Degus were transported to Europe and North America from Chile, where they live from the West Coast to the Andes Mountains. The primary reason for this transportation was that the animals were used in laboratories to test diabetes on them. They were used because of their lacking ability to digest sugar.

Chile

The Andes Mountains stretch over 5500 miles from the southern tip of Argentina and Chile to the northern part of Columbia in South America. With many peaks and active volcanoes over 20,000 feet, including the highest peak Cerro Aconcagua (elevation 22,826, located on the Chile and Argentina border) this majestic region is second only to the Himalayas in size and average elevation.

The Andes Mountains

In Europe, degus are available in most countries. In America, however, they are less often found in pet shops, caused by the import restriction placed on the species and they are considered to be exotic. Meaning the pet shops have to own an exotic pet license, but they are really expensive, so most do not.

However, you can find some shops that do carry them or breeders. They range anywhere from free I have seen up to $40, but average is about $20.

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