The Common Degu (Octodon degus), or just degu, is a small, social rodent unique to the lowlands of Chile. Active and extremely social during the day unlike the nocturnal rat, the Common Degu lives in burrows underground dug out in large communities of up to 100 rather than individually.
It is physically characterized by yellowish-brown fur, round ears, thin tail, and figure eight-shaped cheek teeth-- the reason behind its scientific name. People are able to keep the Common Degu as a pet, but it is recommended to have more than one as they thrive in colonies.
Common Degus have a height of 5.1”-5.9” (13-15 cm), body length between 9.8”-12.2” (25-31 cm), and an overall weight in the range of 6-10.6 lb (170-300 g). The tail length of a Common Degu is 5”-6” (13-15 cm). Common Degus have a typical lifespan of 1-4 years in the wild and 5-9 years in captivity.
The Common Degu (Octodon degus), or just degu, is a small, social rodent unique to the lowlands of Chile. Active and extremely social during the day unlike the nocturnal rat, the Common Degu lives in burrows underground dug out in large communities of up to 100 rather than individually.
It is physically characterized by yellowish-brown fur, round ears, thin tail, and figure eight-shaped cheek teeth-- the reason behind its scientific name. People are able to keep the Common Degu as a pet, but it is recommended to have more than one as they thrive in colonies.
Common Degus have a height of 5.1”-5.9” (13-15 cm), body length between 9.8”-12.2” (25-31 cm), and an overall weight in the range of 6-10.6 lb (170-300 g). The tail length of a Common Degu is 5”-6” (13-15 cm). Common Degus have a typical lifespan of 1-4 years in the wild and 5-9 years in captivity.