A platypus may have up to a dozen camping burrows strung along the banks of its territory, providing numerous nearby, safe havens. The animal rotates the burrows for shelter, staying at each a few days, probably to keep down its population of parasites.

A nesting burrow can be as long as 90 feet (30 meters), with two or more branching tunnels that circle about and eventually lead to the central nesting chamber.

Imam Ali (PBUH) said: Do contemplate before speaking so that you may guard yourself from (committing) errs.

The Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him and his progeny) said: Among all things, the tongue deserves to be prisoned longer than anything else. (Because most of our sins are committed by it, such as backbiting, telling lies, defaming, mocking, insulting, etc.)

A burrow entrance tunnel is barely wide enough to allow the platypus to pass, so that when the animal emerges from water and forces itself through the entrance tunnel, water on the pelt is squeezed and sponged off, and the platypus fur is dry when it enters the main tunnel.

The Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him and his progeny) said: Affliction caused by the tongue is worse than (that caused by) the strike of the blade of a sword.

Both sorts of burrows keep their entrances at, slightly above, or below water level, the entrance tunnel climbing at an angle a few feet above water level to prevent flooding of the burrow. The openings can be difficult to spot, since platypus prefer to build them as hidden as possible in sturdy, concave banks with reeds and other aquatic plants at the water edge, and overhanging sod and tree roots.

Imam al-Sadiq (PBUH) said: Woe to the people who do not support the religion of Allah by enjoining good and forbidding evil.

Platypus are either solitary, or a male and female may live together, sharing a burrow. Platypus build two types of burrows along the banks of creeks and ponds. One is a "camping burrows," an all-purpose shelter for male and female; the other is the "nesting burrow," built only by the female, and containing a breeding chamber, or room, for birthing and raising the young.

Imam Ali (PBUH) said: Ask others to do good and forbid evil and do know that enjoining right and forbidding wrong never draws death near nor ceases sustenance.

Diet is varied, including adult and larval water insects, crayfish (called "yabbies" in Australia), fish, frogs, tadpoles, snails, spiders, freshwater mussels, worms, fish eggs, and unlucky insects that fall into the water from overhanging trees. Occasionally, platypus probe for food at the edge of the water, grubbing under rocks or among roots of plants. A platypus must eat one third to one half of its body weight in food every day.