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Information by Kymberley from Year 5B at Rochedale State School.
The Year 1 children have made up a neat story about Penny the Platypus.
Click here if you'd like to read their story.
Here's some more info by Mary all the way from the USA. Click
here to have a look.
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HABITAT
 The platypus (ornithorhynchus) is found only in Australia. It lives in fresh water swamps
and rivers. They dig burrows, in the banks of creeks and rivers, up to 26 metres long. At the end is a sleeping chamber. All the entrances to the burrows are always
above the water level and are well hidden from their enemies. The platypus lives in both hot and cold climates.
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FEEDING
A baby platypus feeds on its mother's milk, but when it gets older, the platypus finds all of its food in the water. The platypuses diet is yabbies, worms,
insects, fish eggs and water plants. It usually feeds early in the morning and late in the afternoon. The platypus uses its bill to turn over rocks and stones to find
food. Because it has no teeth, the platypus uses horny pads in its jaws to grind up food. |
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The platypus is a mammal that lays eggs (a monotreme). She lines her nest with leaves and grass and keeps the
eggs warm so they will hatch after 6 - 10 days. Platypus have webbed and clawed feet to help them swim and search for food. The male platypus has a poisonous spur
on its back legs. Platypus have a bill made of soft leathery skin, and flat bristly tail they use to steer when they swim. The platypus has two layers of thick,
brown waterproof fur to help keep it warm and dry in the water. |
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INFORMATION AND INTERESTING HABITS
The platypus can stay under water for up to 10 minutes but it cannot breathe under water. When the platypus is not hunting or swimming, it loves to groom itself
with its claws. The platypus is hunted by snakes, tiger cats, goannas, foxes and water rats.
Its poisonous spur can kill a small animal. The platypus used to be hunted for its fur but it is now protected by the law
because it is close to becoming extinct. |
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Click here for some questions about the Platypus |
 Click here to return to Australian Animal's Page
Click here to
return to Rochedale State School's Home Page
These pages are maintained and created by Glenda Crew.
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