Degu Octodon degus
Animals in our sanctuary
Blumeau
Blumeau has been through several relocations. He was taken by a private owner from a rodent shelter in the Netherlands to live with her two other degus. Unfortunately both other animals died and she was left with Blumeau. Because there were no other degus left in the shelter, she decided to give the animal to Stickting AAP. They contacted De Zonnegloed and now Blumeau can enjoy a permanent home here.
Leo
Leo was bought by an older couple from a German trader. When the couple had to move to a nursing home, Leo was not allowed to come along and was brought into Stickting AAP. Together with another degoe he found a new home in De Zonnegloed.
Winston
Winston comes from a school for special education where he was kept together with another degu as a pet for the pupils. As the school didn't have enough space to place a bigger enclosure for the animals, the management decided to find another place for them.
Rosita
Rosita was found by people and brought to a vet. The degu is not a native species; it was probably dumped and abandoned by its previous owner or it escaped.
Lise
Lise comes from a woman who kept several bird species and a degu. The animals were well cared for, but due to circumstances she had to part with them. Lise can now enjoy a new home in De Zonnegloed.
Where does he feel at his best?
Originally the degu comes from Chilli. The degu was discovered in the mid-18th century in the Andes.
What does he like to eat?
They are herbivores and eat only green fodder. In the wild they live in an environment where there are a lot of dry branches and leaves, so they almost only eat grains, grasses and seeds.
Fun fact
Degus easily develop diabetes.
They dig extensive aisles, where they build a winter stock.
They make squeaky and growling noises to communicate.