guinea pis and degus

Question
I have a large cage for my 2 DEGUS. It has a solid bottom level and 2 split levels on top. I have a hanging hammock in there as well as numerous toys and climbing stuff.
My question is can I add 2 guinea pigs to their cage? The 2 guinea pigs live together, but my friend is getting rid of them, I am willing to take them, but really don't want to be getting another large cage.
I have seen many sites, but the answers are split for and against combining them.

Answer

momma Texel I have to admit I don't know much about Degus other than a fellow cavy breeder tried to sell me a couple. They appear to be much like guinea pigs in that they are social, live in herds, nurse each other's young, chew constantly because of continuously growing teeth, and are diurnal. All of this you already know, of course.

My impression is that they probably would get along okay. I don't think the pigs would climb the split levels as they aren't much for climbing.  

Degus are closely related to Chinchillas, are they not? Here is a picture of a friend's Texel guinea pig with a single baby of her own. The momma Chin died shortly after giving birth to the single little orphan. My friend took a leap of faith and put the shivering little Chin in with the Texel. Momma Texel nursed and raised the Chin as though it was her own. She might have wondered how come her new baby had a tail, but other than that she saw no difference.

The best way to find out is to take the guinea pigs and give it a try. You should know within an hour if it's going to work. I have a feeling it just might.

The only other consideration would be the feed. What type of feed do Degus eat? Are they like rabbits and can make their own Vit C?  If they are you may want to try separating the feed bowls. Put the Degus feeders up at the top level and the cavy feed down below.  I'd be very interested to see pictures of the four and know how they're doing.