Publisher's Synopsis
The little rodents known as degus (Octodon degus) are native to the Andes of Chile. Their gregarious disposition, distinct habits, and playful temperament have made them popular pets. As members of the family, degus have comparable environmental needs and are closely related to chinchillas and guinea pigs. Degus need more care and attention than more popular pet rodents like hamsters and gerbils, but they also provide their owners with deep social relationships and entertaining antics. Degus are gregarious creatures that do well in groups. They live in colonies in the wild, which is essential to their mental health. They display sophisticated social skills and develop close relationships with their partners. This intrinsic friendliness is one of the reasons why prospective owners should consider adopting at least two degus to give companionship, ensuring that they have happy and rewarding lives. Their Typical Environment and Conduct Degus live in dry, open grasslands and scrublands in their natural environment. Being a diurnal species, they are active throughout the day, which is a big plus for pet owners who like to spend their waking hours interacting with their animals. Degus are noted for their extraordinary agility and curiosity, regularly investigating their habitat, burrowing, and climbing. They have a sophisticated social system that includes both oral and physical cues to convey their standing in the group.
