Degu (aka Kangaroo-mouse-squirrel): a small hystricomorpha rodent endemic to the Chilean matorral ecoregion of central Chile. The name degu on its own indicates either the entire genus Octodon or, more commonly, just the common degu. Unlike many other rodents such as hamsters and chinchillas that are active at night, degus are active during the day and sleep at night, making them more suitable as pets. Pet degus live, on average, 6-9 years with proper care and nutrition. They have excellent visi