Proper Handling of Pet Degus
Degus are curious and intelligent animals that can become very tame with gentle and consistent handling. As prey animals, they are naturally wary, so building trust is the key to a positive handling experience. There is also one critically important safety rule when it comes to handling a degu.
The Most Important Rule: Never Grab the Tail
A degu's most unique defense mechanism is "tail slip." If a predator (or a human hand) grabs them by the tail, the skin and fur will slough off, allowing the degu to escape. This is an incredibly painful injury, and the tail will not regrow. The exposed bone will either need to be amputated by a vet or will dry up and fall off on its own. [1]
This is why you must never, under any circumstances, pick up or restrain a degu by its tail. [2]
Building Trust and Taming
The best way to handle a degu is to let them come to you. Forcing interaction will only make them fearful.
- Start with Your Scent: Begin by simply resting your hand in their cage. Let them approach, sniff, and investigate on their own terms.
- Treats are Your Friend: Offer a healthy treat (like a piece of hay or a single oat) from your flat palm. This teaches them that your hand is a source of good things. [3]
- The Hand Taxi: Once they are comfortable taking treats, encourage them to step onto your hand. You can then gently lift your hand a few inches and set it back down, all within the safety of the cage.
The Correct Way to Pick Up a Degu
When you do need to pick up your degu, for a health check or to move them, use the "scoop" method.
- The Scoop: Use both hands to cup your degu from the sides, supporting their entire body. Lift them gently and hold them securely against your body to make them feel safe. [4]
Most degus do not enjoy being held for long periods and prefer to interact with their humans on their own terms, often by climbing on them. By respecting their natural instincts and avoiding their tail, you can build a strong and trusting bond with your pet degu.
References
[1] Animal Humane Society. (n.d.). Degu care. https://www.animalhumanesociety.org/resource/degu-care
[2] RSPCA. (n.d.). Caring for Pet Degus. https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/rodents/degus/behaviour
[3] Supreme Petfoods. (n.d.). Degu care – how to handle degus. https://supremepetfoods.us/blog/degu-care-how-to-handle-degus/
[4] PetMD. (2017). Everything You Need to Know About Caring for a Degu. https://www.petmd.com/exotic/care/everything-you-need-know-about-caring-degu