Native to the Chilean region’s arid lowlands in South America, the degu is a small hystricomorphic rodent that shares the Octodontidae family with chinchillas and guinea pigs. These burrowing rodents make awesome pets grow up to 10-12 inches long with their bodies covered in long tan-brown fur. Their bellies are cream-colored, with some having tails with a tuft of black fur. Scientifically termed as Octon degus, this mammal weighs about 180-300g in adulthood, with their weight being directly proportional to their body size.
Fun facts you need to know about a degu?
Before you pick out a degu to be a pet, here are a few facts that could come in handy
- Distinguished from most rodents like chinchillas with nocturnal(night) patterns, the degu is a unique rodent that adapts to diurnal(day)patterns where they are active during the day rest at night, making them suitable as pets.
- Being social creatures, degus live in large colonies of about 100. Studies have shown cases of anxiety and loneliness for degus who are put in solitude. They enjoy being in the company of their large families. Experts advise that one should keep at least two degu’s for them to provide each other company. However, it would help if you introduced these rodents to each other at a young age or place them in separate cages first until they learn to get along.
- Degus burrow extensively under the ground in groups known as burrowing chains to create chambers for food storage, nests for nursing their offspring, and sleeping.
- They prefer to live in temperatures below 20°c. Any temperature above this will make them susceptible to heart stroke. Even though they can withstand extreme cold, degus dislike wet or damp environment.
- Breeding seasons often increase male-to-male fights while each tries to mark his territory. A single male will monopolize 2-4 females while excluding other males from its burrow. When it comes to the rearing of offspring related female degus nurse each other’s young ones.
- Since they live in arid areas, they have a particular diet of dry grass and leaves, sometimes even seeds, on limited occasions.
- The lifespan of a degu is between five to nine years. Unfortunately, out in the wild, they can only last up to about two years.
- Although degus have been frequently associated with chinchillas and guinea pigs, recent studies have shown these rodents may even be closer relatives of the rabbit than the former.
How do I choose a name for my degu?
If you are fascinated by these tiny rodents who reside underground in the terrains of Chile, then you most probably have found the need to name them. When it comes to assigning a name to a degu, here are some factors to consider.
- Appearance -your degu’s fur coat, facial, and body features may give you ideas on what names would be best for them.
- Behavior -depending on their personality and individual behavior, mainly how social your degu is towards you or other degus, it might give you an idea of what to call him.
- Nature-they is generally agile creatures, and each will perform differently whether your degu loves to run on his treadmill or spend his day bathing and burrowing in the sand, maybe an indicator of their name.
Are you looking for a suitable name for your degu? If so, the variety listed below will enlighten your name “hunting” search.
Top Degu Names
Finding the best names to give isn’t as easy as it always seems. You want a name that screams perfection, especially for your beloved pet. Here are a few top names that may pique your interest.
- Aurei
- Cleo
- Daisy
- Max
- Dill
- Paul
- Hope
- Pumpkin
- Luis
- Ebony
- Fred
- Timmy
- Polar
- Rocky
- Giggles
- Tania
- Briana
- Harry
- Sapphire
- Sally
- Rosa
- Debby
- Chris
Male Degu Names
Male degus are popular for being territorial, as earlier mentioned. Some of the names you can assign to them include:
- Buddy
- Arthur
- Bear
- Tom
- Diego
- Milo
- Moose
- Casper
- Colby
- Dexter
- Duke
- Gizmo
- Ninja
- Oliver
- Panther
- Peanut
- Teddy
- Bunny
- Zorro
- Midnight
Female Degu Names
The list below consists of beautiful names you can give to your female degu
- Saffron
- Roxanne
- Claire
- Rosie
- Nutty
- Peaches
- Pearl
- Nutmeg
- Jasmine
- Ruby
- Jade
- Cookie
- Brownie
- Dolly
- Amber
- Buttercup
- Bubbles
- Angie
- Fluffy
- Honey
- Angel
Good Degu Names
- Cheddar
- Cocoa
- Oreo
- Toffee
- Panda
- Rumi
- Shelby
- Serene
- Sky
- Zoe
- Kora
- Alvin
- Trixie
- Violet
- June
- Debby
- Mocha
- Titan
- Tarzan
- Rex
Unique Degu Names
Degus are creatures with their profound rarity. It, therefore, goes without saying that they deserve unique titles to match their nature. Listed below are such names.
- Bert
- Ernie
- Hercules
- Ramah
- Fuchu
- Dolce
- Safari
- Jinni
- Dele
- Aisha
- Chaka
- Aries
- Gusto
- Isis
- Melba
- Bueno
- Keisha
- Amani
- Penda
- Krishna
- Zeus
- Apgar
- Duce
Best Degu Names
Some of the greatest names you can call your degu are:
- Coral
- Crusty
- Pixie
- Hazel
- Butter
- Porsha
- Mali ui
- Felix
- Duster
- Harry
- Jasper
- Nacho
- Polo
- Archie
- Carter
- Rita
- Aura
- Degus
- Prince
- Colt
- Dobby
Cute Degu Names
Getting adorable titles to suit your degu’s charming personality is a stepping stone in your relationship with your pet. These are a few cute names to consider:
- Baby
- Pikachu
- Rascal
- Ting
- Tabby
- Teddy
- Belle
- Muffin
- Dolly
- Fluffy
- Joy
- Jill
- Mara
- Velvet
- Spotty
- Furry
- Pickles
- Flora
- Mittens
- Fofo
- Cassie
- Fila
- Mocha
- Scooby
- Roby
Cool Degu Names
Everyone wants to have a name they can brag about. Your little degu is no exception. This list entails some of the coolest degu names you can give.
- Ava
- Benita
- Karla
- Selby
- Braxy
- Terry
- Fern
- Bunger
- Rick
- Norma
- Dotty
- Badger
- Kiran
- Lilah
- Krystal
- Oscar
- Pierre
- Ray
- Rafah
- Spikes
- Tesla
- Dusky
It is evident from the name compilation above that there is a wide range to choose from. Giving names expresses your commitment and attachment to your degu. It provides this human-pet relationship a personalized touch. As a degu pet owner, you will have the demanding yet fulfilling task of finding a proper name for your little rodent, so dive right in and do the best you can!
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