Rodents        25 ноября 2018        789         0

Octodon degus. Lifestyle and habitat Octodon degus

Features and habitat of degu squirrels

Increasingly, in pet stores you can meet with the squirrel degu. It is also called the Chilean squirrel degu because of its habitat.

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This rodent is a wonderful companion. According to reviews to breeders, degu squirrels lead an active lifestyle, are easily tamed, have a lovely appearance and are amenable to training.

Representatives of this species belong to the family of eight teeth. Looking at the photo of the Chilean degu squirrel you can be sure that it combines the images of several animals: squirrels, chinchillas and jerboa.

This is a small animal, whose body length is 9-22 cm. The weight of such a fluffy is 200-400 grams. Their skull is wedge-shaped. The nose is flat, and the ears are rounded and wavy at the edges. Eyes dark-colored buttons. Neck stocky, turning into a curved back. Front legs shorter than the rear.

The tail of the degu is 6.5–10.5 cm long and ends with a black tassel. The fur coat of this rodent is rather rigid, painted in yellow or gray-brown color. Admire the beautiful squirrel live can be in zoos.

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This Chilean squirrel comes from South America. They inhabit both the plain and the mountains. The Southern Andes are their home. The settlements of these rodents can be found at an altitude of up to 1200 m.

The animals arrange their homes in the crevices of the rocks. These are family rodents that live in groups. The number of one such group is 10-12 individuals. The life of a hermit does not fit these animals. They cannot live without constant communication with their “tribesmen”.

This information must be considered when buying a degu squirrel. If you buy only one animal, you should understand that it will require constant communication and attention from you. The price of a degu squirrel starts from 500 rubles.

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He sees a degu rather badly, although the location of the eyes provides a complete overview of the terrain. This defect nature compensated, giving them an excellent ear and smell. These rodents communicate with each other in their own language.

High-frequency sounds that emit proteins, the human ear can not catch. A well-developed sense of smell helps these animals in search of food or orientation in unfamiliar terrain.

Character and way of life

Keep the animal to be in a roomy, high houses. The minimum cell size for a pair of degu protein should be 60 * 45 * 40. These animals are very mobile way of life, and they need to throw out their energy. Put the wheel in a cage and your homemade squirrel degu will never be bored.

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Some people like to release their degu for a walk around the apartment. It is worth noting that this can be done only if your pet has become absolutely tame and will not run away. Another tip, never grab your pet by the tail, it has consequences. One of the features of this squirrel is its tail.

In nature, if the enemy grabbed the animal for this part of the body, the furry throws off the skin from the tail and runs off with all legs. Over time, without the skin, the tail dries and disappears, and its owner remains short for life. At home, degu squirrels need bathing in the sand, so they get rid of excess moisture and fat in the wool.

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Therefore, you should provide them with a bath with special sand for chinchillas. You can buy it at any pet store. Ordinary sand is not suitable, as it adversely affects the delicate skin and cuts degu hair. Degu protein should be kept in cages or aquariums. Do not forget about the flooring in their houses. For this purpose it is better to use special chips for small rodents.

They need to be replaced regularly and cleaned in a cage. Do not use paper, sawdust, peat or cat litter as bedding. It is forbidden to use chemicals and bleach when cleaning the house with degus, as sometimes the animals gnaw the bars of the cage and can be poisoned. It is desirable to have artificial minks, clay pots and ladders in the cage.

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All these items will provide a comfortable living environment for your pet. He will be able to play, relax and enjoy life. These animals can not be wetted, combed and cut. All care for them is cleaning the cage and monitoring the condition of these rodents.

Daegu — socially active animals. They require constant communication with the owner or with «tribesmen». If you do not communicate with them, their nature may deteriorate and increase the risk of morbidity.

Handle Chilean squirrels need a gentle and quiet voice. To attract their attention should be whistling or clicking the tongue. Your pet will agree to take food out of hand, only a week after they met.

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Nutrition

Chilean squirrel degu refers to herbivores. The main items on their menu are hay, fresh grass, cereal mixtures with the addition of dried vegetables. Hay and grass for the animal are a source of fiber, so it is very important to give them to him daily.

In the diet you can add leaves, berries and seeds. All ingredients must be thoroughly dried. From purchased feed suitable feed for chinchillas. Store feed contains all the necessary components for proper nutrition of your pet.

In order for a fluffy to grind its teeth, provide it with wood, otherwise the cage bars will suffer. You can diversify meals with cereals, oatmeal flakes, and hard pasta. Daily degu should eat about 50 grams. fresh food.

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These can be cauliflower, carrots, radishes, pears and apples. Sometimes you can give boiled potatoes. Giving food to the squirrel is necessary in small portions during the day.

Reproduction and longevity of proteins

At the age of 1.5 years, the degu becomes sexually mature. The cycle of females is usually 17-25 days. The female’s tee says it’s ready to mate. After 3 months degu puppies are born. Litter consists of 3-10 kids. From the first minutes of life, their eyes are open, and puppies can be considered relatively independent.

True, the first few weeks, children squirrels can not do without mother’s milk. The first intake of «adult food» is possible in the second week of existence. It will be a few more weeks and the kids will completely switch to regular food.

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The life span of a degu squirrel in its natural environment is about 1 year. At home and with proper care, the animal can live for 6-8 years, responding to the care of its owner with sincere love and devotion.

 

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