Companionship

Although chinchillas may live alone, they are social in the wild and will typically do well with a companion. They will groom each other and snuggle while sleeping. Use caution introducing them to each other and observe their behavior - be prepared to break up a fight. Since they are nocturnal, try this introduction during the day - their sleepy time.

Handling

If you need to pick up your chinchilla, do so by grasping the base of their tail. They do not like to be squeezed or heavily stroked like a cat or dog. however, they do enjoy being rubbed or scratched around their ears, chin and face.


Available Colors

Standard gray chinchillas are the most common. Any color other than the standard is known as a mutation color. The more common of these colors are the beige, black velvet, ebony and white (mosaic or silver). These colors may also be crossed to create additional mutation colors, some of which are the pink white, TOV beige, TOV white and tan. The more rare mutations include the violet, sapphire, and charcoal. (These are only a sample of the more common coat color mutations, many others also exist).


Some General Facts

• In the wild chinchillas have been known to live in large groups of 100 or more. In captivity they enjoy living together in pairs; although single pet chinchillas do very well provided they are given plenty of attention.
  
• With proper care, the life expectancy for a domestic chinchilla is about 15 years. Some have been known to live as long as 30 years.
  
• Chinchillas are nocturnal so are at rest much of the day.
  
• Because of their dense fur, chinchillas do not tolerate high temperatures well and do best when indoor temperatures are between 65 F and 75 F.
  
• If they feel threatened, chinchillas (as a built-in defense mechanism) can 'slip' their fur upon contact. Their fur grows back, however, so this is nothing to be too concerned about.
  
• Chinchillas reach maturity at about eight to twelve months old and should not be bred until then.
  
• Gestation is generally 111 days. Females can become pregnant immediately following the birth of a litter. But these 'breed backs' are very draining and should only be allowed on a limited basis to females of excellent health. To prevent this from happening, the male should be removed from the cage for about seven days following the birth of a litter. Once reunited with their family, male chinchillas can make wonderful fathers.
  
• Chinchillas can have one to six kits per litter, with two being average.
  
• Young are born fully developed with fur, open eyes, and teeth.
  
• Weaning age is at about six to eight weeks, depending upon the overall development of the kits and the condition of the mother.
  

Water, Feed, Hay & Treats Appropriate feeding of your chinchilla.	Housing, Bedding, Dust Bath & Something to Chew Where to stay and keeping clean.
Other Chinformation Interesting Facts	Gestation Calendar Find expected littering date if breeding date is known.