Sexing Your Pet Degu
Correctly identifying the sex of your degus is vital. Degus are social animals that must live in pairs or groups, and mixing sexes will inevitably lead to frequent litters. Sexing a degu is straightforward once you know what to look for.
The only reliable method is to examine the anogenital distance—the space between the anus and the urethral cone (genital opening). [1]
How to Sex a Degu
To examine your degu, you can either hold them securely on their back or let them stand on a flat surface while you gently lift their tail. Both males and females have a cone-like protrusion, which can be confusing. The key is the spacing.
- Males: A male degu has a noticeable gap between the urethral cone and the anus. The distance is significantly larger than in females. [2]
- Females: A female degu has almost no gap between the urethral cone and the anus. The two openings are very close together. [3]
| Feature | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| Anogenital Gap | Present (a clear space) | Absent (no space) |
| Openings | Two distinctly separate openings | Appear very close together |
Simple Rule: "If there's a gap, it's a chap!"
This simple rhyme is the easiest way to remember the key difference. The presence of a space between the two openings is the definitive sign of a male.
It is important to note that degus have internal testicles, so you will not see a scrotum like you would on many other mammals. Relying on behavior or size is also not an accurate way to determine sex. The only sure method is to visually inspect the anogenital area. [4]
If you are ever in doubt, it is always best to consult with an experienced degu breeder or an exotic pet veterinarian for confirmation.
References
[1] Degutopia. (n.d.). Sexing Degus Guide. https://www.degutopia.co.uk/degusexing.htm
[2] Degu and Chinchilla World. (2008). How to Sex Your Degus !. https://deguworld.proboards.com/thread/13070
[3] World of Degus. (2022). How to differentiate the sex of the male or female degus?. https://www.worldofdegus.com/how-to-differentiate-the-sex-of-the-male-or-female-degus/
[4] Little P.A.W.S. (n.d.). Sexing a degu. https://littlepawssar.weebly.com/sexing-a-degu.html