what pet should i get a degu or a rat.

I had rats for years and got Degu's last month.

If you have a LOT of time and money then go for the Degu's they answer their own names and are a good pet but they do need a lot of attention and they're messy. I have to sweep around their cage every morning and night because they throw their bedding everywhere.

Also Degu's have a special diet they can NOT have any sugar, they are prone to diabetes and constantly need to chew on things to keep their teeth in check. Also a lot of woods are bad for them and they can get bumble foot if they 're walking on the bottom of a metal mesh cage. They also require to have dust baths 2 or 3 times a week.

You need to have an entirely metal cage because they chew through plastic and the bowls if you don't get a heavy ceramic one they will pick it up and throw it about. Degu's are sociable creatures and must be kept in groups of 2 or more (same-sex) as they can die of loneliness. They also need runner balls to be let out every day or you can leave them lose but I find this is difficult because they run under the couch and can get out the smallest of gaps.

Rats are much simpler pets and not as messy and require a smaller cage. But I find they aren't as fun.

If you're serious about Degu's go to Pets at Home and they do a Degu starter kit you get every thing you need except cat litter (non- wood) or kiln dried pine shavings. Plus toys and treats. The starter kit is