Discover the perfect degu cage with our guide. We found the Critter Nation excels for climbing and burrowing, while the Little Friends Connie suits deep bedding. Avoid wire floors and plastic ramps.
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Best Overall: Critter Nation by MidWest Homes. The Critter Nation offers a spacious 36 by 24 inch footprint with two levels, perfect for.
Best Value: Ferplast Favola Hamster Cage Includes Free Water Bottle. This Ferplast cage provides a large, vertically-oriented space at an affordable price.
Best Premium: Savic Suite Royal 95 Double. The Suite Royal 95 Double is a large, high-quality cage with a deep plastic base and two l.
Best for Sensitive Needs: The Giraffe Gaffe. The Connie Habitat features a solid plastic base that is deeper than most, allowing for de.
Degus are active, social rodents that need a spacious, multi-level habitat to thrive. Unlike hamsters or mice, degus are prone to obesity and diabetes, so their enclosure must encourage climbing and exercise. Our editorial team researched the best degu habitats considering safety, chew-proof materials, and ease of cleaning.
A proper degu cage should have narrow bar spacing (no more than 1.5 cm) to prevent escapes, be made of powder-coated metal to resist chewing, and include solid shelves or ramps to protect their feet. We prioritized options with deep bases to contain bedding and allow for burrowing.
Why this matters
We found that the most suitable degu habitats combine narrow bar spacing with a deep base, allowing for both climbing and burrowing. The Critter Nation excels in this balance, while the Little Friends Connie is ideal for owners prioritizing deep bedding. Avoid cages with wire floors or plastic ramps that can be chewed.
The Options
Types Explained
Multi-Level Wire Cages
These are the most common choice for degus, offering vertical space for climbing. They have multiple levels connected by ramps or shelves, and typically have a plastic or metal base. Ensure bar spacing is appropriate and the cage is sturdy.
Large Plastic Bin Cages
Bin cages are DIY options made from storage bins with mesh tops. They provide deep bedding for burrowing and are chew-resistant if made from hard plastic. However, ventilation must be adequate, and the mesh top must be secure.
Glass Terrariums or Aquariums
While not ideal due to poor ventilation, some owners use large glass tanks for degus. They prevent chewing and allow deep bedding, but require a mesh lid for airflow. They are heavy and can be hard to clean.
The Rankings
Top 4 Picks
#1
Best Overall
Critter Nation by MidWest Homes
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The Critter Nation offers a spacious 36 by 24 inch footprint with two levels, perfect for degus' active climbing needs. The 1.5 cm bar spacing is safe for degus, and the powder-coated metal resists chewing. The deep base pan contains bedding well.
Ferplast Favola Hamster Cage Includes Free Water Bottle
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This Ferplast cage provides a large, vertically-oriented space at an affordable price. With 1.2 cm bar spacing and a plastic base that is easy to clean, it is suitable for degus. The multiple levels and tubes offer enrichment, though the plastic tubes may need monitoring for chewing.
The Suite Royal 95 Double is a large, high-quality cage with a deep plastic base and two levels connected by a ramp. The 1.2 cm bar spacing and sturdy construction make it ideal for degus. The front doors open fully for easy access and cleaning.
The Connie Habitat features a solid plastic base that is deeper than most, allowing for deep bedding to satisfy degus' burrowing instincts. The wire top has 1.3 cm spacing and is chew-resistant. The single level design is easier for degus with mobility issues, but can be modified with accessories.
Degus can squeeze through gaps wider than 1.5 cm, so choose cages with bar spacing between 1.2 and 1.5 cm. The bars should be powder-coated metal to resist chewing; avoid painted or chrome bars that may chip.
02
Size and Vertical Space
Degus need plenty of room to run and climb. A minimum footprint of 30 by 18 inches is recommended, with at least two levels. Vertical height is beneficial for adding shelves and hammocks.
03
Base Depth and Material
A deep plastic or metal base (at least 6 inches) helps contain bedding and allows for burrowing. Avoid wire floors that can hurt degus' feet; solid floors are essential.
04
Safety and Chew Resistance
Degus are strong chewers, so avoid cages with plastic parts that can be gnawed and ingested. Look for metal or thick, non-toxic plastic components. Ensure there are no sharp edges or small gaps.
05
Ease of Cleaning and Access
Cages with large front doors or removable tops make cleaning easier. Removable trays or deep bases simplify substrate changes. Good ventilation is also important for respiratory health.
Living With It
Care, Cost and Maintenance
Bedding and Substrate
Use paper-based or aspen shavings for bedding; avoid pine and cedar due to respiratory risks. Provide at least 3 to 4 inches for burrowing. Change soiled areas regularly and do a full clean weekly.
Enrichment and Accessories
Add solid shelves, hammocks, tunnels, and chew toys. Provide a dust bath using chinchilla sand (not dust) for bathing. Include a water bottle and heavy ceramic food bowls to prevent tipping.
Diet and Feeding
Feed a high-fiber degu pellet (like Versele-Laga Degu) and unlimited timothy hay. Avoid sugary treats and fruits. Provide fresh water daily.
Social Structure
Degus are social and should be kept in pairs or groups, preferably same-sex to avoid breeding. Introduce new degus slowly in neutral territory.
Health Monitoring
Check for signs of overgrown teeth, respiratory issues, or diabetes (excessive thirst/urination). Provide chew sticks to wear down teeth. Weigh regularly to monitor for obesity.
Pro tip
Our team suggests adding a solid running wheel (12 inches or more) to any degu habitat, as exercise is crucial for preventing obesity. Also, cover any plastic ramps or platforms with fleece or wood to encourage use and prevent chewing.
Frequently asked questions
Can degus live in a glass aquarium?
Yes, but only if it is large enough (minimum 40 gallons for two degus) and has a mesh lid for ventilation. Glass tanks prevent chewing but can have poor airflow, so they require more frequent cleaning.
What is the minimum cage size for two degus?
The minimum recommended footprint is 30 by 18 inches, with height for at least two levels. Larger is always better to allow for exercise and enrichment.
Do degus need a wheel in their habitat?
Yes, degus benefit from a solid, large wheel (12 inches or more) for exercise. Avoid wire wheels that can injure feet. A wheel helps prevent obesity and boredom.
How often should I clean a degu cage?
Spot clean daily to remove soiled bedding and leftover food. Full cage cleaning should be done weekly, replacing all bedding and disinfecting surfaces with a pet-safe cleaner.
Can I use a rat cage for degus?
Some rat cages are suitable if bar spacing is 1.5 cm or less. However, degus chew more aggressively, so ensure the cage is made of powder-coated metal and has no plastic components they can destroy.
A note on advice: This guide is general information, not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Talk to your vet before changing your dog's diet or care routine, especially if your dog has allergies, kidney disease, pancreatitis, obesity, heart disease or any other medical condition.
Transparency
How we made this guide
How we chose. We compared the options on the factors that matter most for Small Pets, using manufacturer specifications, aggregated verified owner reviews and editorial comparison. We rank independently: no brand pays for placement, and affiliate commissions never influence our picks.
How it was written. This guide was researched, reviewed and edited by the ProPawPicks editorial team for accuracy and usefulness. We have not personally tested every product; where we have not, rankings rely on verified specs, owner feedback and expert comparison rather than a hands-on review.
Affiliate disclosure. ProPawPicks is reader-supported. If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. See our affiliate disclosure.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Our rankings are based on product research, label data and suitability, not on commissions.
