Chinchillas
Housing
Chinchillas must be kept in an area that is well lit, adequately ventilated and kept cool and dry. They do not tolerate heat or humidity and they thrive at lower temperatures. The optimal temperature is 60F to 70F.
Wire mesh cages are typically used for chinchillas, with or without a solid floor. Glass aquariums or plastic containers can be used, but with caution due to their poor ventilation. If these containers are used, watch for the development of scruffy fur as an indication of impending problems. Wooden cages should not be used since chinchillas are noted gnawers. These animals tend to be very active and acrobatic, thus requiring a lot of space. An ideal enclosure would measure at least 6ft x 6ft x 3ft with a one foot square nest box.

Dust baths should be provided at least once or twice weekly. These must be large and deep enough to allow the chinchillas to roll over in it. Finely powdered volcanic ash is used to keep the fur clean and well groomed. Several brands of “chinchilla dust” are marketed. A home-made alternative consists of 9 parts of silver sand to 1 part of Fuller’s earth. This bath should only be provided for a short time during the day, otherwise there would be a perpetual dust cloud in the cage.

Chinchillas tend not to get along well when housed together, with the female being the more aggressive gender. Breeders and pelters commonly set up polygamous colonies with one male having access to five or so females maintained in separate cages. The male has a tunnel along the back of the female’s cages, which enables him to enter any cage at will. The females cannot pass through the tunnel because they are fitted with lightweight collars that are just a little wider than the cage opening.

Breeding
Chinchillas will breed throughout the year, with the main breeding season being between November and May. Estrous cycles vary from 30 to 50 days. Many female chinchillas have irregular cycles.

The female chinchilla can be quite aggressive towards the male. For this reason, males are given the opportunity to escape from the female’s cage. This is accomplished by placing a collar around the female’s neck and having a small exit hole that the male cam climb through, but the female wearing a collar cannot. Many breeders set up several female chinchilla cages in a row with a pathway located in back allowing free access to several females by the single male; this practice is known as harem breeding. Up to 20% of all females may never breed, which is often due to incompatibility with the male. In cases such as this, changing of the male may raise the conception rate.

The gestation period is 111 days on the average, with a range of 105-115 days. There are no obvious signs of impending parturition (giving birth). Most births, however, take place in the morning. Usually two babies are born, but litter size varies between one and five.
© 2008 Midwest Bird and Exotic Animal Hospital