Chinchillas. Varieities Standard – Blue – gray color Black – Under fur gray, guard hairs Jet black.

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