Although related to the Chinchilla, the Octodon degus jumps less and is smaller and hardier.
Degu fur is soft and brown with a cream color on the stomach, and the tail has a black tuft.
With the tail included, the degu measures 13 to 17 inches in length and weighs 8 to 9 ounces. Native to Chile, where it lives as a desert animal in underground burrows, the brown degu climbs bushes and trees from dawn to dusk to collect food. With its charming personality, this new critter on the block is bound to win the hearts of pet owners. CAGE and CARE Degus need a lot of room to stay happy and healthy. When kept in pairs in a roomy cage, they do not require more than basic care, which makes them suitable pets for children 10 years and older.