Do Degus Need Companions? Why They’re Better in Pairs or Groups

Two degus playing and grooming in a spacious cage with natural chews and forage

When considering a degu as a pet, one of the most common questions new owners ask is: Do degus need companions? The short answer is yes — this intelligent and highly social degu rodent thrives in pairs or small groups. In fact, keeping a degu alone can lead to loneliness, stress, and even health problems.

In this guide, we’ll explore why degus are better in pairs or groups, the benefits of companionship, and how to set up the perfect shared habitat. We’ll also recommend enrichment products from the Moony Paw store to help keep your degus healthy and happy.

Understanding the Social Nature of the Degu Rodent

The degu rodent is one of the most social small mammals you can keep, and understanding their natural behavior is the key to giving them the best care possible. In the wild, degus are found in central Chile, where they inhabit dry, scrubby landscapes. These clever little animals live in large, close-knit colonies — sometimes with dozens of individuals — that function almost like miniature villages.

Within these colonies, degus share responsibilities:

  • They build complex underground burrow systems with multiple chambers for nesting, food storage, and safety.

  • They forage together, searching for seeds, leaves, grasses, and other edible plants.

  • They act as lookouts, taking turns scanning for predators and warning the group with alarm calls.

This cooperative way of life is essential to their survival in the wild. Every member of the group contributes, whether it’s digging new tunnels, guarding, or grooming each other. This strong social bond is hardwired into their instincts.

When you choose to keep a degu as a pet, you’re inviting an animal into your home that has evolved to be constantly surrounded by others. While humans can provide affection and interaction, we simply cannot replace the continuous companionship that another degu offers. Without a cage mate, a solitary degu is at high risk of boredom, stress, and frustration. This can lead to undesirable behaviors such as:

  • Excessive chewing on cage bars or furniture

  • Aggressive outbursts towards humans or other pets

  • Repetitive pacing or circling, a sign of mental distress

Why This Matters for Pet Degus

1. Mental Health
Degus are highly communicative. They have a rich vocabulary of squeaks, chirps, and grumbles that they use to express excitement, warnings, and comfort. They also communicate through body language, like tail wagging, grooming, and gentle nudges. A lone degu loses the ability to fully express these natural behaviors, often resulting in feelings of isolation.

2. Physical Health
Social play, such as chasing and wrestling with a cage mate, is more than just fun — it’s essential exercise. This activity keeps their muscles strong, joints flexible, and weight under control. Without a partner to encourage movement, a single degu may become lethargic, leading to obesity and muscle weakness.

3. Longevity
Research on small mammals has shown that social living can extend lifespan by reducing stress hormones like cortisol. Companionship creates a sense of security and emotional well-being that helps degu rodents remain healthier and more resilient to illness over time.

In short, a degu is not just happier in pairs or groups — they are healthier and likely to live longer. If you’re thinking about a degu as a pet, plan for at least two from the start so you can meet their deep-rooted need for constant companionship.

Signs Your Degu is Lonely

Degus are naturally energetic, curious, and playful animals. When a degu rodent is kept alone, it can experience emotional and mental strain from the lack of constant companionship it would have in the wild. This stress often shows up through changes in behavior and routine. Recognizing these warning signs early is essential to ensure your degu as a pet stays happy and healthy.

Here are some of the most common indicators that your degu might be feeling lonely or stressed:

1. Over-Grooming

A lonely degu may start excessively grooming itself, sometimes to the point of creating bald patches. While normal grooming is healthy, compulsive over-grooming is usually a sign of boredom or anxiety. In the wild, degus spend a lot of time grooming each other as part of their social bonding, and when that interaction is missing, they may overcompensate by grooming themselves too much.

2. Aggression Towards Humans

A normally friendly degu as a pet can become more irritable when lonely. They might start biting, lunging, or squeaking aggressively when approached. This isn’t necessarily a sign that they’ve “gone bad,” but rather that they’re frustrated and unable to express their natural social behaviors with another degu.

3. Lethargy and Withdrawal

Degus are naturally active during the day. If your degu rodent starts sleeping far more than usual, refusing to use its exercise wheel, or ignoring toys and food, it could be a sign of depression brought on by isolation. Without a companion to encourage play and exploration, a degu’s motivation can drop sharply.

4. Repetitive Pacing or Bar Chewing

When a degu begins pacing the same path over and over or gnawing excessively at cage bars, it’s often a sign they’re seeking mental stimulation. These behaviors can develop into obsessive habits if the underlying cause — loneliness — isn’t addressed.

Why You Should Act Quickly

If you notice one or more of these behaviors, it’s important not to ignore them. Loneliness in a degu as a pet doesn’t just affect mood — it can impact physical health by weakening the immune system and increasing stress hormone levels. Introducing another compatible degu can completely transform their behavior, returning them to their playful, curious selves.

If you are considering pairing your current degu, make sure you also enrich their shared environment with stimulating accessories like natural sprays for foraging, chew toys to prevent bar chewing, and cozy hideouts for shared naps.

Why Degus Are Happier in Pairs or Groups

When deciding whether to keep a degu as a pet, it’s important to remember that these animals are not solitary by nature. A degu rodent in the wild spends every moment surrounded by others — foraging together, grooming each other, playing, and even sleeping in shared burrows. Replicating that social lifestyle in captivity is key to their wellbeing.

Here are some of the biggest benefits of keeping degus in pairs or groups:

1. Companionship and Comfort

Degus are deeply social creatures, and companionship forms the foundation of their happiness. They spend a large part of the day interacting with their cage mates — engaging in playful chases, cuddling in a warm pile during rest periods, and grooming each other to strengthen social bonds.

This companionship:

  • Prevents loneliness and boredom.

  • Gives them a constant sense of security.

  • Encourages natural behaviors you’d see in the wild.

Watching a bonded pair or group is also incredibly rewarding for owners, as you’ll witness a wide range of interactions you could never replicate as a human companion alone.

2. Better Grooming and Hygiene

In the wild, degus use mutual grooming as both a social and hygienic practice. Two degus will often take turns cleaning each other’s fur, reaching spots like the head, neck, and back that can be difficult for one degu to manage alone.

This social grooming not only keeps their coats in good condition but also helps prevent skin irritations and matting. It’s a natural way for degus to check each other for debris, parasites, or early signs of health problems. A single degu simply can’t replicate this thorough, cooperative care.

3. Increased Activity Levels

Degus are active, energetic rodents that thrive on movement. When kept together, they motivate each other to run, climb, dig, and explore. You’ll often see one degu jump onto the wheel, prompting the other to join, or one initiate a playful chase that turns into a full-blown running session across platforms.

These interactions:

  • Encourage regular exercise.

  • Reduce the risk of obesity.

  • Strengthen muscles and coordination.

Pairing this social activity with enriching items like natural sprays, forage blends, and safe chew toys helps keep both their minds and bodies in top condition.

4. Stress Reduction

Having a familiar companion nearby provides comfort during stressful or uncertain situations, such as:

  • Vet visits – They can huddle together in the travel carrier for reassurance.

  • Cage cleaning – Being moved to a temporary play area feels less intimidating with a friend.

  • New environments – Exploring a new space is less frightening when done together.

Companionship lowers stress hormone levels, which can have a direct impact on immune function and overall health. A pair or group of degus is far more likely to adapt calmly to change than a solitary one.

Bottom line:
Keeping degus in pairs or groups is not just a matter of “being nice” — it’s a core welfare need for these highly social animals. If you want your degu as a pet to thrive, think of them as part of a team, not a lone individual. The joy and health benefits they gain from having a companion are well worth the extra space and care requirements.

Pairing Degus Successfully

One of the most rewarding parts of keeping a degu as a pet is watching them bond with a cage mate. However, introducing a new degu rodent to your existing one isn’t as simple as placing them together and hoping for the best. Degus are social, but they are also territorial, and rushed introductions can lead to serious fights or long-term distrust.

To ensure a smooth and successful pairing, follow these steps:

1. Quarantine First

Before any introductions take place, it’s essential to quarantine the new degu for at least 2–4 weeks in a separate cage and, ideally, in a different room. This waiting period serves two important purposes:

  • Health protection – It prevents the spread of parasites, fungal infections, or respiratory illnesses to your existing degu.

  • Observation time – You can monitor the newcomer’s eating habits, energy levels, and general health without distractions.

During quarantine, provide enrichment such as chew toys, forage mixes, and sprays so your new degu starts feeling comfortable in its environment.

2. Use a Neutral Meeting Area

Degus are highly scent-oriented, and territory plays a big role in their interactions. Always choose a neutral, scent-free meeting space for the first introduction — somewhere neither degu has claimed as their own.

This could be:

  • A playpen in a room they’ve never been in before

  • A clean bathtub lined with a towel

  • A completely new exercise area with fresh bedding

Avoid using their cages or play spaces they’ve previously used, as residual scent markings can trigger territorial aggression.

3. Gradual Introduction

Never place two unfamiliar degus straight into one cage. Instead, use short, supervised sessions and increase the duration as they grow more comfortable with each other.

Step-by-step introduction method:

  1. Side-by-side cages – Place their cages next to each other so they can see and smell one another without physical contact. Swap toys, bedding, or chew sticks between cages every couple of days to help them get used to each other’s scent.

  2. Short neutral play sessions – Begin with 5–10 minutes in the neutral space, ending the interaction before any signs of aggression.

  3. Increase time gradually – Over several days or weeks, lengthen the sessions as long as they remain calm.

  4. Watch for positive body language – Signs of acceptance include mutual grooming, relaxed body posture, soft chirping, and playful chasing (without biting).

4. Monitor for Warning Signs

Even with careful introductions, disputes can happen. Keep an eye out for:

  • Lunging with teeth bared

  • Ball fights (where they roll while biting)

  • Persistent tail flicking paired with squeals

If aggression escalates, separate them immediately and return to side-by-side living for a few days before trying again.

5. Move Them Into a Shared Enclosure

Once your degus are grooming each other and spending time together peacefully, you can transition them into a shared cage. Make sure it’s:

  • Large enough for both (multi-level with ample floor space)

  • Stocked with multiple food bowls, water bottles, and hideouts to prevent competition

  • Enriched with foraging sprays, natural chews, and comfortable accessories so they can explore and play together

Tip: Some owners find success with “split cage” setups where a divider allows the degus to interact safely through mesh for a few days before full contact. This can reduce tension, especially for older or more dominant individuals.

Setting Up a Home for Multiple Degus

When you’re keeping two or more degu rodents, your goal should be to recreate an environment that supports their natural instincts for digging, climbing, chewing, and socializing. Unlike smaller solitary pets, a degu as a pet needs far more than a basic cage — they need a miniature world where they can live, play, and interact with their companions.

Here’s what to consider when creating the ideal home for a pair or group of degus:

1. Cage Size and Structure

Degus are extremely active, so space is the first priority. A cramped cage can lead to stress, aggression, and boredom. For two degus, aim for at least 100 cm x 50 cm of floor space, with multiple levels for climbing. For a group of three or more, you’ll need even more room.

Key features of a good degu cage:

  • Multiple levels connected by ramps and platforms for climbing and exploration

  • Solid floors (wire floors can injure their feet) with safe bedding on each level

  • Large front-opening doors for easy cleaning and interaction

If possible, add a large playpen or safe run area so your degus can enjoy supervised exercise outside their cage daily.

2. Chewing Material for Dental Health

Like all rodents, a degu rodent has teeth that grow continuously throughout their life. Without enough chewing opportunities, their teeth can overgrow, causing pain and eating difficulties.

Stock the enclosure with a variety of safe, natural chews such as:

Rotate chew items regularly to keep their interest high.

3. Foraging Opportunities

Foraging is a natural and essential behavior for degus. In the wild, they spend hours each day searching for seeds, leaves, and plant stems. In captivity, you can mimic this by scattering food around the cage rather than placing it all in a bowl.

Some great foraging options from Moony Paw include:

You can also hide treats in a forage-filled coconut or scatter them in bedding to encourage natural digging behavior.

4. Treats in Moderation

Treats are excellent for bonding, but they should make up only a small portion of a degu’s diet to prevent obesity and digestive upset. Degus are prone to diabetes, so avoid sugary snacks and stick to natural, low-sugar options such as:

Use treats during training sessions or to reward calm, positive interactions.

5. Comfortable Bedding and Accessories

A happy degu as a pet needs plenty of cozy resting spots. In the wild, degus sleep together in underground chambers, so providing enclosed spaces in captivity helps them feel secure.

Some great bedding and accessory ideas include:

Add multiple hideouts so no single degu can monopolize a sleeping spot, which helps prevent dominance-related squabbles.

Tip: Enrichment should be rotated every week or two. Swapping toys, chews, and foraging items keeps the environment fresh and mentally stimulating, which is especially important in group housing where boredom can spread quickly.

Enrichment for Bonded Degus

Even when living in pairs or groups, degu rodents need more than just companionship to stay happy and healthy. A degu as a pet is highly intelligent, curious, and energetic, which means boredom can set in quickly if their environment doesn’t change or challenge them regularly.

Enrichment isn’t just about “keeping them busy” — it’s about stimulating their natural instincts for chewing, foraging, digging, exploring, and problem-solving. Well-enriched degus are healthier, more active, and display fewer stress-related behaviors.

Here are some ideas to keep your bonded degus thriving:

1. A Variety of Chews

Chewing is a vital daily activity for degus, both to wear down their ever-growing teeth and to satisfy their natural urge to gnaw. In group settings, offering multiple types of chews helps prevent competition and keeps every degu engaged.

Some excellent Moony Paw chew options include:

Rotate chew types weekly so your degus never get bored of the same textures.

2. Seasonal Forage Mixes

In the wild, degus forage for a wide range of plants depending on the season. Mimicking this variety in captivity not only provides nutritional diversity but also adds excitement to mealtime.

Recommended forage blends include:

Scatter these forages in bedding, tuck them into hay piles, or hang sprays for your degus to work at over time.

3. Interactive Feeding

Foraging is more rewarding when your degus have to search, dig, or problem-solve to access food. Interactive feeding turns mealtime into a stimulating activity that promotes exercise and mental engagement.

Ways to make feeding more interactive:

  • Scatter feed – Spread pellets and dried forage around the cage so they have to search instead of eating from a bowl.

  • Hide snacks inside forage-filled coconut shells or mixed forage donuts for a tasty challenge.

  • Layer food between safe bedding materials to encourage digging and rummaging.

Interactive feeding is especially beneficial in group housing because it allows each degu to find food at their own pace, reducing competition at the food dish.

Pro Tip: Change the type of enrichment every few days. For example, one week focus on new chews, the next on different forage blends, and then on interactive puzzles. This rotation keeps your degu rodents mentally sharp and physically active, ensuring a happier, healthier group.

Common Myths About Degus and Companionship

When researching whether a degu as a pet needs a companion, you might come across conflicting advice. Unfortunately, misinformation can lead to choices that harm your degu rodent’s wellbeing. Let’s break down some of the most common myths about degus and their social needs — and uncover the truth.

Myth 1: Degus Can Live Alone If You Spend Enough Time With Them

The truth: While daily human interaction is important for building trust and bonding, it can’t replace the round-the-clock companionship of another degu.

Degus rely on constant social cues from their cage mates — grooming, play, vocal exchanges, and simply resting together. Even the most devoted owner can’t provide the same type of communication a fellow degu can. A human might visit their pet several times a day, but another degu will be there all day and night, offering reassurance and interaction.

If you keep a degu rodent alone, they may develop loneliness-related stress behaviors such as bar chewing, over-grooming, or lethargy, even if you handle them frequently.

Myth 2: Males Can’t Live Together

The truth: Male degus can absolutely live together peacefully — in fact, many groups in the wild are made up of related males.

Problems usually arise when introductions are rushed or when the cage is too small. Males, like females, need plenty of space, multiple feeding areas, and several hideouts to avoid competition. When introduced properly and kept in an enriched, spacious environment, male degus can form strong bonds and spend their lives together without conflict.

Pairing strategies for males often benefit from a side-by-side cage introduction period and careful scent swapping before full contact.

Myth 3: Groups Will Always Fight

The truth: Degus are social by nature, and true fighting is rare when their needs are met. Most “fights” are actually normal dominance displays, such as chasing or wrestling, which help establish hierarchy without serious injury.

Real conflicts usually happen for three main reasons:

  1. Insufficient space – Overcrowding increases stress.

  2. Limited resources – If there aren’t enough food bowls, water bottles, or chew toys, competition can turn into aggression.

  3. Poor introduction process – Skipping gradual introduction steps increases the chance of territorial disputes.

Providing ample space, plenty of chews from Moony Paw’s chew collection, and multiple hiding spots greatly reduces the risk of fights. Once a hierarchy is established, most bonded groups live harmoniously for years.

Bottom line: Many of the worries people have about keeping degus in pairs or groups stem from misunderstanding their social behavior. When cared for properly, your degu as a pet will not only tolerate companions — they’ll thrive because of them.

How to Bond With Your Degus as a Pet Owner

Even though degu rodents are happiest in pairs or groups, your role as their human companion is still important. A degu as a pet that trusts you will be easier to handle, more relaxed during cage cleaning or vet visits, and far more interactive and fun to watch.

Bonding with your degus takes patience, consistency, and an understanding of their natural behaviors. Here’s how you can strengthen your connection with them:

1. Hand-Feed Treats

Food is one of the best tools for building trust. By offering treats directly from your hand, you’re teaching your degus that you’re a source of good things — not a threat.

Tips for hand-feeding:

  • Start by holding a treat near the cage bars so they can take it without feeling trapped.

  • Once they’re comfortable, offer the treat with your hand inside the cage.

  • Let them come to you — never grab or chase them.

Healthy Moony Paw treat options:

2. Let Them Explore Safely

Degus are naturally curious explorers. Allowing them supervised time outside the cage not only gives them exercise but also helps them associate you with exciting experiences.

Setting up a safe play area:

  • Use a secure pen or blocked-off room with no wires, toxic plants, or escape routes.

  • Add tunnels, cardboard boxes, and chew toys for enrichment.

  • Sit quietly in the play area so they can investigate you at their own pace.

Over time, your degus may climb onto your lap or shoulders voluntarily, which is a big sign of trust.

3. Talk to Them

Degus are vocal animals and will often “chat” with each other throughout the day. Speaking to them in a gentle, calm tone helps them recognize your voice and associate it with safety.

Bonding through communication:

  • Use their names regularly so they learn to respond.

  • Talk softly while you feed or clean their cage.

  • Pair your voice with positive interactions, like giving a treat or offering a favorite forage mix.

Some degus will even respond to your tone with chirps, squeaks, or curious head tilts.

Pro Tip: Bonding is a gradual process. Some degu rodents may approach you within days, while others take weeks or months. The key is to be consistent, patient, and respectful of their comfort zone. The more you let your degus choose to interact with you, the deeper the bond you’ll form.

Health and Happiness in a Group

A degu rodent is not just a social creature — it’s an animal whose health and emotional wellbeing depend on companionship. In the wild, they live in tightly knit colonies, and in captivity, this group structure remains just as important. When you keep your degu as a pet in pairs or small groups, you’re providing far more than just a friend — you’re creating an environment where they can thrive in every aspect of life.

Here’s how living with companions benefits their health and happiness:

1. Lower Stress Hormone Levels

Studies on social rodents, including degus, have shown that individuals housed in groups have significantly lower cortisol (stress hormone) levels than those kept alone. A bonded companion provides constant reassurance and comfort, helping them feel secure even in unfamiliar situations.

You’ll notice group-housed degus recover more quickly from stressful events like vet visits or cage cleaning, often retreating together to groom and rest as a form of mutual stress relief.

2. Fewer Signs of Boredom or Depression

A lonely degu rodent may display boredom-related behaviors such as repetitive pacing, excessive chewing, or lethargy. In a group, these behaviors are far less common because cage mates naturally encourage play, exploration, and interaction.

Paired degus:

  • Play chase games up ramps and across platforms.

  • Share foraging activities, especially when offered sprays or seasonal forage mixes.

  • Engage in grooming sessions, which release calming endorphins.

3. Better Physical Condition from Active Play

Group living naturally boosts activity levels. Whether it’s two degus racing on a wheel or a trio digging through bedding in search of hidden treats, this constant movement keeps their muscles strong, joints flexible, and weight in check.

Active play also prevents obesity — a common risk for solitary degus that lack motivation to move around. The result is better cardiovascular health, stronger bones, and a longer lifespan.

4. Greater Enjoyment for the Owner

Keeping your degu as a pet in pairs or groups doesn’t just benefit them — it makes the experience more rewarding for you. Watching their complex social behaviors is fascinating, from their soft vocal exchanges to playful wrestling matches. You’ll see personalities emerge, relationships develop, and group bonds strengthen over time.

Bottom line:
If you’re planning to bring a degu rodent into your home, plan for at least two. Companionship is not optional — it’s a basic welfare need. Not only will you improve their quality of life, but you’ll also gain endless joy from observing the rich, social world of your bonded degus.

Where to Find Supplies for Your Degus

Creating the perfect environment for your degu as a pet starts with having the right supplies — from nutritious food and safe chewing materials to engaging toys and comfortable hideouts. At Moony Paw, we specialize in natural, safe, and enriching products designed to meet every need of your degu rodent, helping them live a healthier, happier life.

Here’s a quick look at what you’ll find in our store:

1. Forage Mixes for Daily Nutrition

A balanced diet is essential for your degu’s wellbeing, and our forage mixes are made from high-quality flowers, leaves, and herbs to provide variety, fiber, and natural nutrients. Popular choices include:

2. Sprays for Natural Chewing and Foraging

Our sprays collection offers a fun and healthy way for your degus to chew, forage, and stay active. These mimic natural wild foraging, encouraging exercise and dental wear. Favorites include:

3. Chews to Keep Teeth Healthy

Because a degu rodent’s teeth grow continuously, chewing is essential. Our chews collection includes safe, natural options to keep teeth in perfect condition:

4. Accessories for Comfort and Enrichment

Bonded degus love cozy spaces and engaging toys. Our accessories collection has everything you need to make their home inviting:

5. Shop the Full Degus Collection

For everything from daily diet essentials to fun enrichment items, visit our complete Degus Collection. Every product is chosen with your pet’s health, safety, and happiness in mind, so you can shop with confidence knowing you’re giving your degus the best.

Pro Tip: Keep a rotation of forage, sprays, and chews on hand to maintain variety in your degu’s daily routine. Changing enrichment items regularly prevents boredom and keeps your pets mentally stimulated.

Final Thoughts: The Best Life for a Degu as a Pet

Keeping a degu rodent in pairs or groups isn’t just a suggestion from experienced owners — it’s a core welfare requirement backed by their natural biology and behavior. In the wild, degus are rarely alone, spending their entire lives surrounded by companions who groom them, play with them, and offer comfort during stressful moments. When you bring a degu as a pet into your home, you’re taking responsibility for replicating that social structure to the best of your ability.

Companionship gives your degus:

  • Mental stimulation – Interaction and play with a cage mate keep their minds sharp and prevent boredom.

  • Emotional comfort – The constant presence of another degu provides security, reassurance, and happiness.

  • Physical activity – Playful chases, wheel running together, and foraging side-by-side keep them fit and healthy.

No matter how much time you spend with your pets, there are some needs only another degu can meet. Human affection is valuable, but it can never replace the instinctual bond between members of their own species.

If you’re committed to giving your degus the best life possible, make sure to provide:

  • A spacious, multi-level cage with plenty of room for running, climbing, and playing.

  • Varied enrichment, such as chews, forage mixes, and natural sprays.

  • Nutritious, high-quality food made from safe, natural ingredients that support their health.

At Moony Paw, we’re passionate about helping pet owners create environments where their degus can thrive. From safe chewing options to enriching forage blends, every product in our Degus Collection is chosen with their wellbeing in mind.

So, whether you’re preparing to welcome your first pair of degus or looking to upgrade your current setup, let Moony Paw be your trusted source for everything your degu rodent needs to live a long, happy, and healthy life.

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