Can degus eat cardboard?

Fine as a toy, but better not as food. Cardboard is popular as a toy and hiding place, but Woodgreen warns that swallowed pieces can block the digestive tract. Germany’s Veterinary Association for Animal Welfare (TVT) suggests a cardboard maze, the Swiss animal welfare society (STS) cardboard items mixed into the bedding, and the Zurich animal welfare society (Zürcher Tierschutz) cardboard tubes as hideouts and for hiding food. PDSA, the RSPCA and Woodgreen also suggest cardboard tubes, boxes and cardboard toys. Your degu shouldn’t eat it, though – Woodgreen advises keeping a close eye on degus with cardboard or paper.

Good to know: The Swiss animal welfare society (STS) says a degu that is visibly ill or not eating must be seen by a vet without delay. PDSA adds that you should contact your vet as soon as possible if you notice anything unusual.