social

Raising Chinchillas as Pets


Gold Post Medal for All Time! 858 Posts
March 19, 2006
Pet Chinchillas - chinchilla in a wooden slat bowlDescription: Chinchillas are small rodents native to the Andes Mountain region of South America-Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina. Domesticated species have been bred from a species found exclusively in northern Chile that is easily recognized by its giant ears and long, bushy tail.
Advertisement

Size: Chinchillas weigh about 1 to 1.5 pounds.

Compatibility: Chinchillas should only be kept with other Chinchillas. Same-sex pairs are usually compatible, even more so if the pairs are introduced to each other when young or grow up together from the same litter. Adult males are very difficult to introduce successfully.

Appeal: Chinchillas are active and fun to watch and they have a soft, cuddly appearance. They are also clean and relatively odor-free.

Drawbacks: Chinchillas are less popular and less widely available than other small rodents. This, along with the scarcity of certain rare colors, can make them more expensive. They also require a more specialized diet. Although they look cuddly, they do not like to be stroked or handled as much as other small rodents like guinea pigs. They need suitable housing to stay safe from household hazards. They may bite if frightened.

Diet: Chinchillas require specially prepared commercial pellets designed specifically for them. They are often fed hay or alfalfa cubes to supplement their dietary needs. They should only be offered fresh greens in moderation or they will suffer from digestive upsets. Commercially prepared "small animal treats" are not recommended as they do not metabolize things in the same way as other small rodents.

Advertisement

Problems & Health Issues: Chinchillas can be susceptible to dental problems and may suffer from digestive upsets. Chinchillas are adapted to a mountain climate and may become overheated at temperatures above 75-80 degrees.

Lifespan: Chinchillas are long-lived for rodents, 10-15 years.

Interesting Facts: A Chinchillas gestation is about 111 days. Litters of 1-4 young are born and they are weaned at about 56 days.

Read More Comments

October 13, 2010

I am interested in information on chinchilla care and how to maintain them? Are they good pets? Messy/clean?

By Nichole Gower from West Frankfort, IL

Answers

October 14, 20100 found this helpful

My adult son had them as pets and he built a beautiful cage for them which he kept in his house. The odor was horrible and the food they require was expensive.

Advertisement

They are very cute though. Good Luck.

 

Bronze Feedback Medal for All Time! 180 Feedbacks
October 16, 20100 found this helpful

Hello, They require a "Dust Bath" so that can be messy. They are expensive and do need Veterinary care, but they are cute!

 
Answer this Question

October 13, 2010

You may wish to consider a chinchilla as a possible pet. They are of the rodent family, (but it doesn't seem that way).

 
Read More...
<< First< Previous
Categories
November 14, 2012
Pages
More
🌻
Gardening
👒
Mother's Day Ideas!
🐰
Easter Ideas!
Facebook
Pinterest
YouTube
Instagram
Categories
Better LivingBudget & FinanceBusiness and LegalComputersConsumer AdviceCoronavirusCraftsEducationEntertainmentFood and RecipesHealth & BeautyHolidays and PartiesHome and GardenMake Your OwnOrganizingParentingPetsPhotosTravel and RecreationWeddings
Published by ThriftyFun.
Desktop Page | View Mobile
Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | Contact Us
Generated 2024-03-28 06:50:06 in 6 secs. ⛅️️
© 1997-2024 by Cumuli, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
https://www.thriftyfun.com/Raising-Chinchillas-as-Pets.html