Degu Cage Size: Calculator and Requirements
Use this free degu cage size calculator to review a proposed enclosure before you buy or build it. Enter the internal measurements available to the animals, not outside dimensions that include a stand, roof, wheels or frame.
Degu cage size by group
The figures below show how this calculator applies its conservative full-level method. They are planning examples, not legal minimums. The internal footprint remains 51.2 × 23.6 in (about 8.4 sq ft) or 130 × 60 cm (0.78 m²), while each degu needs a full solid level, including the base.
| Group | Internal planning dimensions | Full solid levels | Calculated full-level surface |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 degus | 51.2 × 23.6 × 51.2 in 130 × 60 × 130 cm |
At least 2, including the base | About 16.8 sq ft (1.56 m²) |
| 3 degus | 51.2 × 23.6 × 51.2 in 130 × 60 × 130 cm |
At least 3, including the base | About 25.2 sq ft (2.34 m²) |
| 4 or more degus | Do not extrapolate from level count alone. Plan a substantially roomier enclosure and have the group, layout and resource distribution reviewed individually. | ||
Important: the result is an educational screening aid. It is not veterinary advice, a welfare certification or a determination of legal compliance.
What the calculator checks
The assessment applies this site’s planning baseline to the internal width, depth and height. It also checks the number of full solid levels, the largest open fall distance, the entered bar spacing and a wheel benchmark of 13.8 in (35 cm) inner diameter.
A green result means only that the entries meet this site’s planning benchmarks. The calculator cannot inspect ventilation, flexible bars, door gaps, sharp edges, coatings, substrate, placement, enrichment or the needs and behavior of individual animals. Groups larger than three need a more generous, individually reviewed plan.
Why published cage-size recommendations differ
There is no single cage dimension published by every veterinary and animal-welfare organization. Recommendations use different group sizes, measurement orders and assumptions about levels or daily exercise. The figures below are shown for comparison, not combined into a legal standard.
| Source | Group covered | Published dimensions and notes |
|---|---|---|
| PetMD, DVM-authored guide | Two degus | About 28 in long × 18 in wide × 28 in high, with multiple levels and access to a daily exercise area. |
| Blue Cross | Two to five degus | 90 cm deep × 60 cm wide × 120 cm high; the stated dimensions refer to living space and exclude a stand. |
| Woodgreen Pets Charity | Two to four degus | 123 cm high × 93 cm wide × 63 cm deep, excluding a stand; the guide also gives a maximum bar spacing of 18 mm. |
| Deguhilfe Süd | Two to three degus | 130 cm long × 60 cm deep × 130 cm high, using internal dimensions and full levels. This is the conservative method used by this calculator. |
Because these methods are not directly interchangeable, do not choose a cage by one number alone. Compare the actual interior, usable running surfaces, construction and needs of the intended group. A local rescue or veterinarian experienced with degus can help with an individual case.
How to measure a degu cage
- Measure inside the enclosure. Exclude the stand, casters, roof, handles, tray frame and any space the animals cannot use.
- Record width, depth and height separately. Do not treat volume alone as proof that the layout works.
- Count only full solid levels. In this calculator, a small corner shelf does not count as a full level.
- Find the largest open drop. Check openings around ramps and through every level, not only the distance between shelves.
- Measure the widest gap. Include doors, corners, removable trays and spaces around accessories.
Why full levels matter
Degus need opportunities to run, climb, jump, dig and explore. Height without usable surfaces does not create the same running area as a structured enclosure. Full solid levels add continuous usable area and interrupt open vertical routes; broad, secure platforms and ramps can support the layout but do not automatically replace a full level in this planner.
Requirements the calculator cannot inspect
- Construction: robust, chew-resistant materials, secure doors and no reachable sharp edges or unsafe coatings
- Ventilation: reliable airflow without placing the enclosure in a draught
- Flooring: solid walking surfaces rather than exposed wire floors
- Digging and resting: suitable substrate, nest areas and more than one hiding option
- Resources: accessible water, hay, safe chewing material and enrichment appropriate to the group
- Placement: a stable, well-ventilated location away from direct sun, radiators and other heat sources
- Maintenance: doors and levels that allow regular inspection, spot cleaning and replacement of damaged items
Work through the complete degu cage requirements checklist before using the enclosure.
Degu cage size FAQ
How big should a cage be for two degus?
This calculator uses 51.2 × 23.6 × 51.2 in (130 × 60 × 130 cm) of internal space as its conservative baseline for two to three degus. Other reputable publications use different figures, as the comparison table shows. Treat the calculator value as this site’s planning method rather than a universal minimum.
Do degus need floor space or height?
They need both usable running surfaces and a structured vertical environment. A very tall enclosure with a narrow footprint and long open drops should not be treated as equivalent to a layout with broad, full levels.
What bar spacing should a degu cage have?
The planner applies the Deguhilfe Süd orientation of no more than 0.4 in (1 cm) for young or unknown animals and generally no more than 0.8 in (2 cm) for adults. Woodgreen publishes a limit of 18 mm. Measure the largest real opening after assembly and use the more cautious setting when age or body size is uncertain. See the bar-spacing and materials guide.
Can degus live in a glass tank?
A standard glass tank is a poor default because airflow can be inadequate. The RSPCA warns that tanks and glass vivariums may not provide enough circulation. A specialist hybrid or custom enclosure needs reliable ventilation as well as suitable internal space and secure, chew-resistant construction.
Does a green calculator result mean the cage is safe?
No. It means the entered values meet this site’s numerical planning checks. Inspect the assembled enclosure in person and obtain experienced advice for uncertainties, individual needs, group conflict or health concerns.
Continue planning
- Review all degu cage requirements
- Choose bar spacing and cage materials
- Plan the wheel and fall protection
- Avoid common cage-planning mistakes
Method and sources
The calculator’s numerical method follows the current enclosure guidance and calculator published by Deguhilfe Süd e.V. It applies those conservative values to both unit systems and allows only a small conversion tolerance for rounded inch values. The additional sources below provide English-language veterinary and animal-welfare context.
- Deguhilfe Süd: species-appropriate degu housing
- Deguhilfe Süd cage calculator
- PetMD: DVM-authored degu care guide
- Blue Cross: degu care and cage guidance
- Woodgreen Pets Charity: degu care guide
- RSPCA: creating a suitable environment for degus
- Royal Veterinary College: caring for your degu
- PLOS ONE: evaluation of small-mammal pet supplies in German retail
The PLOS ONE study concerns products assessed in the German market and does not establish a worldwide legal minimum. It is included because it supports checking actual dimensions and construction rather than relying only on a manufacturer’s species label.
Last reviewed: August 5, 2026.
A design for the degu home
Once the measurements and physical checks are complete, our original “Home Is Where My Degus Are” design is a fitting extra for the person who planned the enclosure. The product is sold on Amazon.com as one of our own Amazon Merch on Demand designs.
Long Sleeve T-Shirt