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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@j_a_gray I had to google 'degus' - that's one cute creature you have there. Does it lie about being hungry too?
stevenha11 (Steven Hall) Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:19:15 -0000
@j_a_gray I had to google 'degus' - that's one cute creature you have there. Does it lie about being hungry too?
@stevenha11 I feel for your fish feeding anxiety - I never know whether or not I'm overfeeding my degus.
j_a_gray (J Gray) Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:50:07 -0000
@stevenha11 I feel for your fish feeding anxiety - I never know whether or not I'm overfeeding my degus.
@xxMKDxx same with my degus :) but think it's mostly dogs/cats that are not allowed :)
Betina1984 (Betina Aagaard) Tue, 03 Nov 2009 21:51:04 -0000
@xxMKDxx same with my degus :) but think it's mostly dogs/cats that are not allowed :)
Looking into getting a pair of Degus. It's gonna cost about $250 to start off. :)
TinyPenguininja (Christopher Edwards) Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:23:08 -0000
Looking into getting a pair of Degus. It's gonna cost about $250 to start off. :)
My baby degus are doing very well, just want to sort out a website for them to go on, i have already sold two and now a breeder.
Amor_30 (LORRAINE WARD) Tue, 03 Nov 2009 12:53:34 -0000
My baby degus are doing very well, just want to sort out a website for them to go on, i have already sold two and now a breeder.
Breakfast then feed Ant & Dec xD ( our Degus)
nicolechelseafc (Nicole Downes) Tue, 03 Nov 2009 07:59:57 -0000
Breakfast then feed Ant & Dec xD ( our Degus)

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