Image Credit: B.C. SPCA

KAMLOOPS - This week, three Degus are in the spotlight as our featured animals.

Ned Nederlander came to the SPCA, apparently abandoned by his previous owner. He is bonded to his two sons, Dusty Bottoms and Lucky Day, meaning he must go home with them. The three degus feel safe in each others' company.

Ned is the most social of the 3, which is good because older degus can be more difficult to socialize. Degus originate from Chile and live in groups in tunnels they have made, so they love to burrow and dig. They require a cage with a deep bottom that can be filled with paper based bedding. Tunnels, caves, and other toys can be placed in the bedding. Climbing platforms and exercise wheels are also very important so the degus can expend their energy. Degus are prone to foot problems, so closed bottom wheels and cages with solid bottoms are recommended. Wire cages are recommended because degus are big chewers.

Ned's Animal ID is 424163.

Lucky Day came into the SPCA with his dad and brother. They were abandoned by their past owner and are hoping to find their second chance at a forever home. The three are bonded, so they need to be adopted together. Lucky Day is looking for somewhere he and his family can get a lot of gentle socialization. 

Degus need to climb and dig, so their cages must be large with lots of fun features to play on. They also require a nest box so they can feel secure. A wooden box with soft bedding inside is best, and plastic should be generally avoided in the cage unless there is something to guard it from being chewed. If you do notice your degu eating bits of plastic, take that particular thing away and replace it with a safer version. Degus enjoy toys made for rabbits and parrots, as well as chew balls and sticks to play with. Degus are relatively low maintenance, as long as their enclosure is kept clean and they are offered a suitable diet.

Lucky's Animal ID is 424165.

Dusty Bottoms came into the SPCA with his dad and brother degus. They had been abandoned by their previous owner and are hoping to find a new home together. Dusty is shy but still young, so regular socialization is necessary for him to become a good family member.

Their diets consist of chinchilla or guinea pig pellets, in combination with unlimited timothy hay, and mostly green veggies. Cabbage family vegetables (including broccoli and kale), are to be given in small amounts or avoided altogether. Fruits should be avoided, and nuts and seeds can be given as a treat once in a while. Degus are predisposed to diabetes so their weight must be monitored carefully. Degus use dust baths, similar to chinchillas. A shallow bowl of dust should be given a couple times a week. They will roll in it to clean their fur.

Dusty's Animal ID is 424164.

Visit the Kamloops Branch webpage for more information such as location, adoption fees, and hours of operation.

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