Search results
- Dictionarychinchilla/tʃɪnˈtʃɪlə/
noun
- 1. a small South American rodent with soft grey fur and a long bushy tail.
- 2. a cat or rabbit of a breed with silver-grey or grey fur.
Powered by Oxford Dictionaries
Chinchillas are either of two species (Chinchilla chinchilla and Chinchilla lanigera) [4] of crepuscular rodents of the parvorder Caviomorpha, and are native to the Andes mountains in South America. [5] They live in colonies called "herds" at high elevations up to 4,270 m (14,000 ft).
- Is a Chinchilla the Right Pet for You? As lovely as chinchillas are, they are not the right pet for everyone. Find out about the unique characteristics of chinchillas, and their pros and cons as pets, to help decide whether a chinchilla is a right pet for you.
- Choose a Healthy Chinchilla. Avoid taking home a chinchilla that shows common signs and symptoms of illness, stress, or other problems. While some health problems can be hidden, anybody can do a quick check for some common signs of illness or other problems.
- Choose a Chinchilla Cage. Being active animals, chinchillas need a large, roomy cage, ideally with multiple levels. It's best to have a cage set up and ready to go before you bring your chinchilla home to make the transition to your home that much easier.
- Feeding Chinchillas. Chinchillas need a good-quality diet meant for chinchillas to stay healthy. Their digestive system is designed for foods very high in fiber, so a good high fiber diet and plenty of grass hay is the cornerstone of a good chinchilla diet.
- Chinchilla Behavior and Temperament
- Size Information
- Housing
- What Do Chinchillas Eat and Drink?
- Common Health Problems
- Training
- Exercise
- Grooming
- Upkeep Costs
- Pros and Cons of Keeping A Chinchilla as A Pet
Chinchillas are largely nocturnal, which means they will be most active at night. Sometimes they are called crepuscular, meaning their activity peaks at dawn and dusk. In any case, they should be kept in a fairly quiet area during the day. And while they are mostly quiet animals, their nighttime movements might keep some people awake if their enclo...
Chinchillas usually stretch around 9 to 14 inches long with their tail adding a few more inches. They typically weigh less than 2 pounds, with the females being slightly larger than the males.
Chinchillas are perhaps best known for their incredibly soft, thick, luxurious fur. In the wild, this fur protects them from the elements. But in captivity, it makes them somewhat susceptible to overheating. This must be considered when deciding where to place your chinchilla in the house. The temperature should remain between 65 and 80 degrees Fah...
Chinchillas are herbivores and have specific dietary requirements. They require a lot of roughage, so their diet should mainly consist of good-quality grass hay, such as timothy hay. Feed an unlimited amount of hay each day, making sure some is always available. You can use a special hay feeder called a hopper, or simply pile it on the enclosure fl...
Chinchillas are subject to a few common health problems, including: 1. Respiratory infections 2. Digestive issues 3. Heat stroke 4. Skin problems 5. Overgrown or impacted teeth 6. Bite wounds and other injuries If your chinchilla is showing signs of illness, immediately consult a veterinarian. Meanwhile, keep it in a quiet spot and avoid handling i...
The most common training people do with chinchillas is hand-taming. To do so, always move slowly around your chinchilla, as sudden movements can startle it. You can attract it to your hands by holding a favorite treat. Get your chinchilla accustomed to gentle petting before attempting to pick it up. To attempt picking it up, let it walk onto your h...
Chinchillas need lots of activity to keep them mentally stimulated and physically fit, warding off health issues such as obesity. This means you'll need a variety of toys for chinchillasto keep them busy and active. And you'll especially need safe items for chewing to wear down their continuously growing teeth. Besides toys marketed specifically fo...
Chinchillas should never be bathed in water. As natives of arid climates, chinchillas need access to a dust bathto maintain a healthy coat and skin. The sand mixture absorbs excess oils and removes dirt. Purchase commercial chinchilla dust, and add a couple of inches to a container that your chinchilla can easily fit in. Place the container in the ...
The primary regular costs for a chinchilla will be its diet and bedding. Expect to pay around $25 per month, depending on the varieties you choose and how large your enclosure is. You’ll also regularly have to replace chew toys and other worn items at a cost of around $10 to $20. Plus, be sure to budget for routine veterinary care and emergencies.
Chinchillas are interesting pets that can be entertaining to watch and friendly when properly socialized. They’re also fairly quiet and don’t take up a lot of space. However, many chinchillas do require lots of patience and effort when it comes to taming them. They sleep during the day, so they wouldn’t be a good companion for someone who wants to ...
- 2 min
Chinchilla defined and explained with descriptions. Chinchilla is a small, furry animal, similar to a guinea pig. Chinchillas are widely used for their fur.
Sep 23, 2024 · chinchilla, (genus Chinchilla), either of two South American species of medium-sized rodents long valued for their extremely soft and thick fur. Once very common, chinchillas were hunted almost to extinction. They remain scarce in the wild but are raised commercially and also sold as housepets.
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Learn about the chinchilla, a small, furry rodent native to the Andes mountains of South America. Find out about its history, description, diet, behavior, reproduction and conservation status.
Sep 14, 2023 · Learn about chinchillas' origin, habitat, characteristics, behavior, diet, and care in this comprehensive guide. Chinchillas are adorable and endangered rodents that make wonderful pets, but they require special attention and a spacious environment.
