Best Degu Cages UK: Metal, Glass and Multi Level Cages

Picks were chosen by product type and the sizes and materials stated in each listing. We grouped metal, wire, steel, aluminium, powder coated, glass, corner and multi level cages so you can compare designs, with details checked on 21 October 2026.

What Size Degu Cage Do I Need?

A pair of degus needs a cage of at least about 100 cm wide, 50 cm deep and 100 cm tall, and more space is always better. Degus are busy, social rodents that climb, jump and run for much of the day, so both floor area and height matter. Multi level cages with wide solid shelves let them use the full space, while a deep base allows digging in plenty of substrate. Allow room for a solid running wheel, a sand bath, hides and hay without making the cage crowded. Bar spacing should be narrow, around 1 to 1.5 cm, to prevent escapes and trapped heads. Before buying, measure the space in your home and check the cage door size too, since large doors make cleaning far easier. Compare the stated internal dimensions on each listing, as outer measurements often include the base lip.

How Do These Degu Cages Compare?

The table compares each degu cage by style and material. Measure your space first, then check the height, bar spacing and whether any plastic parts are within reach.

Which Material Suits a Degu Cage?

Metal and glass are the best materials for a cage for degus, because degus chew relentlessly and quickly gnaw through plastic, wood and thin mesh. Powder coated or galvanised steel cages are sturdy and resist rust, and a good coating should be smooth with no flaking. Aluminium is light and does not rust, though thin sections can bend. Glass enclosures cannot be chewed and keep substrate in, but they need good ventilation, usually a mesh lid, to prevent damp and stale air. Avoid cages with plastic shelves, ramps or bases within reach, or plan to replace them with metal, wood you are happy to lose, or ceramic tiles. Wire floors and mesh shelves can hurt feet, so solid surfaces are better. A practical check is to press a thumbnail into any plastic part: if it marks easily, a degu will chew it within days.

How Should You Set Up a Degu Cage?

Set up a degu cage with deep, dust free bedding, a solid wheel, a chinchilla sand bath, several hides, unlimited hay and a heavy water bottle. Degus love to dig, so fill the base with 10 cm or more of paper based bedding or aspen shavings, avoiding cedar and pine. A solid wheel of at least 30 cm across lets them run safely without bending their backs. Offer a dish of chinchilla sand a few times a week for dust bathing, which keeps the coat clean. Place hides on different levels so each degu can rest alone if it wants to. Wooden chews, cardboard tubes and branches from safe trees give teeth something to wear down. Position the cage away from direct sun and radiators, as degus overheat easily. To check your layout, watch for a few days and move items that block climbing routes or create dead ends.

How Do You Keep a Degu Cage Clean?

Keep a degu cage clean by spot cleaning every day, replacing soiled bedding in toilet corners and removing old food, then doing a full clean about once a week. Degus often choose one or two toilet areas, which makes daily tidying quick. Remove leftover fresh food before it spoils, and top up hay so it stays clean and dry. During the weekly clean, take out most of the bedding, wipe shelves and the base with warm water and a pet safe cleaner, then rinse and dry thoroughly. Leave a small handful of old, clean bedding behind so the cage still smells familiar, which helps degus settle. Wash the water bottle and refill it with fresh water daily. Check wooden items for heavy chewing and replace them when worn. Degu cages with large doors or removable bases are much easier to clean. Watch for strong smells or damp patches, which can mean the bedding needs changing more often or the cage needs better ventilation.

You may also find our guide to large hamster cages and the budgie cages guide useful.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last reviewed: 22 October 2026.