The latin name for degu is Octodon Degus because of the fact that the worn enamel surface of their teeth forms a figure eight. Guinea Pigs are of the same Octodon family as degus. Although the degu appears to be a rodent, DNA analysis shows that degus are more closely related to rabbits than rodents.
Degus originate from Chile where they live in the lowlands. Wild degus live in large groups in nests build in hedges or under rocks. In the wild they rarely live beyond 4 years but in captivity have been known to live 10 years or more.
The Degu is a tweed-coloured, long tailed animal that bears resemblance to a gerbil or chinchilla. They have a cream coloured tummy and light rings around the eyes. The tail is one third to one half of the total body length. Their whiskers are quite long and thier ears are very large.
| Length of the body (excluding tail) | Around 15cm |
| Length of tail | 7-10 cm |
| Average life Expectancy | 5 years (captivity), 2 years (wild) |
| Gestation | 90 days |
| Litter Size | 3-9 pups |