The Degu (Octodon degus) is a small, caviomorph rodent that is native to Chile. It is sometimes referred to as the Trumpet-tailed Rat (although not related to the rat family) and is also called the Common Degu, to distinguish it from the other members of the genus Octodon. Other members are also called degus, but they are distinguished by additional names. The name "degu" on its own, however, indicates either the genus Octodon or, more usually, O. degus.

Social behaviour

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Degus are highly social. They live in burrows, and by digging communally they are able to construct larger and more elaborate burrows than they could on their own. Degus digging together co-ordinate their activities, forming digging chains. Females living in the same group have been shown to spontaneously nest communally; they nurse one another's young. They spend a large amount of time on the surface, where they forage for food. When foraging, their ability to detect predators is increased in larger groups, and each animal needs to spend less time in vigilance. Degus exhibit a wide array of communication techniques. They have an elaborate vocal repertoire, and the young need to be able to hear their mother's calls if the emotional systems in their brains are to develop properly. They use their urine to scent mark, and experiments have shown that they react to one another's marks.

Degus are born relatively precocial, and their auditory and visual systems are functional at birth. They are even born with a full coat of fur.

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Die Degus: Es ist schon eine Weile her, daß Frau Birnbaumer-Nüsselschweif mit uns zu tun hatte. Man liest ja jede... http://bit.ly/4w0XZM
bestatterweblog (Tom) Mon, 04 Jan 2010 07:41:09 -0000
Die Degus: Es ist schon eine Weile her, daß Frau Birnbaumer-Nüsselschweif mit uns zu tun hatte. Man liest ja jede... http://bit.ly/4w0XZM
@LtlRedX They didn't know they sold squirrels either. A breeder called them shortly after I asked! They sell flying squirrels & degus too.
purplesquirrel1 (Scott P) Sun, 03 Jan 2010 23:39:33 -0000
@LtlRedX They didn't know they sold squirrels either. A breeder called them shortly after I asked! They sell flying squirrels & degus too.
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