Chinchilla: care and maintenance at home

Chinchillas are adorable pets, but they are very cautious and shy. A chinchilla lives at home for 6–10 years. Female chinchillas are usually larger than males. Body weight varies from 400 to 600 g.

Long-tailed chinchillas are naturally found in the Andes Mountains in South America. These rodents are known for their long ears and soft, luxurious fur. Chinchillas have the thickest fur of all land animals - more than 20,000 hairs per cm2. In most animals, each hair grows from a separate hair follicle, while in chinchillas there are more than 50 hairs in each. It is not surprising that a real hunt began for their unusual skins.

The history of trade in these skins began in the 15th century and by the end of the 19th century, chinchillas practically disappeared from the wild. Nowadays, chinchillas are increasingly bred as pets.

Complementary food for chinchillas

And you need to know exactly what to feed your chinchilla mother at home so that the babies develop correctly and grow up healthy.
During pregnancy and feeding babies, you should try to make her food more nutritious and add the necessary vitamins. It is at such a crucial moment that you need to ensure that her nutrition is correct and balanced.

At first, the mother chinchilla feeds the cubs for several months. Then they are taken away from the mother and gradually begin to feed additionally. If there is not enough mother's milk, which happens if there are several cubs, then it is imperative to feed them. It is better to take a ready-made special formula for feeding, then you will not make a mistake with the dosage.

For full development, they need to be given additional nutrition. They begin to give greens in small portions. It must be collected in a clean place and be thoroughly washed and dried. Grass is given to babies (and adults too) dry, not wet!

Chinchilla treats

Raisins and sultans are ideal treats for chinchillas and can also be used as training rewards. Don't feed your chinchilla too much so that they still perceive raisins as a treat.

Some chinchillas also like a small piece of fresh vegetables, such as carrots, but try not to give them too much because it can cause diarrhea. Peanuts and sunflower seeds should be avoided as they are too fatty.

Don't give them too many treats as this can upset their stomach.

How to keep a chinchilla at home?

Proper maintenance of a chinchilla at home requires the preliminary arrangement of a spacious cage, which should contain all the items necessary for its comfortable life, as well as the organization of its proper diet and diet. Since these rodents are incredibly active and playful, they should have plenty of space for physical activity and a variety of toys.

Chinchilla at home - choosing a cage

A chinchilla's cage is the most important aspect of how to care for a chinchilla at home. It should be spacious - much more than for a hamster or rat. Its minimum dimensions for one animal are 60 cm in width and length and the same in height. In a smaller cage, a chinchilla as a pet will not be able to move normally, and a sedentary lifestyle will have a bad effect on its health. In this case, the following equipment for the cage is required:

a house for relaxation and solitude;
shelves, preferably wooden, since the animals try everything “by tooth”, and the plastic, often included with the cages, obviously will not benefit them;
feeder - either hinged or heavy ceramic so that it cannot be knocked over or thrown off the shelf;
drinking bowl - also mounted on rods or fixed on a horizontal surface;
mineral stones and pieces of salt - chinchillas sharpen their teeth on them, and they are also a source of salts and vitamins;
filler that does not stick to the paws, preferably wood;
toys and exercise equipment - a running wheel with a diameter of 30 cm, wooden ladders, rings, hollows, toys made of wood (birch), a hammock made of durable fabric.

It is extremely important that the cage has strong and secure latches. The fact is that chinchillas are very observant and smart; they can easily open a simple lock and escape from the cage.

The cage should be placed away from drafts and heating devices. The optimal temperature for keeping animals is +18-20°C. Make sure that there are no wires or curtains near the cage, as the pet can reach them and cause some trouble for itself and you.

Breeding chinchillas

Harmonious chinchilla family

In order to get offspring, it is enough to keep animals in pairs. This approach to breeding chinchillas is simpler, since it does not require tracking the onset of heat in pets. If the male is older than 1.5 years, 2–3 females can be placed with him. This method of breeding is called "monogamous".

Polygamy involves maintenance by families. In this case, there are 4 females for every 1 male. This is the optimal way to obtain offspring with a large population. A rotational method is also possible, in which a female is placed next to a male, and after she is fertilized, she is placed in a cage for further gestation and childbirth.

How to determine the sex of an animal

It's easy to determine the sex of chinchillas, just look at their genitals.

A visual examination of the genitals will help you do this with 100% accuracy. In males and females they are, at first glance, indistinguishable. They look like a small pea without hair. An indicator of gender is the distance of the genitals to the anus. In males it can reach 4 mm, in females it rarely exceeds 1 mm.

Mating

sexual maturity at the age of 6 months for females and 7 months for males . Mating is carried out during estrus. In order to determine its presence, they look under the female’s tail every day. Clear or whitish discharge should be visible on the loop.

You can’t just put two animals in a cage. Chinchillas are animals with character and may not accept a partner. Therefore, the pets are first introduced to each other by placing cages nearby. Mating occurs at night.

Chinchilla breeders claim that these animals are capable of love. Representatives of different families may refuse mating because they prefer other partners.

From November to May, chinchillas begin their rut. This period is most favorable for producing offspring.

Pregnancy

Signs of pregnancy are traditional:

absence of heat;
swelling of the nipples;
rounding of the abdomen;
weight gain.

The average duration of gestation is 106–114 days. 2–3 weeks before giving birth, the female’s behavior changes: she becomes fearful and seeks solitude. Possible manifestation of aggression towards the male. It is recommended to place the female in a separate cage.

How to care for newborn chinchillas

At first, try not to pick up the cubs.

The offspring of chinchillas are puppies. The female takes good care of them and almost never leaves the nest in the first days. Newborn puppies should not be touched, as if the mother senses a foreign odor, she may eat them . 2-3 days after birth, young chinchillas begin to run around the cage and can crawl through the bars. It is necessary to cover the lower part of the walls with partitions.

If the litter is large, the mother may not have enough milk. In this case, it is necessary to feed the puppies with any mixtures for newborns. Complementary feeding starts with 1 ml and is gradually increased to 5 ml. After which the animals are gradually transferred to an adult diet.

What to feed?

A properly formulated diet for a pet is the key to its health. The basis of chinchilla nutrition is special ready-made dry food, which should be purchased at pet stores. The purchased diet is ideally balanced for feeding a pet and is divided into types, depending on the age of the rodent. It contains all the necessary minerals and trace elements for growth and normal development.

It is necessary to put food in the feeder every evening before bed, when the pet's activity phase begins. The following additional components should be present in the chinchilla's diet as a treat:

green plants: clover, yarrow, alfalfa, nettle, dandelion, apple and hazel branches;
fruits and berries: rose hips, figs, raisins, dried apricots, beets, dried carrots, dried apples;
hay of legumes, cereals, multi-colored and asteraceous crops.

Delicious berries

Some foods are contraindicated for chinchillas, for example, cabbage and raw potatoes. The rodent's stomach will not be able to digest meat products, cheeses and milk. You should not spoil your pet with food from the table, since such a treat will give him severe stomach pain in the future.

The following herbs are poisonous to rodents:

horsetail;
fern;
buttercup;
henbane;
St. John's wort.

What to feed a chinchilla and how many times a day?

Chinchillas are rodents and, of course, herbivores. At the moment, in the store you can pick up a large amount of food for this type of animal. They can be either dry or granular. At the same time, the composition includes everything that a chinchilla loves, that is healthy to eat, as well as various vitamins to strengthen its health. Zoologists do not recommend giving vitamins separately to animals. This can have a bad effect on their condition. It is also worth remembering that animals sometimes need to be given hay. It’s easy to prepare it yourself, just dry the freshly cut grass. It is also advisable to dry clover and dandelions. Chinchillas love this kind of food. It is allowed to use a small amount of birch, raspberry, and currant branches as various additives.

With all this, there must be a small container of water in the cage. In this case, the water must be clean (boiled or filtered). Considering that in nature chinchillas took water from natural foods, and at home they eat dry food, then they will need water. Do not feed your chinchilla tree branches that contain resin. Under no circumstances should you give your animal seeds, nuts, or grains.

How many chinchillas should you keep?

As a rule, it is recommended to keep not one, but a pair of chinchillas, since in nature they are not solitary animals and live in a social environment. Playing and sleeping together and snuggling are common activities for them.

If you do not plan to breed them, it is recommended to keep a pair of chinchillas of the same sex. However, getting two unfamiliar adult chinchillas to interact is not an easy task, so it will be better if you get a young pair of about the same age.

Keeping a pair of chinchillas will also help you spend less time keeping them active and lively, as they will always be busy playing and interacting with each other. Providing appropriate toys in their crate and also try hiding treats for them to look for will also help keep them fit and engaged in their environment.

Exercises and training for chinchillas

Chinchillas are nocturnal, so they sleep most of the day. They are most active in the early evening, so now is a good time to take them out for a run. Make sure they are supervised because they love to explore everything with their teeth, including electrical wires.

Before you let your chinchillas run around your house, make sure you can catch them again. Chinchillas can be tamed with a little time and training. When the chinchilla comes forward, gently pet it under the chin. Don't try to catch them the first time, just give them a treat and let them go so they don't associate you with being caught. Raisins are one of their favorite treats, so offer them by hand. Be careful because a scared chinchilla will stand on its hind legs and spray urine at any potential threat!

Once your chinchilla is confident in taking treats and allows you to pet him, you can release him outside. Start with a small space and then try offering a treat to encourage your pet to come to your arm. Don't try to catch the chinchilla just yet, but give him a treat and release him again several times.

To pick up your chinchilla, support their entire body with your hand and gently hold them by grasping the base of the tail. Never pick up a chinchilla by the tail as this can hurt it or cause serious injury. A frightened chinchilla that is handled too tightly will shed chunks of fur, so if this happens you will be being too rough.

Content Basics

It should be remembered that the chinchilla spends all its time in a cage or display case. Due to the peculiarity of heat exchange of this animal, the temperature regime should be observed. The rodent's body temperature is 36 degrees. It is better to place the cage in a room with air conditioning; do not place it next to a radiator, otherwise during the heating season the animal may develop heatstroke, even leading to cardiac arrest.

At the same time, exclude direct air flows or drafts and direct exposure to sunlight. The habitat of your future pet should be in a cool (with a temperature of 18-20 degrees Celsius), shaded and, most importantly, quiet room.

But take care of your peace, the animal is nocturnal and there is no need to place a cage in the bedroom or in the room with the child, because night walks and games of a furry pet can disturb a restful sleep.

Cage equipment

The chinchilla will spend its entire life in your apartment in a cage and therefore the habitat should be spacious; it should be noted that cramped conditions are very depressing for the animal and this greatly shortens the life of the fluffy.

The minimum size of the cage is 60 by 60 cm, but the larger the display case, the better for the pet. Locks and latches must be strong and reliable so that an inquisitive animal cannot open them and escape from its home. Walking freely around the apartment is a great stress for the animal and is fraught with many dangers; any electrical wire can cause the death of the pet.

The main components of a cell:

For chinchillas, you cannot place drinking bowls in the form of cups or bowls; the animal can turn them over and spill water. The drinking bowl must be made of high-quality plastic that does not allow water to pass through. If you purchase a ball drinker, make sure that no water accumulates under it, otherwise the animal will wet its fur. European drinking bowls are made of high-strength plastic, the spout is made of stainless steel, they do not leak and dispense the right amount of water strictly on demand. Experienced breeders recommend nipple drinkers. The drinkers are attached to the display case using suction cups or screws.

The drinking bowl must be disinfected regularly. It is good to do this with baking soda, then rinse with running water and pour over boiling water. Choose a drinking bowl that is convenient to attach and regularly remove and wash, as well as add fresh water. By the way, there are molds in which the top lid is removed.

When choosing a feeder, pay attention to its stability, because active pets can turn over all the food and get injured during play. It is better to purchase a hanging feeder that is quite heavy in weight - ceramic or metal

It should be noted that plastic feeders are quickly chewed by rodents. Sennitsa is also a very necessary accessory. The hay does not scatter all over the display case and the animal takes only the required amount. Thanks to the closed design, the hay always remains fresh and with such a convenient element you can leave your pet for a couple of days without fear that he will be left without food. Attach the hay to the cage using bolts and washers. A hiding house allows the rodent to rest during the day and hide from danger. The material for production is only wood, because the animal can destroy its shelter. Attention, do not buy or make a shelter made of oak or resinous wood. A large amount of tannins causes constipation in chinchillas, and essential oils can cause poisoning. You need to install a bathing suit measuring 30 by 20 cm in the cage. Fill it with special sand, which is sold in a pet store; it can be of volcanic origin or contains talc. The sand needs to be changed regularly and cleaned of debris and feces. The cage should have wooden shelves and a wheel for games. Choose safe wood. To grind down constantly growing incisors and provide mineral premixes, equip the chinchilla's home with salt and limestones. It is better to purchase a tin pallet; it is advisable to choose a floor covering with low thermal conductivity; it is good to use sawdust or special wood filler.

Cleaning the cage should be done regularly, general cleaning should be done at least once a week, disinfection should preferably be carried out using an ultraviolet bactericidal lamp, drinking bowls and feeders should be washed with a soda solution and doused with boiling water.

Feeding chinchillas

When purchasing this cute animal, you need to remember how they live in nature and what they eat. The gastrointestinal tract is represented by a very long tube and any deviation in nutrition from the norm has serious consequences for the health of the pet.

Chinchillas are pure phytophages, that is, they feed exclusively on plant foods. In high mountain conditions, the main diet is mountain grass, branches and various cuttings. A long intestine helps you get the most nutrients and calories from such a diet. It turns out that the rough and meager food of the highlands has become a complete food for the wild relatives of domestic chinchillas. Think through the food supply in an apartment down to the smallest detail.

The first and golden rule is that the introduction of new food should be gradual and you need to start with a small amount. Food should be varied, rich in fiber, vitamins and mineral supplements. The feeder should not contain fatty, high-protein, sweet or high-calorie foods.

Chinchillas are fed once a day, usually in the evening, often after six o'clock in the evening. It is better to accustom the animal to the same time, the regime is very important.

There are a large number of different recipes for making your own food for rodents. It should be noted that this is a very labor-intensive and time-consuming process. All ingredients must be of high quality, without musty smell and signs of rot; it is better to purchase the entire grain base from trusted suppliers. Storing pre-prepared feed with a reserve requires maintaining the right conditions - without moisture and dust, it is better to use special containers.

But nowadays, preparing feed yourself is not always convenient or simple. In such cases, it is better to use ready-made granules. Such concentrated food is easily digestible by animals; an average of 2 tablespoons is consumed per animal, which is about twenty grams.

Experienced breeders prefer granulated food in the form of elongated sticks; they are dark brown in color. The composition of this kind of food includes oats, barley, wheat bran, meat and bone meal, grass meal, various cakes and sunflower meal, lime inclusions, feed yeast and most often they are enriched with vitamins and mineral supplements.

Pay attention to the composition of such food; the percentage of fiber should be above 10%, and fat inclusions should be no more than 4%. The granules contain all the necessary macro and microelements, various acids, biotin, etc.

This food is the basis of the diet; in a small percentage, add a mixture of grains, for example, wheat, buckwheat, milk thistle seeds, to the chinchillas’ feeder.

Separately, I would like to note the feeding of a pregnant female and one in the lactation period. The diet of such animals should contain protein inclusions up to a quarter of the total food; milk granules are added to the feeder.

At different times of the year, the diet should be monotonous; succulent food, fresh grass, vegetables and fruits - all this is not acceptable for chinchillas. Such food can provoke upset of the gastrointestinal tract and lead to the development of flatulence and bloating of the entire digestive tube.

In the summer, you can prepare treats such as chamomile heads, dandelion leaves and berries. Before offering such preparations, everything must be washed and dried. Berries and dried fruits can be mixed into the feeder or given directly to the animal’s paws. Nuts should be extremely rare in a chinchilla's diet.

The water in the cage should always be fresh. It is better to use filtered water or settled running water; boiled or distilled water is not recommended. It should be said that lactating and pregnant individuals need more water.

Chinchillas' front teeth grow all the time and they need material to grind down their incisors. For these purposes, branches of birch, linden, alder, hawthorn and apple trees, etc. are placed in the cage.

Feed and water must be free of foreign odors and impurities, because spoiled food with mold can lead to acute intoxication and death. A properly selected and well-balanced diet in terms of calories is the source of longevity for your rodent and the prevention of obesity, and today this is one of the common reasons for turning to a ratologist.

What can chinchillas get sick with?

The owners of these animals often asked questions: what diseases are characteristic of these animals and how to deal with them? Among the most common diseases are the following:

This behavior of chinchillas is observed when it gnaws out its own fur, and if several animals live in a cage, then each other. The reason for this is the occurrence of itching of the skin or the presence of harmful insects, and also a lack of specific vitamins in the diet, protein is especially often secreted. The animal must be shown to a veterinarian, who will examine it and take tests, and you can also review the diet and add additional vitamins to it, and you should also clean the cage often.
The formation of stones in the genitourinary system occurs due to poor nutrition. Stones are detected using ultrasound. If the stones are small, then it is most likely sand; it will leave the body on its own. But if they are large, they are removed surgically.
Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva of an animal's eyes. This disease can be caused by injury, bacteria or some kind of chemical irritant - show the chinchilla to a doctor who will prescribe treatment. In addition, you need to clean the cage and treat it with antiseptics, and to prevent and eliminate the disease, it is recommended to wash the eyes with a 3% solution of boric acid, or a decoction of chamomile, in addition to drops that contain antibiotics.
Wounds that appear after animals are injured among themselves during a fight or when they come into contact with a sharp corner of a shelf in a cage. If the wounds are shallow, they will be able to heal on their own, without any outside help, but if the wound is deep, then be sure to contact a veterinarian so that he can rinse and treat the affected area to avoid subsequent infection and inflammation.

Where to buy a chinchilla

Interested in rehoming a pet?

Royal Persian Angora
If you are purchasing a young chinchilla, it is best to see the babies with their mother, and ideally with other chinchillas from the same family. Adults should appear healthy and cages should be clean and spacious. The breeder should ask you many questions and offer information on how to care for chinchillas.

There are now some chinchilla rescue organizations that may have unwanted adults or young adults looking for loving homes, and charities such as Blue Cross sometimes bring in chinchillas for rehoming.

Chinchillas are not happy alone, so if possible, it is worth getting two at the same time. Littermates will live happily together, but if they are not the same sex, make sure the male is spayed to prevent them from breeding.

What is the best microclimate to organize for rodents in an apartment?

It is very important to have air conditioning in your home if you live in hot climates. High temperatures have a detrimental effect on chinchillas

In this regard, caring for a chinchilla at home presents some difficulties. The best temperature parameter for animals is +17, +22° Celsius. The minimum temperature should not fall below 14°, and the maximum should not rise above 28°. But this high should not last long. At a room temperature of about 29-30°, the chinchilla quickly dies due to heat stroke.

Prolonged exposure to sunlight has a negative effect on the health of rodents. Sunbathing can be done for pets for 10-15 minutes during the daytime. In case of heat stroke, the animal should be cooled using a container of frozen or very cool water. Chinchillas also do not like drafts. So it is better to install the cage in places that are safe in this regard.

Chinchillas do not tolerate loud noise well, so home care also includes limiting the strength of the background sound. Animals are easily frightened by sharp, loud sounds, but they can get used to TV shows and keep you company while watching. But ideally, the best conditions are peace and quiet.

Features of behavior

You need to be very careful when pairing your pet. If you decide to purchase a second animal, you need to gradually introduce them to each other:

The animals must live next to each other for three days, the cages must be close to each other;
Then prepare one common large cage, first carry out disinfection and general cleaning, change the floor covering;
Leave new friends in a small cage for 3-4 hours;
After this, introduce the first male into the new “apartment”, he will mark the entire territory;
And the female is placed last.

By following these rules, you will avoid fights and injuries to your animals.

Changes in the animal's behavior may be associated with the period of estrus. Chinchillas come into heat regularly with an interval of 40-42 days. This period lasts from two to seven days. Hunting is characterized by a decrease in appetite and an increase in activity, while the genitals swell and become hyperemic. If you have a pair of chinchillas, mating will most likely occur at this time and further offspring are expected in 110-115 days. If you do not want offspring, it is better to remove the male during the period of estrus.

It should be noted that a characteristic feature of the chinchilla’s behavior is timidity, and the room with the rodent’s home should be left in silence. All manipulations with the animal should be carried out slowly, without sudden noises and movements, something new should be introduced gradually and stress should be reduced for the animal.

Temperature for keeping a chinchilla

In the wild, chinchillas live in temperate climates. Due to their thick fur, they cannot exist in the heat, so it makes sense to talk about the optimal temperature regime in the apartment.

To make the animal feel comfortable in the summer, it is better to install a split system (air conditioner). If the temperature exceeds 28 degrees, the chinchilla may die from heatstroke.
Optimal conditions for keeping an animal are considered to be between 18 and 23 degrees. Avoid hypothermia, make sure that the mark does not fall below 15 degrees.
Place the animal's cage away from direct ultraviolet light. You can periodically let your pet bask in the sun (loggia, balcony, street), but not at the peak of activity. The best time for a walk is 18.00-20.00. Do not keep your chinchilla in the sun for more than a quarter of an hour.

Peculiarities

Because of its small size, the animal became very popular with people. Today they are very popular as a pet. In addition, they have a number of advantages. Their wool does not smell at all, moreover, it does not change over time and is very soft to the touch.

The animals themselves are very friendly and affectionate, making contact easily. In addition, they do not require much and expensive personal care. A chinchilla cage is quite cheap and does not take up a lot of space.

What is prohibited from feeding a chinchilla at home?

In addition to poisonous herbs that pose a mortal danger to your pet, there is also a list of harmful products for chinchillas.

Proper nutrition for a chinchilla at home is the absence of:

pickles, spices, smoked meats;
baked goods;
meat;
potatoes, beets, cabbage;
persimmons;
sweets;
eggs;
roasted nuts and seeds;
mushrooms;
fermented milk products;
garlic, onion;
branches of stone fruit trees and shrubs, the leaves and wood of which contain essential oils (cherry, plum, bird cherry, juniper, myrtle).

Eating exotic fruits such as mangoes and citrus fruits can cause an allergic reaction. You need to carefully monitor the consumption of fresh vegetables. If an animal eats too much greens or tomatoes, cucumbers, as well as dates, prunes and other fruits and vegetables, then fermentation will begin in its stomach. Fermentation leads to bloating, and everything can end very tragically.

Fatty foods will lead to animal obesity and other health problems.

How to clean chinchilla fur

To maintain softness and a well-groomed appearance, the fur must not only be combed, but also cleaned using special methods and means available in pet stores or veterinary clinics. Some breeders use semolina or baby powder for these purposes, however, experts recommend using professional devices.

Smooth and shiny fur is the main criterion for the health and good mood of a rodent; however, it is not necessary to immediately sound the alarm if the fur has become dull or matted in some places. If the tangles cannot be combed out, simply carefully cut off the problem areas of the fur.

Toilet training a chinchilla

The chinchilla must be trained to use the litter tray, otherwise it will crap in the corners of the apartment. Purchase a special corner tray from a pet store, designed specifically for ferrets and chinchillas.
If the animal relieves itself throughout the entire area of the cage, collect feces in a specially designated place. The pet will feel where it needs to relieve itself. Remove waste from the tray once every 3 days.
When the chinchilla goes into the tray, praise it. Repeat the steps each time until the animal gets used to it. As time passes, you will notice that the animal is asking for affection, wanting to please the owner in everything.
If you let your pet run around the apartment, install one tray in each room. Put the animal in the toilet as soon as you see that it is looking for a place for such purposes.

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Combing rules

You can learn how to comb your furry pet yourself by following simple recommendations from experts. Remember the basic tips and sequence of actions:

Place the rodent on a flat surface, securing it at the base of the tail.
If your pet is nervous and aggressive, position him so that his back paws are not in contact with the surface.
Start combing the animal from the back with even, short movements.
Finish combing the belly fur.
Additionally, comb the fur around the anus.

During the combing process, fallen hairs often stick to the rodent's fur. Gently remove them with a cleaning roller, without causing pain to your pet by applying excessive pressure.

What is a chinchilla?

This animal is a rodent belonging to the chinchilla family, which looks like a cross between a rabbit, a squirrel and a mouse. These creatures were brought from South America, but, alas, there are very few of them left in the wild.

An adult animal reaches a length of about 25-35 cm; the tail is not taken into account when measuring. Interesting fact: females grow larger than males. The main advantage of the rodent is its soft and thick fur.

The muzzle is decorated with long mustaches and rather large ears, with the help of which the animal orients itself in complete darkness. As for character, the chinchilla is an extremely non-conflict and friendly creature, but will bravely respond to provocation with a bite or scratches.

A rodent raised by its owner since childhood is distinguished by its devotion and will happily sit in your arms. This creature is easy to train and is able to return to its cage on command after walking around the house. It is extremely easy to keep such a pet, because it is not particularly whimsical. It gets used to human society very quickly, since chinchillas live in flocks in the wild. With proper care, the animal lives about 20 years, and sometimes 25.

Chinchillas are not inexpensive pets. In the Russian Federation, its cost varies from 1,500 to 30,000 rubles.

The quality of fur also influences price formation. The thicker the fur, the higher the cost. The sex of the chinchilla is another pricing factor. Since more males are born, their price is lower.

Story

More than a hundred years ago, breeders in France began to think about how they could replace the expensive furs that had to be imported from other countries. Ten years later, there were already the first items of clothing in the creation of which chinchilla was used, but it was not at all the same as what everyone was used to.

We invite you to familiarize yourself with the Bichon Frize breed description

If you look at a photo of a chinchilla and a rabbit of this species, you will notice a certain similarity in terms of fur. This was precisely the task of the breeders - replacing popular fur with cheaper ones.

On the way to this result, they had to cross a wild rabbit with two species from different parts of the world - the Beveren and the Himalayan. The result was worth all the effort it took. On clothes, people could not distinguish new fur from the one they had seen hundreds of times.

Over the years, everything got even better - careful selection led to the fact that the animal’s hair received a zonal color, which was previously only found in the original chinchilla. At this moment, the silver chinchilla fur lost a lot of its value, because many began to think - why pay more?

Over time, other breeders solved this problem, and what’s most interesting is that this already happened on our land.

Character and behavior

Persian chinchillas are real phlegmatic people: calm, measured, imperturbable, but sociable and friendly. A turbulent life with endless bustle and the search for adventure is alien to representatives of this breed. The sweetest thing for them is to find themselves a cozy, warm place, on a soft sofa or windowsill, and hum a song to themselves while watching what is happening next to them.

But it is a mistake to think that little Persians are not able to play! Like any cats, “chinchillas” love to play with strings, chase a ball rolled out of paper, and hunt around the corner for a bow on their owner’s slipper.

However, all this is the innocent fun of a cute animal and will never develop into wild races throughout the apartment with overturning floor vases, hanging on curtains and scratching the owner’s furniture while meowing victoriously. “Chinchillas” rarely speak, preferring to communicate with their eyes (therefore, owners of breeding females should carefully monitor the onset of estrus themselves).

Persians get along with both adults and children. And of all ages. You can safely leave even very young children with them: Persians do not use their claws and teeth, preferring to resolve conflicts quietly and peacefully. In extreme cases, they will simply run away to some secluded place where the child cannot reach him.

What breeds do you prefer?

ShorthairLonghair

The Persians are too flexible to be the first to go into conflict, and too lazy to hunt. And it would seem that there are no obstacles to the appearance of other animals in the house. Yes, there are no obstacles, and you can easily get a couple of rodents or parrots.

But other dogs and cats make Persians nervous: large animals give them a sense of danger, small animals make them jealous. And if you get an active animal that won’t give your “chinchilla” peace, it will begin to turn into an unsociable person and may even get sick and start fighting with it! Therefore, remember: placing someone with adult Persians is fraught with a lot of problems. If your dog and cat grew up together, there will be no problems.

This does not apply to cats of the same breed. Persians get along well side by side, probably due to their 100% similarity in character. By the way, breeders recommend getting your Persian a girlfriend or boyfriend even if you are a busy person and cannot pay enough attention to your pet, or often leave home.

Persians quickly get used to their new home and easily tolerate moving and changing surroundings. Leaving them at home, you can be sure that when you return, you will not find any damage. The main thing is not to forget to leave the cat a few toys. Kittens do not need company, while adults rarely play on their own, preferring to lie in the sun and doze.

Persians are not averse to taking a walk in a park or other quiet place where grass grows. Therefore, immediately accustom your kitten to a harness.

These cats are touchy and very sensitive. Do not raise your voice at them, even if they do something wrong, otherwise they will get scared and stop trusting you.

Persian chinchillas are not the most expensive breed, but the cost depends on the pedigree, litter and other factors. The average cost of a kitten is 20,000 rubles.

Types and colors of chinchillas

Chinchillas for every taste

For a beginner in this business, it is important to know what types of chinchillas there are, how they differ and what is their peculiarity. This will help you choose a pet to your liking.

Due to a rather long selection process, animals with different coat colors appeared, but initially it was gray. The coat color was simple: white belly, gray head and back - it was classified as standard. Moreover, gray color includes all shades: from pale to rich graphite.

Chinchillas have a unique three-level color of each fur. All of them are pigmented along the entire length in shades of black (from the tip towards the root), white and gray. This determines such a valuable sheen of the fur coat. Silver, which is called “veil,” is considered the most beautiful.

Description of the breed standard:

body length up to 37 cm;
tail length up to 18 cm;
rounded head;
rounded ears up to 5 cm long;
vibrissae up to 10 cm.

Chinchillas have 5 toes on their front paws and 4 on their hind paws. In nature, these animals hunt at night, so they have monocular, weak vision. The eyes are black, the pupil is elongated and vertical. Developed jaws with 20 teeth, of which 4 protruding incisors and 16 molars.

There are only two types of chinchillas:

short-tailed;
long-tailed.

Representatives of any of them can be classified as standard, which, in turn, has 4 varieties depending on the color saturation of the animal’s coat:

dark;
moderately dark;
extra dark;
average.

Unlike natural chinchillas, artificially bred ones have a wider variety of colors . Today three types are standardized:

dominant and hybrids;
semi-dominant and hybrids;
recessive and hybrids.

In order to correctly understand further information, you need to familiarize yourself with the meaning of some terms:

Hetero - in the genotype of an animal there are different genes for two characteristics (for example, heteroebony - standard + ebony).
Homo - an animal carries genes for one trait (homoebony - only ebony genes are present).
A hybrid is the result of crossing two main colors.
Dominant - predominant.
Recessive - repressed.

Dominant and hybrids

Standard gray is a dominant type.

Black velvet

Black velvet chinchilla

Dominant color. First recorded in the early 60s of the last century at the Wilson Ranch in California. Characteristic features:

black stripes on the front legs, located diagonally;
black head and back;
white belly

For home keeping, it is recommended to select chinchillas with a rounded muzzle and small ears. They are the most decorative and capable of producing offspring with beautiful colors.

Beige (homobige)

Beige chinchilla - sheer charm

The first animal of this breed was obtained in 1955. The owner was dissatisfied with the color and sold the beige chinchilla, which became the ancestor of a new spectacular breed. It is characterized by:

darker color of the back than other parts of the body;
red eye color;
pink ears;
The coat color ranges from light to dark beige.

Wilson white

Wilson white is one of the most common chinchilla colors.

Bred in 1955 at the Wilson Ranch. Characteristic features:

fur color from snow-white to dark silver (platinum);
the edges of the ears are black;
The eyes are black, with a possible bluish tint.

Color options:

white silver;
platinum;
mosaic;
blue fog;
tricolor.

White velvet

A chinchilla with this color looks like white, but at the same time it has the characteristic features of the velvet gene

It is a hybrid of white Wilson and black velvet. Carries three types of genes: white, velvet and standard. Characteristic features:

on the head there is a dark (even black) mask;
on the front legs there are diagonal dark gray stripes;
the main color is white, but with a black body color there is a bright white tail;
stripes on the paws may appear only by the 2-3rd month of life.

Brown velvet

Brown velvet is one of the rarest colors in chinchillas.

A hybrid of black and beige velvet. Characteristic features:

brown stripes on the front legs;
eyes pink, ruby, rarely brown;
The color of the back is from light to dark brown.

Light brown individuals are called pastel.

White-pink

Chinchillas with clearly defined white and beige contrasting spots are highly prized.

A hybrid of white and beige, the genotype contains the standard chinchilla gene. Characteristic features:

pink ears that may have black dots on them;
eye color from pink to ruby;
brown spots of various localization are possible (mosaic type);
lightening of fur with age.

Velvet white-pink

Velvet white and pink chinchilla combines the genes of several breeds at once

The chinchilla is the most profitable for breeding, as it carries the genes of the white, beige, velvet and standard type. Characteristic features:

white fur;
brown diagonal stripes on the front legs;
brown mask on the head;
pink ears;
ruby eye color.

Semi-dominant colors and hybrids

Heteroebony

Chinchilla Heteroeboni is cute and calm

Most popular as pets. They have a spectacular appearance and a calm character.

Distinctive feature: fur with various combinations of gray and black. If the color of any of the chinchillas is not white, we can say with confidence that this animal has the ebony gene.

Homoebony

Homoebony - a spectacular black chinchilla

Obtained in 1964 in Texas. The genotype contains only the ebony gene, which is why the animals have an exclusively black coat. They are more difficult to breed and reach maturity later than other varieties of chinchillas. Characteristic features:

smaller body size;
dominant black color in color.

Velvet ebony

The appearance of velvet ebony reflects its name

Hybrids of black velvet and ebony, the genotype contains the standard chinchilla gene. Characteristic features:

black belly;
dark mask on the head and back;
the fur on the sides is lighter;
pronounced shine of the fur.

Pastel (beige heteroebony)

Charming beige heteroebony

Obtained as a result of crossing ebony and beige chinchillas, the genotype contains the standard gene. Characteristic features:

same color of belly and back;
sides are lighter;
possible partial coloration of the abdomen with lighter genitalia.

Velvet pastel

Wonderful Velvet Pastel

A hybrid whose genotype contains the gene for velvet, beige, standard and ebony. Characteristic features:

chocolate color fur;
pink or cream ears;
belly and back are the same color;
eye color is pink, ruby or with a reddish tint.

Popular hybrids for home keeping:

charcoal-colored chinchillas with black ears and eyes;
purple with pink-violet fur;
velvet violet, with dark lilac fur color;
sapphire, with gray fur with a pronounced blue tint.

Features of keeping chinchillas at home

Funny pets live in nature in the mountainous regions of South America. These are nocturnal animals that are most active in the evening and at night. The small rodent looks like a cross between a squirrel, a large mouse and a rabbit. Zoologists distinguish 2 types of chinchillas - mountain long-tailed and lowland short-tailed.

When keeping animals at home, you need to follow some rules:

During the day, chinchillas mostly sleep or nap in their burrow. At night, the animal will rustle and rattle its feeder and other accessories in the cage. It is best to leave his house in another room where members of the household do not sleep. A chinchilla should not be allowed to roam around the apartment or house on its own. Especially if there are other animals living in the room. Dogs and cats actively hunt small animals. Chinchillas belong to the class of rodents, so they can damage many things in the house. They damage electrical wires, interior items, wallpaper, and upholstered furniture. It is advisable to walk your pet indoors under supervision, where there are no valuables or wires. All equipment in a chinchilla's cage must be well secured so that the animal does not get injured. Fur-bearing ornamental animals like to drink a lot of the time. They need to change the water in the drinking bowl every day.

It is important to feed them on time and correctly, but in small amounts, no more than 2 tablespoons of food. Chinchillas love silence, so it is better to place your pet’s cage away from sources of loud sound, TV and tape recorder. A heat-loving rodent should be kept in a place with a stable air temperature. It should not be lower than +15 degrees, but not higher than +25-26

Direct sunlight should not fall on the pet's house.

This funny rodent grows up to 35 cm. Its fur is pleasant to the touch and thick, so its condition should be carefully monitored. Funny animals are non-conflict and peace-loving. They do not provoke each other into fights, do not scratch or bite. On command they can enter and exit the cage.

Domestic chinchilla - care and maintenance

You should adopt a chinchilla at two months of age, since at this time the animal can already feed on its own, but is still able to easily adapt to new conditions and owners. You can determine which chinchilla is healthy. Chinchilla is a rodent from the chinchilla family, which looks like something in between the proposed ones and is healthy by its clean eyes, clean, uniform fur and cheerful appearance. At the same time, it is always better to give preference to professional breeders rather than amateurs.

No matter how cute this animal may seem, like all other phytophages (those that feed on plant foods), chinchillas have an unpleasant feature - they have poor control over the process of defecation. Although, according to reviews of the chinchilla, the chinchilla is a rodent from the chinchilla family, which looks like something in between... and is capable of learning to use a tray, many individuals are completely incapable of mastering this science. Despite the fact that their poop is dry and practically odorless, collecting it all over the house is below average pleasure. This is one of the reasons why most owners prefer to keep chinchillas in cages, only letting them out for a short walk under supervision.

The tray under the cage is filled with either sawdust or granular cat litter. Since the urine and feces of chinchillas practically do not stink, you can change the litter once a week or even less often, which greatly simplifies the maintenance of a chinchilla. A chinchilla is a rodent from the chinchilla family, which looks like something average m... at home.

Chinchillas should absolutely not be bathed in water. Under natural conditions, the animal “washes” in the sand. In an apartment, a special mixture of zeolite dust and sand should be used for these purposes. By the way, it is the purchase of this mixture that will become the main expense item when keeping an animal at home. Any other special care for the Chinchilla's fur coat is not required. The animal itself is very clean, and its fur, for natural reasons, never harbors parasites.

Most owners prefer to keep chinchillas exclusively in a cage, only occasionally taking the animals in their arms or allowing them to walk around the room strictly under supervision. Is it possible for chinchillas to walk on their own? This is a rhetorical question. Left to their own devices, animals can do mischief - chew wires and furniture, destroy pots of indoor plants, etc.

Conditions of detention

The chinchilla is extremely picky about the temperature conditions of the surrounding area. The fact is that when free, she lives in a temperate climate, and it is very difficult to tolerate heat. In order for the animal to feel comfortable, the room temperature should not exceed 18-20°C. At 28°C, the rodent will suffer heatstroke and then die.

How to create favorable conditions for keeping a chinchilla?

Reliable and spacious cage. The animal spends a lot of time in the enclosure, so the size of the apartment should not hinder the rodent’s energy. It is worth choosing a cage made of metal rods and with a retractable tray so that the bedding can be replaced on time and without difficulty. Bathing a chinchilla

It is important to carry out this procedure twice a week. Water is absolutely not suitable for this purpose, this is due to the properties of the luxurious fluffy fur

It is worth purchasing sand or volcanic dust for bathing chinchillas. A special container with a closed top is also required. Cell position. It is important to find a cool and quiet place in the house, away from drafts, heaters and radiators. Aviary equipment. For rest and entertainment, the rodent needs ladders, a house and shelves. Be sure to equip your pet's apartment with a drinking bowl. It is important to monitor the availability of clean water at room temperature daily. It is worth placing mineral stones, branches of fruit trees and chalk in the cage. They will help the rodent in caring for its teeth. Suitable food. It is important to give preference to food in granules. It contains vitamins necessary for the animal. For an adult animal, 40 g of such food once a day is enough. Treats won't hurt either: hay, dried apples, raisins, rose hips, dried apricots and prunes. It’s worth pampering two to three times a week, giving out tasty treats in small pieces.

How to make a rack and ladder

For the rack, pieces of plywood are suitable, which can be attached to the walls of the home using wire or a self-tapping screw. The higher the cage, the more shelving.

The ladder serves as both an element of the game and a delicacy. It is made from branches of different thicknesses, mainly using willow, birch, poplar or rowan. It is more convenient to work with dry twigs. The raw material can be easily dried in the oven, on the stove or by the fireplace.

The branches need to be divided: short ones - into crossbars, long ones - into shelves. In the center of the crossbar, drill a hole of 2-3 mm, as in the shelves, stepping back from the edges of the last 2 cm. Wire will help to fasten the chains of the ladder. The racks are fastened as follows: the end of the wire is pulled through the first shelf, a crossbar is put on it, and fixed on the other shelf with a loop.

Top 15 facts about chinchillas

Few people know that the chinchilla was domesticated by the Indians of South America, which they called Chincha.
In the wild, only gray chinchillas are found, but over the last century, geneticists have bred chinchillas of other colors: ebony, homoebony, sapphire, purple, beige, white, black velvet.
Chinchillas inhabit the highlands of the Andes in South America.
Animals live in colonies.
Chinchillas see poorly, but they have a well-developed sense of smell, with the help of which they navigate well.
The lifespan of a chinchilla is about 20 years.
The front legs grow much faster than the hind legs and have five toes, unlike the hind legs, which have four toes.
To prevent sand from getting into the ears during bathing, the ears have special membranes that seal the ears during the procedure.
With the help of its body structure, namely the skeleton, the chinchilla can shrink vertically and can crawl into even the narrowest holes and crevices.
Chinchillas do not shed, but only shed their fur in case of danger or in a stressful situation.
The thick undercoat of a chinchilla does not allow parasites (ticks, fleas) to settle in.
As a defensive reaction, chinchillas sometimes shoot a stream of urine at the enemy.
The female chinchilla is much larger than the male.
When a chinchilla doesn't like something, it makes strange sounds similar to quacks or chirps.
The chinchilla is a peace-loving animal, but in case of any danger it can stand up for itself by biting the offender with sharp teeth.

Origin and domestication of chinchillas

Chinchilla in the wild

According to historical data, chinchillas have interested people at all times. These animals have thick and delicate fur, which is classified as valuable. That's why even the ancient Incas bred chinchillas.

The biggest fans of these animals were the Chinchil Indians. They used light and warm animal skins to make clothes. This is how the animals got their name - “chinchilla”, which is consonant with “chynchyl”.

As civilization developed, interest in the valuable fur of chinchillas increased. It reached its peak at the beginning of the twentieth century. During this historical period, chinchillas were barbarously captured and exterminated in pursuit of profit. Fur was expensive and only wealthy people could afford it. In order to sew one women's fur coat, at least 150 skins were required. The finished product cost around $20.

Animals were caught in South America, Peru, Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile. The extermination was so barbaric that in 1825 a law was passed in these countries to protect chinchillas. Hunters began to be called poachers, but this did not stop the process. In 1910, the governments of the countries in which production was most active adopted an Agreement banning the production of these furry animals.

But it also did not have the desired effect on poachers. Then it was decided to restore the population. In South America and other countries, chinchilla breeding farms began to be organized. Thanks to this, by the end of the 20s of the last century, the number of animals increased by 35%. Then their numbers increased, and chinchilla farms began to appear in many countries around the world.

After a few decades, it became clear that the population had been saved. Chinchilla breeders have accumulated extensive experience in breeding these animals, thanks to which it has become possible to keep them at home for everyone who likes these small furry animals.

Pros and cons of content

Taming a chinchilla is not an easy path

Before you get a chinchilla, you need to understand that this is a wild animal that is difficult to tame. But just watching him is a lot of fun. These animals are distinguished by their dexterity of movement and good jumping ability. They are quite shy, which requires gradual accustoming of the animal to the presence of the owner.

These charming animals can demonstrate different character traits: obedience, cunning, perseverance. On average, chinchillas live up to 20 years in natural conditions.

Pros of content:

absence of odor in animal urine and excrement;
the ability to tame an animal and teach simple tricks;
Chinchillas have no sweat glands, due to which the fur coat is always clean and odorless;
rapid reproduction, which makes it possible to make a profit from the sale of offspring;
unpretentiousness in food and maintenance;
the pleasure of communicating with the animal and observing it.

Minuses:

animals are nocturnal, and at appropriate times begin to become active, which may interfere with the owners’ rest;
like any rodent, they taste all the objects they come across;
the need to maintain a stable temperature in the room with the enclosure, since changes can cause the animal to get sick;
do not like to be held by a person;
They are curious and strive to explore the entire territory when walking.

How to name

Your pet's appearance will help you choose a name for it.

Fans of these animals have a common affectionate name for chinchillas - Shunya or Shunka. Most often, when choosing a nickname, they are guided by the features of the animal’s appearance: coat color, location of spots, tail length. Popular names:

Coal;
Shadow;
Smoke;
Black;
Marshmallow;
Jasmine;
Snezhanna;
Samson;
Bunny.

Keeping and breeding chinchillas at home is not troublesome or expensive. It will bring many joyful moments from communicating with animals and profit from the sale of offspring.

Why can't a chinchilla walk around the apartment?

The apartment is not intended to contain a chinchilla. Sharp corners of furniture, vases of flowers and sockets can pose a danger to your pet's life. If an animal chews on electrical wires, it may receive an electric shock. Even if all possible problem situations are provided for, leaving the cage is undesirable for the animal. Leaving your home can be stressful, causing your pet to develop a fever. Temperature changes negatively affect the health of the rodent. Possible heatstroke or stroke. To prevent the animal from having to leave the cage, the owner should take care of organizing a special place for an active lifestyle inside the home.

Place for chinchillas in the apartment

Before you bring a rodent into your apartment, you should prepare its main habitat. The pet's corner should not contain a strong odor, dangerous objects, or open sockets, that is, there should be enough open space for the normal functioning of the pet. And another equally important point is the coolness of the place.

Attention! When determining the location, be sure to check that it is not too dark or light. The light should spread evenly. Otherwise, the animal will be overtaken by discomfort and frequent illness.

Reproduction

Chinchillas are low-bearing animals; the litter averages 1-2 cubs per litter. The birth rate increases as the rodent gets older; the older the female, the higher the likelihood of a large litter. The average number of births from one female is 3-4 cubs per year.

Small chinchillas in the same litter differ in size and activity. As a rule, the smallest children do not get their mother's milk, so a large family requires close attention, and weak babies need artificial feeding.

Large chinchilla farms practice polygamous breeding, when one male is used to mate with several females at once, whose sexual maturity is reached at the age of 6 to 8 months.

The average duration of pregnancy in rodents is 105 -117 days; the interesting position of the female can be determined only in the second period of gestation, when the expectant mother is rapidly gaining weight.

The average weight of newborn babies is 30-75 grams; if the baby is full-term, then it is born covered with fur, sighted and with teething. The average duration of milk feeding is up to 2 months of age, but you can introduce food into the diet of a small chinchilla starting from a week of age.

The most dangerous period in the life of newborn pets is the first 2 weeks. At this moment, even a significant temperature deviation can be critical. It is customary to separate babies from their mother at the age of two months, when their weight reaches 240-250 grams.

Black chinchilla

Features of the animal

Despite the fact that the chinchilla is unpretentious, when thinking about whether to have a furry pet in an apartment, it is important to study all the features of this type of rodent. It is necessary to pay attention to the following nuances:

Chinchillas are afraid of loud and sharp sounds : you should not place your pet’s home in a room where the TV is playing loudly or music is playing.
The animal is relatively large in size , so it is not recommended to have such an animal for a small child under 12 years of age.
Despite the hypoallergenic nature of chinchilla fur, it can cause a negative reaction in asthmatics and allergy sufferers. Bathing sand and litter in the tray can be dangerous for the condition of their lungs.
The pet's home should be located away from drafts and sunlight , which are detrimental to its health. Comfortable temperature for keeping is from 25 to 14 degrees C. High humidity is dangerous for rodents.
It is impossible to keep a chinchilla without a cage , since in an apartment danger awaits it on every path, from unstable furniture to sockets and wires. Rodents are inquisitive and try everything around “by tooth”; this is fraught not only with damaged furniture and wallpaper, but also with the risk of the animal receiving an electric shock.
Chinchillas do not need walks around the apartment outside the cage; it is better to make their stay in the home as comfortable as possible.
If you are planning to get a furry pet, you should prepare for its nighttime activity. To prevent the animal from interfering with sleep at night, you should place the cage away from the bedroom, or take it out of the room before going to bed to a non-residential area.

Beautiful chinchilla
The main feature of such a pet is that it does not feel homesick at all alone in the absence of its owner, which is an undoubted advantage for busy people. At the same time, the main task of the potential owner is to provide his pet with maximum comfort in his home in his absence.