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Chilean Degu

(engl: Chilean Degu)

Head Honcho

Like the Guinea Pig and Chinchilla, the Chilean Degu also comes from South America. Degus are active during the day and love to climb. They dig underground burrows and build small lookout mounds at the entrance. Sitting on these mounds, they display their position within their groups hierarchy.

Forbidden fruit

Degus can easily develop diabetes and therefore should not consume sugar, which means not eating fruit. Additionally, they must not be held by their tails, as the tail skin, similar to some lizards, is easily torn off.

Degu, Foto: Tom Burger
Degu, Foto: Tom Burger
Degu: Foto: Tom Burger
Verbreitungsgebiet: Degu
Verbreitungsgebiet: Degu
Scientific Surname Octodon degus
Order Rodents
Family Octodontidae
Size Head -till-Tail tip till 26 cm
Weight 250-360 g
Reproduction gestation period 3 month, 1-8 subadults
Distribution Chile
Habitat damp steppe
Food Grasses, Seed, root tubers
Livestock secured