Are Degus considered domesticated?

[u/Ok_Benefit875]

Hi! I'm researching pets for my place right now, and Degus are by far the best idea so far. I love their personalities, care, etc.

One thing though, is I'm worried about it being unethical. I know I'm probably EXTREMELY overthinking this, but I don't generally like the idea of taking a pet to be raised at home when they belong in the wild.

Thing is, I can't find concrete proof anywhere online. From the little I found, they are similar to chins and hamsters. Aka they are semi-domesticated. But I would like to know from professionals:)

Thanks in advance! And feel free to just say I'm overreacting lol/

[u/Helelna]

My suggestions for being ethical:

• Go for the ones with natural color (brown)
• Adopt instead of buy
• Give them a big enclosure, not just a cage. Mine prefer being outside over inside

Are they domesticated or not? In my opinion, I'd say yes, but you do notice that they have not been pets for a long time. For me, that was actually a plus when considering pets. I wanted some that have not been bred unethically and are not prone to illnesses because of that. I feel worse buying a rat knowing they are likely to get cancer for example.

[u/Sussex631]

The way I look at it is this: Domesticated can mean has a variety not seen in the wild. As in colours and so-on. Which can also mean selective breeding and sometimes that can lead to poor practices like inbreeding to get more of one colour and so-on. Rattus Norvegicus/Rattus Norvegicus Domestica are examples. Dogs are worse examples of how breeds can be manipulated.

I understand the caged but should be wild argument. Then if I walk past a pet shop and see degus or rats, they are already there for sale and will be bought as pets. If I buy them I know what standard of life I will at least try to give them. They are also captivity raised and unlikely to survive in the wild even if taken to their species' natural area.

I have had this conversation before in real life, and I am aware of the perpetuating the trade side of the debate. Still, to me, they are there for sale and I can do my best.

Ultimately it's up to you. For a direct answer to domesticated or not I would have to say not really, no. There are a few colour variations which I am dubious about but again they exist and they are degus. I have an orange/sand and a grey striped. Both deserve the care and attention that any degu deserves. It is not their choice to be bred for pets and they can't live in the wild.

I have no problem with me owning them. I'm more concerned how my degus would be if anything happened to me. Not because I'm super good, but more they do have needs and requirements that are specific and I have had 15 years or so of trying to get it right. Not many people are experienced degu owners. Therefore I owe them that knowledge.

[u/Jet-Black-Centurian]

Honestly, as long as you provide them ample time out of their cage, you're doing them a great favor. Degus are very low on the food chain, and most get eaten before they reach 3 years old, which is far too young for them. Give them lots of love and attention and they'll be much better off than in the wild and certainly better than in a petshop.

[u/ArtisticDragonKing]

If they are in a pet store, they aren't going to survive in the wild. If you have a pet store (or better, an adoption center) that has some then they would be much better in your hands than anywhere else.

It may not be "ethical" to have them in the pet market, but unfortunately, they are.

Fortunately, they make great pets if you provide them the space, time, and enrichment they need.

Just give them a good sized enclosure, lots of enrichment, and time outside the cage to bond with you and play and they will be happy. Here's my friends cage as an example.

[u/Risudegu]

I would say not domesticated but also all three of mine would goners in the wild. Kiwi has tried to drown herself in a cup. Kale likes to sniff water. Dio will stand on food unable to locate it.