Chinchillas
Chinchilla Facts
Life Span 10 – 18 years
Environment
Temperature Range 60F - 75F
Body Temperature 97F – 100F
Gestation Period 111 days
Litter Size 1 – 5 (range)
2 (average)
Weaning Age 6-8 weeks
The chinchilla is a rodent, which is closely related to the guinea pig and porcupine. The pet chinchilla’s wild counterpart inhabits the Andes Mountain areas of Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina. In the wild state, they live at high altitudes in rocky, barren mountainous regions. They have been bred in captivity since 1923 primarily for their pelts. Some chinchillas that were fortunate enough to have substandard furs were sold as pets or research animals. Today chinchillas are raised for both purposes: pets and pelts.

Chinchilla laniger is the main species bred today. They tend to be fairly clean, odorless and friendly pets, but usually are shy and easily frightened. They do not make very good pets for young children, since they tend to be high strung and hyperactive (both the child and the pet). The fur is extremely soft and beautiful bluish grey in color, thus leading to their popularity in the pelt industry. Current color mutations include white, silver, beige and black.

Diet
Commercial chinchilla pellets are available, but they are not available through all pet shops and feed stores. When the chinchilla variety is not in stock, a standard rabbit or guinea pig pellet can be fed in its place. Chinchillas tend to eat with their hands and often throw out a lot of pellets, thus causing wastage. A pelleted formulation should constitute the majority of the animal’s diet.

Timothy, or other grass hay, can be fed to chinchillas in addition to their pellets. Alfalfa hay is not recommended due to its high calcium content relative to phosphorus. Hay is a beneficial supplement to the diet for nutritional and psychological reasons. Grass hay adds additional fiber to the diet, while serving as an item for the pet to chew on other than its fur. Any hay fed should be free from mold and vermin contamination.

Dried fruit and nuts are excellent treats for the pet chinchilla. Raisins tend to be a favorite treat among these animals. Fresh carrot and green vegetables can also be provided, but in moderation. Remember, these supplements to the diet should constitute less than 10% of the food intake.

Chinchillas can drink water from valve waterers or sipper-type bottles. Very careful sanitation of the water supply is necessary, since contaminated water may be a contributing factor in disease outbreaks.

Handling
Chinchillas are not very difficult to handle and rarely bite. Be careful when handling them, however, due to the risk of “fur slip”. Fur slip is the patchy shedding of hair that occurs when the fur is grasped or roughly handled. To avoid this condition, always grasp the base of the tail (close to the body) with one hand while supporting the body on your opposite forearm and against your body. Chinchillas can also be held around the thorax as done with other rodents. Although they rarely bite, they still are capable if agitated enough. In addition, and more likely, they may urinate when annoyed. As with any animal, always be in control when holding or restraining your pet to avoid injuries to either of you.
© 2004 Midwest Bird and Exotic Animal Hospital