Degu sounds: chirps, warbles and what they mean

What sounds do degus make and what do they mean?

Degus talk a lot. PDSA says they can be very vocal, squeaking and chirruping throughout the day, and because degus are awake in the day and asleep at night, you hear most of it. They live in close family groups and use sound to greet each other, keep in touch, warn of danger and settle disputes. Vets and welfare charities cover only a few degu sounds in detail, so we have kept to the ones good sources describe, and we say where a source is weaker.

The table draws on PDSA, Chewy, Vet Karlsruhe and the Furry Critter Network. Our guide to degu behaviour and body language covers the postures that go with these sounds.

Why is my degu warbling?

Because it is happy. Chewy says that a warbling or chirping degu is happy and content. The Furry Critter Network describes warbling, musical chirps as the greeting degus give when they meet up again after time apart. You are most likely to hear warbling when food arrives, during play, or when cage mates are reunited. Our guide to degu enrichment has ideas that bring out the happy noises.

Why is my degu chirping all the time?

Because that is how degus keep in touch. PDSA says degus squeak and chirrup throughout the day, and the Furry Critter Network describes soft, short contact chirps that awake degus make almost all the time so the group knows where everyone is. It is normal background chatter, not a sign anything is wrong. A degu kept alone has nobody to chirp to, which is one reason PDSA says degus need the company of other degus to be truly happy.

Why is my degu squeaking?

It depends on the kind of squeak. Steady squeaking and chirruping through the day is normal chat. Chewy says a rapid succession of squeaks usually means a scared degu, and advises checking on it. A squeak that comes when you touch one spot, or one that keeps happening for no clear reason, may mean pain and is worth a vet check.

What is a degu alarm call?

An alarm call is a degu's warning that danger is near. The Furry Critter Network describes alarm calls as sharp, loud, high-pitched sounds that make every degu in earshot freeze, flatten or bolt for cover. Chewy also mentions degus freezing in place, and suggests looking for the cause or moving a frozen degu back to its familiar cage.

1. Look for the trigger. Likely causes are a sudden noise, another pet near the cage, or a movement or shadow overhead.
2. Keep calm. The RSPCA asks owners to be quiet and gentle around degus, and never to shout at them, as it makes them more nervous.
3. Make sure there is cover. The RSPCA says degus need safe hiding places and nest boxes so they can hide whenever they feel afraid.
4. Fix repeat triggers. One alarm now and then is normal. If the same thing keeps setting them off, move the cage or the trigger, as repeated alarms stress the whole group.

Why is my degu chattering its teeth?

Because it is annoyed. Chewy says an annoyed degu might chatter its teeth, and that it can sound like grinding. Give it space and do not try to pick it up. PDSA warns that constant teeth chattering when introducing degus is a sign of aggression and means you should separate them. Our guide on how to tame and handle a degu explains how to build trust so chattering at you becomes rare.

Why are my degus squealing and fighting?

Usually a squabble over rank, food or space. The Furry Critter Network lists teeth chattering, loud harsh squealing and rapid, clipped grunting as aggressive sounds, and says they are expected during introductions and should fade as the group settles. Persistent or escalating fights need you to step in, and Chewy advises separating degus if fighting breaks out.

• Short squabbles that end with grooming or sleeping together: normal.
• Constant teeth chattering between two degus: separate them, PDSA says.
• Locked, rolling fights with harsh squealing: separate now.
• Any blood, bitten ears or tail, or one degu hiding all the time: separate now.

What does it mean when a degu cries or whimpers?

It can mean pain or distress. The Furry Critter Network describes a degu in pain making a high-pitched, repetitive whimper or cry that sounds sustained and plaintive, quite different from an alarm call, and says to treat it as urgent. This source describes itself as opinion only, and we found no vet or charity source on degu pain sounds, so take it as a guide rather than a rule. Our view is simple: if a degu cries and you cannot see why, check it over and ring a vet.

Which degu noises mean you should see a vet?

Breathing noises, sneezing, crying, and a chatty degu going quiet. PDSA lists eye and nose discharge, sneezing, difficulty breathing and reduced appetite as signs of respiratory problems in degus. Vet Karlsruhe, a small-animal veterinary practice, lists sneezing and nasal discharge with colds, and rapid breathing, wheezing or other breathing difficulty with respiratory infections, and warns that shortness of breath can be life-threatening.

Vet Karlsruhe also says degus tend to hide signs of illness until they are seriously ill, so it advises owners to see a vet promptly. The Furry Critter Network notes that a drop in chatter from a normally vocal degu is worrying. Our degu health guide covers the other signs to watch, including dental problems and diabetes.

Are degus noisy at night?

Not usually. PDSA and the RSPCA both say degus are awake during the day and asleep at night, the opposite of hamsters. The RSPCA asks owners to keep lighting to regular hours and avoid lights left on late into the night. So most of the chirping, warbling, digging and wheel running happens while you are up. If your degus are noisy late at night, check the room is properly dark and quiet. Our guides to degus as pets and complete degu care explain how their day-active timetable fits a family home.