Cage

What kind of material can you build a degu cage out of?

I am planning on purchasing degus in the near future and would like to build a relatively large cage for it. I have read that degus will chew through almost anything that's not glass or metal. Would it work to build a cage out of plexiglass instead?

Public Comments

1. wire mesh is the absolute best cage material for rodents...period. Glass cages are ok, but dont allow for very good ventilation. Instead of building a cage, consider purchasing one. www.martinscages.com has some wonderful cages at really good prices.
2. As a long time rescuer of Degus, let me tell you that unless you are living in a particularly hot climate an aquarium is the absolute best cage for a degu. If you get a wire cage be prepared to have the bedding kicked everywhere (even if you use those guards around the outside) AND they will likely chew the bars like gerbils do :). The love to tunnel (again like gerbils) so the aquarium really lets them do so. We get large cardboard tubes and cut them up, burying them randomly in the shavings. They love them :). Yes, building an aquarium-like cage from plexiglass will work just as well. If you are really worried about ventilation you can get (or build) and addition for the top of the aquarium from wire which will give them an extra 'floor' to their home. Be sure to add a wheel, all our degus have loved their wheels and spend HOURS running, usually taking turns, but sometimes running with a buddy. Lots of chewies are good too. Just please, please, please, don't feed them like a hamster or a gerbil! While they kind of look like a gerbil on steroids *g*, they cannot process sugar and should not have sugary (even natural sugars like fruit) or starchy (anyone with diabetes will tell you the body processes starch into sugar) foods. They should have a chinchilla pellet diet (one without any bits of seed in). If you keep a trio of same sex degus, and spend a lot of time with them (even just talking to them, petting them and sneaking them treats :) ) you will find they recognize you and communicate with you. Ours have several different chirps and squeaks and you'll learn the differences between them. Loki and Puck always greet us when we come home and have a different chirrup for when it's food time etc. Very intriguing animals :). Sorry...didn't mean to go on and on :). When you are making your cage be careful to balance the need for ventilation and the need to keep the surface smooth enough they have no opportunity to get their teeth in some nook and eat their way out! Their gnawing ability is legendary :). Good luck with your new pets and be sure to show off your cage when you get it built!