Degu sniffing my nose and eyes?

[firephox]

Hey guys I recently got two free female degu from my local pet store. It's been about 3 months, and I have had experience with Gerbils and Rabbits so I know how to hand tame. It's been going well, one female is really friendly while the other is very skittish. The friendly one I've bonded with a lot, if I reach my hand in she will climb up onto my shoulder and let me walk around. I lay on the floor on my stomach when I have them out to play, and read a book or whatever, but just today the friendly Degu (Who I've named Twig) jumped in between my arms that were crossed so I could rest my head, and started ruffling up the blanket under me like she was making a bed, an then she nestled into the crease of my arm. I thought this was weird, but I gave her some kisses and rubbed my nose on her, and then she reached up and put her nose to mine like she was sniffing it. I pulled away because I was afraid she was going to nip. I rolled onto my side and rested my head in my hand, and then she jumped on to my shoulder and started sniffing my eyes! I let her do it, but I was afraid she'd chew my eyelashes. Every now and then she'd make teeth grinding noises too. It's kind of cute, but really out of the ordinary lol. Anyone know why my Degu was sniffing my eyes and nose? 

[moletteuk]

Hi, welcome to the forum. I'm guessing she would be interested in your nose because it probably looks and smells interesting to a degu and your eyes because they are a potential grooming location. Humans don't have too much fur for grooming so eyebrows and lashes might attract a degu and they do have microscopic bugs that live in them. I have let my degus groom my eyelashes before, the degu knew exactly what she was doing and was very skilful and gentle, but I had had the degu for more than 3 months so I knew her well and trusted her. They will nibble a nostril too if you let them.

It sounds like you are doing an excellent job taming and building trust with your degus, you are honoured that Twig feels safe enough to 'nest' on you and climb on your shoulders. Hopefully the more skittish degu will come around to you too with a bit more time. Maybe you could try some different treats and see if you can find something she can't resist.

[bouncy]

I'm jealous! It may seem unusual, but many on here have goos that climb into their gooman's clothing for a snooze. Personally, mine have never gone beyond running all over me or perching. Keep up the good work!

[deguconvert]

I think you've been fully accepted as one of her family! Like Moletteuk and Bouncy, I say you're doing well!!