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When first introduced, most people don't even recognize this charming little creature that looks like a cross between a squirrel, a mouse and a rabbit. Unlike common pets as dogs and cats, chinchillas aren't as well known as house pets. Yet, if you'd love to have a pet but have allergies, you'll be relieved to learn that chinchillas... more »
Chinchillas were originally imported from their native Andes Mountains in South America to be raised for their fur. Thanks to their affectionate personalities and lively antics, they are rapidly growing in popularity as pets. However, although the use of fur as a fashion statement is in decline some people continue to breed... more »
Chinchillas are known for their soft, dense fur. According to Critters USA 2007 Annual Report, the fur is so dense that fleas can't get inside. Chinchillas can only take dust baths to keep that remarkable fur clean. If the chinchilla's fur gets wet, this makes the chinchillas susceptible to fleas and pneumonia. more »
While chinchillas can be trained to do basic tasks, potty training is not one of them. According to the chinchilla breeders of Lowcountry Chinchillas, the animals are going to poop wherever they want. more »
You have done your research and have decided that the chinchilla is just the right pet for you. So, how do you keep your little friend happy and healthy in his new home? The first step is to construct a home that's just right for him. Read on to learn how to do that. more »
Puppies may be cuter, kittens may be cuddlier, but nothing could be quite so impressive as...
Chinchillas are quite sociable creatures and can be housed together in the same cage. Be sure to properly introduce them first in one of the... more »
Once you are comfortable and confident caring for adult chinchillas, you may decide to breed and raise chinchillas. Raising chinchillas for profit... more »
Chinchillas are so adorable with their fluffy squirrel-like tails that there is no reason you would not want to have more. They can also be sold... more »
Most people don't realize that chinchillas eat with their hands and may even throw their food from time to time. (This is only cute when you are... more »
Chinchillas are cute little rodents that bear a strong resemblance to an overgrown mouse. Their cuteness is the very thing that attracts animal... more »
Chinchillas are crepuscular rodents, slightly larger than ground squirrels, native to the Andes mountains in South America. Along with their relatives, viscachas, they belong to the family Chinchillidae.
The animal (whose name literally means "little Chincha") is named after the Chincha people of the Andes, who once wore its soft and dense fur. By the end of the 19th century, chinchillas had become quite rare due to hunting for their fur. Most chinchillas currently used by the fur industry for clothing and other accessories are farm-raised.http://www.chincare.com/HealthLifestyle/JEJ/JEJExtirpation1995.pdf
Native environment
In their native habitat, chinchillas live in burrows or crevices in rocks. They are agile jumpers and can jump very high, up to . Predators in the wild include birds of prey, skunks, felines, snakes and canines. Chinchillas have a variety of defense tactics including spraying urine and releasing fur if bitten. In the wild, chinchillas have been observed eating plants, fruits, seeds, and small insects,"bm"> though this diet could irritate the digestive system of a domestic chinchilla whose diet should be primarily hay-based.
In nature, chinchillas live in social groups that resemble colonies but are properly called herds. Chinchillas can breed any time of the year. Their gestation period is 110 days, longer than most rodents. Due to this long pregnancy, chinchillas are born fully furred and with eyes open. Litters are usually small in number, predominately twins.
Chinchilla species
There are two living species of chinchilla, Chinchilla brevicaudata and Chinchilla lanigera. There is little noticeable difference between the species except that the Chinchilla brevicaudata has a shorter tail, a thicker neck and shoulders, and shorter ears. This species is currently facing extinction."chindk"> The Chinchilla lanigera species, though rare, can be found in the wild."bm" /> Domestic chinchillas are thought to come read more at » http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinchilla
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