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A chinchilla might be compared as a squirrel-like rodent about the size of a dwarf rabbit. It has mouse-like ears, whiskers, a long, furry tail, and a short, round body. A chinchilla moves on four legs, but relies on its back legs for propulsion. It can jump, hop and ricochet off of different obstacles. It uses its front legs to handle food or to examine its environment, as well as using its nose to smell, its large ears to hear, and its teeth to nibble on things.
Chinchillas are native to the Andes Mountains of South America (Peru, Chile, Bolivia, and Argentina). Their name is from the ancient Chincha Indians who used to hunt and trap them.
A chinchillas fur is soft and thick. It has been raised domestically for the fur market for many years. Chinchillas were first brought to America in the early 1900s, the most noted of which was a small group of animals brought in by Mathias F. Chapman, who developed one of the first successful ranches. Today, chinchilla ranches raise animals for fur, research, showmanship, and the live animal market. Chinchillas have since been invited into the hearts of many pet owners.
Chinchillas come in an assortment of colors, the traditional color being a blue-gray agouti fur color with a white belly (agouti meaning it has a banded hair with a colored tip, a white band, and colored underfur). This is the standard. Other popular colors include black velvet, beige, white, ebony, violet, and sapphire. With the popularity of the pet market, there are also many hybrids (blends) of these colors available, including brown velvet, pink white, tan, and more.
Chinchillas are friendly animals, but they are not likely to curl up in your lap. They are energetic and curious and hard to calm down when they are having a good time. They generally do not like to be held. They would rather be free to run around on their own while you watch them play. Chinchillas are not recommended for very young children, but may make good pets for a responsible young adult with supervision and the assistance of a parent or guardian. If you are looking for a pet that you can sit back and enjoy in quiet solitude while his antics amuse you, chins might be ideal for you.
With good, essential care, chinchillas are hardy and robust and resistant to common parasites like fleas or ticks, but there are some ailments all chinchilla owners should be aware of: malocclusion, seizures, fur-chewing, and fur fungus.
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Malocclusion is the misalignment of teeth, which makes it so that teeth grow incorrectly and the animal cannot eat and eventually starves. It may occur at any time during the animal's lifetime. It is usually genetic and there is no way to guarantee against genetic malocclusion (though at times a breeder may offer a replacement animal). It can also result from playing in unsafe play areas, such as knocking a tooth out of alignment during an accidental fall or drop. Symptoms include irregular-looking teeth, drooling, teary eyes, and/or lack of appetite. Chinchillas may also get unrelated eye infections, so it is best to verify the condition with a vet. Vets can sometimes treat malocclusion by cutting or filing down the teeth, but often the animal must be euthanized. |
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Seizures are usually caused by nutritional deficiencies, which is why it is important to use fresh, high-quality chinchilla pellets. Good quality water is also beneficial to health. |
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Fur-chewing, though not outright dangerous to the animal, is not attractive because chewing the fur makes it look rough and patchy. It may also indicate stress, boredom, or other illnesses. |
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Sometimes what looks like fur-chewing is actually fur fungus (such as ringworm) and can be identified by bare patches of skin, red or swollen skin, lesions, etc. Chinchillas require a cool, dry environment. High temperatures (into the 80s) and high humidity levels (into the 70s) encourage fungus, respiratory illness, and heat stroke. Air-conditioned living environments are a must if you live where it becomes hot and humid at any time during the year. |
Chinchillas generally do not bite, except to nibble or explore. They will bite if provoked or mishandled.
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