In this short series I am going to be consolidating the list of Degu Enclosures from another page on the site into the main blog, then removing the old page.
Here is my own personal enclosure. I am from the UK and my enclosure is a glass fronted MDF enclosure with a small balcony space for easy access to the degus.
After the break!
Facts about the enclosure
200 cm tall
64 cm deep
128 cm wide
28,600 cm total floor space
Kept in the garage (roughly 15°C)
4 sliding windows / doors
3 full size levels
1 half size level
Hemp bedding straw mix
Cost £320.00 to build ($515.00)
What kind of accessories do I use?
Clay roof tiles, apple and oak tree branches, cardboard tubes, alfalfa tubes, nest boxes, reptile dish, rodent food dish, java branches, metal wheel x2, large play sticks, medium play sticks, small play sticks, reptile tunnel, birch tree twigs, hay, kiln dried pine bedding, aspen snake bedding, recycled paper, toilet roll.
My Testimonial on DIY housing.
The enclosure was completed by October 10th 2011; the building process took about four weeks. The enclosure benefits from four complete levels and nine smaller ledges. The ground level can be filled with up to 30cm of bedding (I tend to use about 10cm), this gives the degus many digging opportunities. The first and second levels provide the degus with additional running space as well as room for their accessories. Each level is lined with a pine strip to prevent bedding from falling out while the enclosure is open. The third level is the same size as the previous three, however, the degus only have access to half of it - they gain access to the other half while the enclosure is open. The third level serves as a balcony for the degus to come out and greet their owners for snacks and drinks. I have four glass sliding windows - two grant access to the ground, first and second floor; the other two grant access to the balcony.
I use many branches to allow my degus to travel between the levels. The levels are not so far apart that if the degus fall they will injure themselves. The degus love to make use of all four levels; they're favourite space is in the top corner of the balcony on a java branch for sun bathing.
At the time of writing this, the enclosure has been in use for about 8months. Originally inhabited by two, now four degus - the space available more than suits their needs. Since the enclosure has been built we have noticed a dramatic reduction of mess compared to a wire cage. We are also saving money on bedding, as a full clean is only required once every two months - spot cleaning throughout. There is also a reduction of smells. Most importantly, the degus are living a healthier life style; they are sleeping properly and getting enough exercise and enrichment!
Providing detailed guides on how to construct and build degu enclosure, vivariums and cages. This blog has a focus on stimulating and creating more natural habitats for degus...