How To Look After A Baby Degu?
Are you experiencing a baby degree for the first time? Looking after these little and attractive pets is delightful. These adorable creatures are herbivores and are native to Chile. Like their adults, the baby needs proper care for better health and well-being. Ensure the health of your baby degu by fulfilling their requirements and providing a suitable habitat. This helpful guide will provide comprehensive details about different aspects of their care.
Providing Suitable Habitat
The first step to caring for your baby octodon degus is to provide them with a suitable habitat. Keeping them in a multi-level cage is advised because these rodents are highly social and curious, so they need ample space to roam and explore. Besides this, ensure the availability of bedding with safe shaving. Using paper-based bedding in their cage is recommended. Ensure the cage bars are well-spaced because these rodents are good escapers.
Temperature & Lighting
Octodon degus are sensitive rodents; therefore, fluctuations in temperature could have a harmful impact. The recommended temperature in which these baby degus can thrive is between 15°C-24°C. Temperature exceeding this limit could affect their health.
In addition, it is advised to protect them from direct and long-term exposure to sunlight. While it is indisputable that these babies need natural light, keeping them under shade and protecting them from direct sunlight is better.
Humidity
As described earlier, these rodents are native to Chile, which means they came from a dry habitat. These sensitive rodents grow in specific humidity and temperature ranges. Thus, the humidity level for baby degus should be between 40% and 60%. To maintain the humidity level, you can use absorbent bedding that can absorb excessive moisture and keep their living space dry.
Food And Diet
Providing them with a well-balanced diet and food is essential to aid digestion and enrichment. Your baby’s degus are advised to be fed high-quality pellets specially made for them, giving enough fiber to hay. The baby octagon needs adequate fiber, carbohydrates, proteins, and vitamins. Sometimes, occasional treats such as small amounts of fruits and nuts are also suitable for them. They protect themselves from obesity and being overweight by keeping them away from sugary and fatty foods. Provide them with adequate fresh and drinking water. Minimize the chances of contamination by changing their drinking water regularly.
Socialization & Handling
The octodon degus love socialization and thrive in the company of their mates. They make a good bond with their caregivers. Besides this, they are also susceptible to rodents; therefore, it is advised that they be handled gently. Let them first become accustomed to you and slowly approach them because your sudden movement will threaten them, and they will shed their tail because of fear. They indeed stay happy in the company of each other, but sometimes, they show aggression when new mates are introduced to them in their cage. Therefore, monitor their behavior after placing the new mates in the cage. If they show aggression, keep them in separate cages.
Veterinary Checkups & Healthcare
Regular veterinary checkups are essential for the baby’s degus. These babies are susceptible to common parasites such as mites and fleas; therefore, it is advised that they observe their behavior regularly. Identify symptoms of illness such as itching, appetite loss, lethargy, laziness, and drinking more water as usual. Identifying these symptoms on time will minimize the chances of fatal diseases, and regular veterinary checkups will ensure their good health.
Summing Up!
Baby degu is sensitive. Therefore, they need proper care, attention, and a balanced diet. Some basic measures will help to look after these babies, such as providing suitable habitat, temperature, humidity, lighting, regular veterinary checkups, gentle handling, socialization, and a nutritious diet. Taking care of these factors will keep them in good health and help to identify any health risks on time.
