Choose activities your degus can use voluntarily, then review what happens before changing the offer.
Choose a purpose
The PDSA degu guide includes digging, chewing and climbing opportunities. Its suggestions include cardboard tubes and boxes, wood bridges and tunnels, and apple, pear or willow branches.
Choose an activity to explore or work on, rather than buying another object without a role. A listed tree species does not identify an unknown branch or its previous treatment; leave uncertain materials out.
Make room for choice
The RSPCA housing guide warns against plastic toys and toxic woods such as cedar, and recommends checking enclosure contents for damage.
The RSPCA behaviour guide calls for enough accessible resources for every degu, including toys and hiding places. Each animal must be able to withdraw when afraid.
Preserve access to food, water and retreats. Check the permanent degu enclosure setup before adding activities; a tunnel must not become the only route to essentials.
Let the degu decide
Let the degu approach or leave. If a tube is ignored, offer another suitable option; do not put the animal inside.
RSPCA recommends quiet, gentle treatment. Changed behaviour or recurring signs of stress or fear warrant advice from a vet or clinical animal behaviourist; do not assume the answer is another toy.
Review and replace
Change optional items without removing essential resources or retreats. Inspect before reuse and replace damage. These guides prescribe no rotation timetable; keep useful options available.
