"Popcorning" behavior in Degus?

[MañasMom]

I am sure some, if not most, of you are familiar with a common guinea pig behavior called “popcorning”. Basically, a little piggie is very happy for whatever reason, and starts up a wild series of running jumps, kicks, spins, and joyous romping.

My question is this: Have you ever seen a Degu perform the same, or a similar behavior?

I have noticed my little girl Imaña has often done this kind of popcorning behavior while she’s out and we’re playing together. It usually only lasts a few seconds, but it looks exactly the same as what the guinea pigs do. I’m just curious if anyone else has experienced this.

I’ve not read anything about Degus “popcorning”, but am curious if any of you have seen this personally, as it is just so similar. It’s so cute! And I guess I really want to think that she does it because she’s happy to be out playing with me. LOL!

[mulder]

my rats popcorn, but i don't recall my goos ever doing it

[Amethystbelle]

I've seen my goo's skipping when they are out, normally when they are chasing each other around

I think its possible for them to exhibit this behaviour as they are closely related to the guinea pig or so we are led to believe. Chinchillas also exhibit simular behaviour when they are out, Ralph and Daisy my pair skip and bounce off the walls when they are out

[laurieb]

Mine would get like that sometimes. When we 1st found out about our 2 pregnancies, they were moved to a huge 1 floor aquarium cage that took up my ENTIRE dining room table. They would run and leap and romp around in there, and bedding would just fly everywhere! They just loved having all that running room.

[mebri123]

mine dont do that .....
sounds cute though

[DorkyChantelle]

I've seen my degus do that too. It's not always as dramatic as guinea pig popcorning but when they're excited, it seems like they can't even contain themselves so they chirp and hop up and down (usually before tearing around like mad). It's pretty cute to see

[Sammy H]

I've had similar experiences with them getting excited and running about like mad all over the cage!!! Ususally involved treats or kitchen roll!!

they get so excited they dont look where there going and often take each other out or smack into each other, or fall off things because they're so excited! shame they can't understand "calm down... you'll hurt yourselves"

[MañasMom]

Thank you all so much for your input and experiences! I am so happy to know that some Degus do perform popcorning behaviors, and am thrilled to know that my little girl likes playing with me!

You're right whoever said it's not as dramatic as popcorning in guinea pigs, but it's so cute!

I am so glad to read about other popcorning Degus!