How to Make Degu Treats

Because degus cannot process sugar, it can be difficult to find commercially-produced treats that are appropriate. This "recipe" is quick, easy and healthy for your degu!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• an oven
• a baking sheet
• a cutting board
• a whole carrot (or several baby carrots), washed
• a knife (be careful!)

1. Preheat your oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit (around 100 degrees Celsius). This doesn't have to be exact, your oven just needs to be at a low temperature.
   
   If your carrot(s) is/are not washed, now would be a good time to do so.

2. On the cutting board, and being very careful with the knife, cut the carrot into rounds that are approximately .25 inches (about .5 cm).
   
   If you want thinner slices that take less time to bake, use a vegetable peeler, and peel slices from the carrot.

3. Arrange the carrot slices on the baking sheet so that they do not overlap and, when the oven is up to temperature, place the sheet in the oven.
   
   If you used the vegetable peeler, take extra care to make sure slices do not stick together!

4. Bake the carrot slices for around an hour to an hour and a half, opening the oven door every once in a while to vent steam. This process will take more time if your carrot slices are thicker.
   
   Slices made with the vegetable peeler should bake in about 45 minutes.

5. When all the moisture is gone from the carrots, turn off the oven, and open the door. As the heat leaves the oven, this will help to dry those carrots just a bit more. Leave the carrots in the cooling oven for another 15-20 minutes, or until completely dry and cool.

6. The treats are ready for consumption! Store in an airtight container and place in a cool, dry spot. Treats should keep for several weeks like this (if your degus don't get them all first!).

Tips & Warnings

• Degus have a tendency to overeat, so an exercise wheel is a must in order to maintain a healthy degu weight.
• Degus love treats, and they also love a challenge. Try hiding these treats in random areas of their cage every once in a while for a little degu entertainment.
• Avoid feeding fresh vegetables to your degus, as most non-dried produce (lettuce, carrots, etc.) contains a lot of water, which can lead to bloating. Bloating in degus is quite dangerous!

[twilson15]

on 3/17/2009 can u give a degu dry fruit or will it hurt them

[DenaEBolton]

on 2/4/2009 I had no idea what a degu was. They're cute! 5*

[FrazzledNanny]

on 1/30/2009 Unique article. There aren't a lot of Degu articles I've come across. Thanks! 5*

[yxkidd]

on 1/30/2009 Very helpful article. My Degus love the carrot treats but they're a little expensive so this was good to know

[genehoffpauir]

on 1/30/2009 Never heard of a degu. Interesting article. I'm an animal lover so I guess I'll add another animal to my list to research. Thanks for sharing. 5*