What type of home does the platypus make?

Answer 1

Platypuses live in an underground ground burrow located about 30 cm (1 foot) above the waterline of the river, creek or lake where it spends much of its time foraging for food. Platypuses are equipped with strong claws for digging, so the burrows can extend into the bank for up to 33 metres (100 ft). The entrance is usually disguised by furrows in the riverbank, or tree branches or roots overhanging the entrance. They will only dig in stable riverbanks, not clay.

In breeding season, the female digs a chamber at the far end of the burrow to lay her eggs. The burrow is dry and the chamber is lined with dry leaves and grass. This chamber protects her young from predators, temperature extremes and accidental drowning. She lines the entrance of the chamber with extra dry leaves to absorb and wipe off moisture as she enters the nesting chamber, in order to keep the chamber completely dry.

Answer 2

The platypus makes burrows in the banks of rivers or streams. They dig tunnels that lead to a nesting chamber where they rest and raise their young. These burrows provide shelter and protection for the platypus.