Chinchillas
CARE Sheet
Chinchilla
(Chinchilla lanigera)
Origin:South America / Andes Mountains
South America / Andes MountainsSize:8-11" long
8-11" longPet Status:Excellent
ExcellentLife span:10-20 years
10-20 yearsBreeding ability: Good, if certain parameters are followed. Gestation period of 111 days; average litter 1-2 babies
Good, if certain parameters are followed. Gestation period of 111 days; average litter 1-2 babiesCompatibility with other species:Not recommended
Not recommendedFeeding:Pelleted food, fruits, vegetables & vitamin supplements
Pelleted food, fruits, vegetables & vitamin supplementsBio:
Chinchillas originate from South America and live in the mountains of the Andes. Wild chinchillas live in nooks and crevices in rocks and they live at altitudes of 3,000 to 15,000 feet. At these altitudes there are massive fluctuations in weather and temperature and their thick coats protect them from the cold, however, Chinchillas bred in captivity are unable to withstand extremes in temperature. In the wild chinchillas have been observed eating plants, fruits, seeds, and small insects, though this diet could irritate the digestive system of a domestic chinchilla whose diet should be primarily hay-based. In nature, chinchillas live in colonies. Chinchilla females are significantly bigger than males. Chinchillas can breed any time of the year. At 111 days, they have a very long gestation period compared to other rodents. Due to this long pregnancy, chinchillas are born fully furred and with eyes open. Litters are usually small in number, predominately twins.
General diet:
Chinchillas have evolved to eat and digest desert grasses and cannot efficiently process fatty foods or too many green plants. A high quality, hay-based pellet and a constant supply of loose hay will sufficiently meet all of their dietary needs. A water bottle with fresh water should always be available.
Treats/extra foods:
An occasional treat of a raisin or other dried fruit is fine, but can easily be overdone, leading to diarrhea, or in the long term, diabetes. Keep in mind that some Chinchilla feed includes raisins as part of the mix. Fresh vegetables (with high moisture content) should be avoided as these can cause bloat in a chinchilla, which can be fatal. Chinchillas also eat in very small amounts and do the same with drinking water. Therefore, overfeeding is easy. Nuts should be avoided due to their high fat content.
Vitamins/supplements:
Calcium has been recommended for some pregnant chins and for many young chins under the age of 1. The reason for this is due to the amount of chins who have experienced calcium deficiencies. Lack of calcium can lead to a chin experiencing seizures and brain damage.
Vitamin C has lowered the amount of gum diseases that chins are experiencing as well as tooth abscesses.
Housing:
Housing is a major factor in the maintenance of a healthy pet. Enclosures can be made of wire, stainless steel, or glass as long as they provide good ventilation, are easy to clean and provide plenty of room. Plastic in the cage should be avoided at all times. Chinchillas are often voracious chewers, and any ingested plastic can cause blockage in the intestines. Wood is generally not good as it is difficult to clean and chinchillas may destroy it by chewing. Since chinchillas are very active animals, it is preferred to house them in a large enclosure, such as a room of their own instead of a small cage. If kept in a cage, the chinchillas should have a large area replete with shelves or other obstacles on which to play. The cage should be taller than it is wide, as the chinchilla's natural environment is very mountainous. Ideally, the bigger the space the better.
Sanitation/General care:
Use bedding materials that are clean, non-toxic, absorbent, dust free and easily replaced. Some bedding materials are wood shavings (Aspen or kiln dried pine NO CEDAR), shredded paper, processed ground corn cob or commercial pellets. Provide a house or other structure where the pig can hide when frightened or tired. Keep the cage on a stand or sturdy table away from cold, damp areas, out of direct sunlight and drafts. Guinea pigs have a very sensitive nature and are also more comfortable in quiet spots, away from noises, stress and other animals.
General Maintenance:
Clean the cage thoroughly with hot water at least once each week. Always remove non-eaten greens, fruits and vegetables at the end of each way and wash all food dishes with hot water at least twice weekly. Make sure that a constant supply of fresh water is available at all times. Guinea pigs need plenty of exercise and love to play. They should be handled regularly and can be allowed to run free, under strict supervision. You can also place toys, ladders, blocks and other materials in their cages to encourage this type of activity. Guinea pigs are nocturnal soy they will also require quiet rest periods during the day.
Health care:
Chinchillas are hardy animals and rarely get sick, however if not taken care of properly, they can become ill. They instinctively clean their fur by taking dust baths several times a week, in which they roll around in a container full of special chinchilla dust made of sand or fine pumice. It is important that if a chinchilla should get wet to carefully dry them quickly because their fur retains the moisture and can grow fungus or rot if not dried quickly with a blow dryer on a low, cool setting OR preferably gently with a towel. Signs that an animal is not feeling well include listlessness, huddling in a corner, a dull matted coat, refusing to eat, labored breathing, runny nose, watery eyes and constipation. In most cases medications are available at your pet store, in some cases a trip to the vet may be required.
Taming/handling:
When picking up a chinchilla, do so with both hands evenly supporting the entire body. Chinchillas can also be taught simple tricks, such as standing on their hind legs to take food from your fingers.
Supplies checklist:
¨Appropriately sized cage
Appropriately sized cage¨Food bowls and water bottle
Food bowls and water bottle¨Bedding
Bedding¨High quality Chinchilla pellet
High quality Chinchilla pellet¨Timothy hay
Timothy hay¨Vitamin supplements
Vitamin supplements¨Hiding place and/or nesting box
Hiding place and/or nesting box¨Chew sticks and toys
Chew sticks and toys¨Book on the raising and training of chinchillas.
Book on the raising and training of chinchillas.One Stop
Country Pet Supply
We currently have the following Chinchillas available for sale:
