Question 1

Which of the following conditions is caused by a degu chewing on cage bars?&#10;A)Pseudomona&#10;B)Elodontoma&#10;C)Red-nose&#10;D)Fur barbering

Accepted Answer

C

Question 2

The hierarchal structure of degus is _____.&#10;A)maintained with much squabbling and fighting&#10;B)determined by the females&#10;C)nearly nonexistent&#10;D)based on age

Accepted Answer

The hierarchal structure of degus is maintained with much squabbling and fighting.

Question 3

For treats, is an excellent choice for degus.&#10;A)puffed rice&#10;B)dried fruit&#10;C)fresh fruit&#10;D)honey

Accepted Answer

Puffed rice is a good treat option for degus because it is low in sugar and fat, and provides a crunchy texture that they enjoy. Dried fruit and honey are high in sugar and can cause dental problems and obesity in degus. Fresh fruit should only be given in moderation as it also contains high sugar content.

Question 4

Sugars that predispose degus to diabetes are derived mainly from _____.&#10;A)dandelions&#10;B)molasses&#10;C)yams&#10;D)corn

Accepted Answer

Molasses contains high levels of sucrose and fructose, which are both simple sugars that can contribute to the development of diabetes in degus. Dandelions, yams, and corn do not contain as high levels of these sugars.

Question 5

Degus are rodents.&#10;A)nonsocial&#10;B)diurnal&#10;C)the smallest&#10;D)sedentary

Accepted Answer

The statement "Degus are diurnal" is true. The other options are not accurate. Degus are known for being social animals, not nonsocial. They are not the smallest rodents, and they are actually quite active and not sedentary.

Question 6

Degus are frequently infested with _____.&#10;A)fleas&#10;B)pinworms&#10;C)ringworms&#10;D)ear mites

Accepted Answer

Ear mites are a common parasite in degus, causing itching, head shaking, and ear discharge. Fleas, pinworms, and ringworms are not as common in degus.

Question 7

Degus are _____.&#10;A)insectivores&#10;B)omnivores&#10;C)carnivores&#10;D)herbivores

Accepted Answer

Degus are herbivores, primarily feeding on grasses, seeds, fruits, and vegetation.

Question 8

Degus, both male and female, are sexually mature of age.&#10;A)prior to two months&#10;B)between 12 and 16 weeks&#10;C)at one year&#10;D)at approximately 4 weeks

Accepted Answer

Degus reach sexual maturity between 12 and 16 weeks of age.

Question 9

There are subspecies of degu, and they all belong to the same suborder.&#10;A)nine&#10;B)eleven&#10;C)four&#10;D)twelve

Accepted Answer

There are nine subspecies of degu, which all belong to the same suborder, Octodontidae.

Question 10

The best housing for a degu is _____.&#10;A)a 20-gallon glass aquarium with a tight-fitting lid&#10;B)a commercially-sold ferret cage&#10;C)a custom-built cage&#10;D)a large dog-crate

Accepted Answer

Custom-built cages offer the most space and flexibility for degus, as they require a lot of room to climb and play. A 20-gallon glass aquarium may be suitable for a single degu, but is too small for multiple degus or for providing enough room for climbing and exercise. Commercially-sold ferret cages and large dog crates may also be options, but they often do not provide sufficient space or may have dangerous openings/spacing between wires. A custom-built cage allows for proper ventilation, easy cleaning, and safe access for the degus.

Deck 9: Degus