Chinchillas
Varieities
• Standard – Blue – gray color
• Black – Under fur gray, guard hairs Jet black
White – White fur, black eyes
http://www.fortheloveofchinchillas.com/mutations.html
Characteristics
• Chinchillas are rodents
• Sit upright and eat food holding it in their front paws
• Short ears
• Short bushy tail like a squirrel
• Bark when annoyed
Native to Andes MountainsSouth America
Housing
• Sensitive to the heat, room temperature should not exceed 80*F
• Cage suitable for small animals
• Need levels, they enjoy jumping and running
• House for hiding
• Dust bath 2-3 times a week
• Chew toys
Chinchilla Feeding• Pellet food from pet store• Timothy Hay• Always supply fresh water in bottle
Chinchilla Treats
• DO NOT FEED – ANYTHING WITH ANIMAL INGREDIENTS
• Healthy treats include rose hips, raisins, dried papaya, plain mini wheats, cheerios, loose hay (orchard grass, oat hay, blue grass), and dried cranberries.
• Do not feed your chinchilla fresh fruits or vegetables this can upset their stomachs or make them bloat.
• http://www.uvma.org/chinchillas.htm
Handling
• Cup the animal in two hands to pick up
• Hold animal close to your body so it feels safe and secure
Health
• Chinchillas are very healthy if they receive proper nutrition, have a clean, dry, draft-free environment and are free from any stressful conditions.
• Hair loss – Fur chewing, fur slip
• Dental disease
• Trauma
Information
• Gestation 111 days
• Litter: Average 2
• Sexually mature 5-8 months
• Wean – 6 weeks
• Life span – 15-20 years
• Sexing: Anogenital distance Testicles are evident in the male,
• http://www.chinchillachronicles.com/index.html
• http://www.smallanimalchannel.com/critter-experts/chinchilla/male-chinchilla-or-female-chinchilla.aspx
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