Common name: Chinchilla

Genus: Chinchilla Laniger

Origin: South America; Found in rocky arid areas in the mountains

Size: Between a rabbit and a guinea pig

Life Span: 8-10 years

Temperament: Unique personality; gentle curious and loyal: how you care for them is how they fare as a pet; Can learn their owner as well as their name and will come when called.

Diet: Specified fortified chinchilla pellet; no rabbit or guinea pig foods these cause organ damage over time; timothy alfalfa hay; small amounts of treats such as raisins can be given with pelleted food.

Housing: The larger the better; wire cage is perfect w/ multiiple levels for climbing. Provide a wood platform to give a break on chinchillas feet from wire also allows for chewing.

Bedding: Aspen shavings or Carefresh^® is suitable. No cedar shavings, can cause irritation; a wooden house should also be provided.

Water: Constant supply; use a glass water bottle to prevent chewing.
A food hopper is a good idea, it will prevent food being tipped over and urination in the food.

Temperature/Humidity: 77 degrees not over; in the wild a chinchillas coat protects them from the elements, but in captivety it makes them somewhat suseptable to overheating, a cooler quiet but not drafty area is preferred.

Lighting: No special lighting is required

Companionship: In the wild they live in colonies therefore they can live with others preferablly from same family; though with appropriate attention from you they can lead a happy life alone.

Sexing: The female's anus and clitoris will be very close together and a horizontal slit, the vaginal opening, will sometimes be just noticeable in between. The male will have a considerable separation between the anus and penis.

Pros: These animals are gentle curious and loyal creatures

Cons: They are very fragile and should be watched carefully around children

Note: Chinchillas ribs are very fragile and can be broken and cruched very easily. Hold close to your body with one hand under there rear and the other under their abdomen or on their back.

They require special grooming instructions as well, they clean themselves by rolling in a special dust that has been formulated for their coat, the dust should be provided often in a ceramic dish or cat litter pan, it should also be changed often.

They should also be given chew toys such as branches to climb and chew, and wooden parrot toys ares suitable as well.

A chinchilla can be intimidated by you if you lean over their cage; so it is best to put their cage on a table or stand.