Can degus eat willow?
Yes, degus can eat and gnaw on willow. The Swiss animal welfare society (STS) says degus always need enough fresh branches and twigs to gnaw on, such as willow. It names branches of poplar, birch, willow and hazel as examples. The Zurich animal welfare society (Zürcher Tierschutz, fresh branches with leaves several times a week), PDSA and Woodgreen recommend willow too.
How to serve it: fresh, ideally with leaves
Sources
- Schweizer Tierschutz STS – Merkblatt Heimtiere: Gewöhnlicher Degu (2019)
- Zürcher Tierschutz (Zurich animal welfare society) – Degus: Haltung
- PDSA – Degus as pets
- Woodgreen Pets Charity – Degus: your day-to-day guide
Last checked: November 2026