Degu Cage + Playpen

[Deleted]

Hi, I'm new on these forums. But I'm looking for some advice.
I really, really want to make it the best possible living situation for the 2 or 3 Degu I plan on getting but, I can't have them run around my rooms. There are too many hazards for them like electrical cables that are also extremely hard to hide from them. and I'm afraid that they might bite into one and receive a jolt.

So I'm looking for an alternative where they have enough space inside their cage, like I don't mind spending alot on it just so they have enough space to get around in.
Like for their playtime I don't know if its wise to let them run around with the hazards, so I was thinking of making a DIY playpen possibly even connected to their cage so they can hop right in and back out.

Is this a possibility or is this sub optimal living standards for them? Like I'm not well versed in how much space Degus need, I've had hamsters before but they require considerable less space afaik.

[savvy]

Welcome to the forum!

Degus need a HUGE amount of space for their size! You can build your own cage or modify a commercial one. The only commercially built cages we recommend are the Aventura www.littlepetwarehouse.co.uk/products/metal-aventura-huge-metal-rat-ferret-chinchilla-cage.html or the Liberta www.petplanet.co.uk/product.asp?dept_id=5867&pf_id=58419 and even then you would need to add extra levels to make sure they had enough space especially if you are planning on three degus.

Both of these cages are extremely easy to modify by adding extra levels, even extending down into the stand to create a digging pit.

Adding a play pen would depend on your room dimensions, space etc, but it is possible. We have several threads in our cages section, and I would recommend you read through all the up to date information you can find, our beginners section is very good, because degus are like nothing you will have owned before. They are seriously weird little guys!

Please feel free to ask any questions you need to, there are no silly ones when it comes to degus!

[Deleted]

Thank you, I'll check it out. I really really want to make sure they have all the space they can have.

[misscatafer]

Definitely invest in the cage, the bigger the cage, the less need for time out of it, and what you will find is they get bored after 10 minutes of being out anyway.
Do not let them out unless the room is completely degu proofed. It's not just wires you need to think about, degus chew everything, including skirting boards, wooden floor, furniture and wallpaper. They also pee everywhere, so you need to consider whether you mind the carpet becoming soaked with urine. Also, things like dropped food crumbs, dirt etc brought in from shoes and plants can be poisonous for them if found. Time out of the cage can be very stressful if not planned for properly (as we have all found in the early days!)
I have two Blenheim extra large cages bolted together, here is my cage for some inspiration : deguworld.proboards.com/thread/21996/project-perspex
And my play pen: deguworld.proboards.com/thread/21316/new-play-pen?page=2

Ive recently moved and have building stuff every where at the moment so haven't let them out for playtime for ages now as there is too much muck and dust everywhere. I only put them in there when I'm cleaning out the cage, which is every 4-6 weeks. They seem fine though, I bought a few extra toys for them and they are quite happy. Try not to focus too much on 'time out of the cage' and more time on making a fantastic cage for them, which I can tell you have in mind anyway

[randomname]

Sounds like you're gonna be fine @nickh, you're clearly doing your research before you get them so i'm sure whatever you decide will be fine. The others have given you some great advice, the only thing I'd add is that I bought mine a rabbit run to play in but they hated it - turns out mine prefer solid sides, mesh made them nervous as they felt exposed I think.

You also need a cage big enough for a decent wheel. A lot of us use TicTac wheels, I use the 16" one, it's massive so you need a massive cage like the Aventura/Liberta. Make sure you factor in space for the wheel when sizing things up.

Also, check if you have an experienced exotic vet near you that has knowledge of degus (esp. dental work) If not, you may need to travel for vet care which gets difficult in emergencies. A standard vet probably won't have much of a clue tbh.

Diet is the hardest thing to get your head round, check out our diet/nutrition area for more info. Once you digest it all (see what I did there? ) it's easy enough, but it's a steep learning curve - has me bamboozled for a while

Lastly, ADOPT don't shop! We might be able to help you find a rescue (& a vet) if you let us know what area you're in. We're always up for finding good homes for homeless critters if we can.

Glad to have you on board, welcome to the forum & the crazy world of degus. NOTHING can prepare you for them - they're nothing like any other critter, but that's why we love them. Also be prepared for poop pellets EVERYWHERE! No idea why/how but they end up all over. If you have laminate floor, you'll find life a lot easier

[bouncy]

Hi Nickh!

I can't fault anything our members have said. The only thing I will say is to have a look at the sticky thread in this section for this forum's cage size recommendations. The information isn't just about floor space, but also minimum length and width, positioning, etc. Always go for the biggest habitat you can fit into your space. I say this because goos can never have enough space. Also, if you aren't able to offer free range time for a while, they'll still be OK.

For many, the option of free range time just isn't possible. As long as you have a good habitat, that's fine. Many of us like to let ours run free simply because it's a much better way to interact with them. You're right that they will chew everything they're not supposed to, and there isn't really a way to stop them because they're determined little buggers. If you can't see a practical way to goo proof a room, then a playpen is a great idea. Don't be tempted to get a wire one, because they'll just climb out. Some on here have made their own with plywood or similar. Go for a safe 1m height, because they jump too.

Degus aren't cuddly like hamsters and rabbits, but being able to sit in the play area is a great way to get to know them. Mine come out most nights with me sat on the floor. They climb all over me, exercise their kleptomania on my dinner and belongings, and the entertainment they provide is priceless! Throw your TV out now!

[moletteuk]

We have a large wooden cage which sits within a permanent pen with solid walls and laminate floor so it's all escape proof and easy to clean. I think the permanent pen attached to the cage has the advantage that they can come and go as they please (which makes them feel safer) and you can open the cage any time without them being desperate to escape.

2018-05-18_10-47-00 by moletteuk, on Flickr

If you check out our cage size recommendations thread, if you aim for the recommended sizes given, or even more, rather than minimum, you won't go far wrong. A playpen has the advantage that it is easier to interact and build a relationship with your degus in a space that you can get into and sit or lie down. deguworld.proboards.com/thread/9396/forums-cage-size-recommendations

[Deleted]

Yep thats something i was thinking if, making a pen for them that they can go in as they see fit. This'll give them alot of extra space to go to.
I like some of the cages i'm seeing here, might wait a while before getting mine and making a custom build cage with a pen myself. But i'll take my time on it so i'm sure that everything is perfect and not rushed.

Thanks a bunch for the responses so far, it's been really helpful.

[savvy]

Please let us know how it all goes, and we'll need pictures! Lots and lots of pictures, lol.

[moletteuk]

You know where we are if you want to run an idea past us before you commit