A friend of mine is taking on quite a challenge. She just got a chinchilla and suddenly is taking over another chinchilla and NINE degu babies because another friend has to get rid of them. She said my hubby and I could have one of the degus (I'm going to see if she'll give us 2, or if I can buy another off her, since they're social critters). I was just wondering if anyone had any experience with them, what kind of pets they made, etc. From what I've read they're very friendly if handled. I'm not a big fan of rodents because I hate getting bitten, but these guys seem so cute!

Also, I wanted to make a setup for them, but I'm not exactly the world's greatest handywoman. Would using 2x4s as the frame be a bad idea, like they'll be chewing on and wrecking the enclosure? I was thinking about using chicken wire or something similar for the walls (of course with a solid bottom). Anyone have any other suggestions?

Thanks in advance!