicit a warm emotional response in your pet.
Are Degus Affectionate With Other Degus?
Degus are sociable animals and they show affection toward one another.
Degus live in small groups of one or two males and several females. Interestingly, females can take care of each other babies, so they are pretty much a community. Males can fight or act aggressively during and after mating and they behave in ways to establish dominance.
Degus are known to groom and nibble one another, which is a way they demonstrate affection and being comfortable.
Wrapping Up
If you are looking for a smart, quirky, and affectionate rodent pet, degus might be an excellent pet for you.
It is important to keep in mind that if you get one, you should probably get at least one more so they keep each other company.
It is also good to look into any regulations regarding degus as pets because they are not permitted as pets in many states and countries. If that is the case, you might not be able to purchase a degu but might still be able to adopt a degu that needs a new home. Check out the limitations for different exotic animals, including degus, on FindLaw website.
For more information on how to take care of a degu, please read our post titled Degu Care Guide 101.
