Anyone here have Degus?

[alm_nin]

Does anyone here have degus?

[PixieStix]

I used to have two a few years ago, however both have passed.

[alm_nin]

I've read that they are illegal to have in some states, but after searching online I can't figure out which states! Does anyone know? Also, why would they be illegal to have?

[AnimalHouse36]

Originally Posted by alm_nin

Also, why would they be illegal to have?

I'm pretty sure because they think that the animals would be able to flourish in the wild if someone irresponsible released them. It's definatly not true though. Some people jusst don't look at the facts.

[Alusdra]

I would be worried that a degu might be wild-caught. I have heard that there is trade in them, though whether it is legal or not I don't know. Why not get a gerbil? They look pretty much the same but are smaller (less space required for housing, less food, fewer and smaller toys), have color variety and have been domesticated for a long time so tend to be much more friendly and outgoing. I've heard that degus tend to be more 'wild' and require a lot of work to get/keep social.

[VoodooJoint]

I feel about Degus the same way I eel about Sugar Gliders; They aren't pets.

Neither Degus or Sugar Gliders do well in captivity because most people don't take care of them or house them properly. They aren't very social with people, don't like to be handled and are simply a "novelty pet" for people that just have to have something different.

A Gerbil is a MUCH better choice. They tend to be more social and are easier to care for.

I wish more people would think of the animals' well-being before they got a pet.

[PixieStix]

Originally Posted by VoodooJoint

I feel about Degus the same way I eel about Sugar Gliders; They aren't pets.

Neither Degus or Sugar Gliders do well in captivity because most people don't take care of them or house them properly. They aren't very social with people, don't like to be handled and are simply a "novelty pet" for people that just have to have something different.

A Gerbil is a MUCH better choice. They tend to be more social and are easier to care for.

I wish more people would think of the animals' well-being before they got a pet.

I agree with you. There are many animals I think should not be bred in captivity-ones that are still similar to their wild counterparts and are usually not given proper care. Along with small animals like sugar gliders, I think of many reptiles this way.

I had degus who were given to us by people rehoming them. They were great, actually social with people. I loved them, and though their care was decent, I don't really beleive there lives were the greatest. As great as mine were, they should just be left in the wild before they become so bred and 'adapted' to human's lives.

I have a friend with a sugar glider (whose previous owners dumped him at a shelter that had no clue how to care for him). His care is so complex- he has a complicated diet, needs a huge cage, and needs loads of time to exercise out of his cage for his basic health. Not an easy pet. They also live a VERY long life, which most people just don't commit to a little animal. Again, sugar gliders would be better off left alone in the wild.

I personally think that they should be banned (though I don't think they should be euthanizing ones that already exist), however should not be bred or sold as pets anymore. There are such loose laws around exotic animal ownership, as in many places it's legal to own a lion but not a pitbull. It would help if there were stricter laws to keeping captive animals. It is selfish of people to keep these animals, who don't receive proper care, for their own gain and enjoyment. There are already so many animals domesticated, who are easier to care for and happier around humans. Just my opinion though.