degu !!

Question
QUESTION: Hi there. my question is, can a degu be kept outside in a hutch? the hutch is knaw - proof and very warm, out of wind and rain, would be filled with hay and nesting material for extra warmth etc. and will have branches, stuff to climb on, sand bath, wheel etc, (the hutch is double storey and pretty large)??? or is an outdoor hutch just not an option at all?
thankyou for your time!!

ANSWER: You don't say where you live, but the temperature fluctuation is too great pretty much anywhere.  I do not recommend you keep them outside no matter how much you try to keep it warm enough.  There is always the parasite issue to worry about (mites, fleas, ticks, etc) that they cannot be treated for the way other animals can be (that's why you don't give them branches or sticks unless they have been boiled).  It is just safer for them all around if you keep them inside.
Good luck,
Carol

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: okay, thanks for the advice! i live in england, bristol. it is pretty cold here :(  why cant degus be treated for parasites the way other animals can? thanks again!!

Answer
I don't know that it is exactly impossible, but the bigger issue is finding a vet who is experienced and comfortable enough to try.  Anytime you are using either chemicals or medications on small animals the dosing is very critical, and degus are not yet high on the list of most common pets for vets to treat.  Even in areas where they are common (more in England from what I hear than in the States where I live) many don't get that much practice just because they are small, inexpensive animals and not everyone is willing to spend much money to get things taken care of.  Owners just let a sick animal die then get another one, hence vets don't get as much experience.  I'm sure in the wild in Chile where they come from they have native pests to deal with, but putting them in an area they are not normally found in might subject them to risks they cannot deal with naturally.
Carol