CHINCHILLA

GENUS AND SPECIES

FACTS

• Native to the Andes of South America
• Used for biomedical research
• Buy them at a local pet shop
• Costs $80-$150

PERSONALITY

• Clean
• Odorless
• Nocturnal
• Friendly
• Very active

CHARACTERISTICS

• Thick coat/fur
• Can be blue-gray, gray, white, or beige
• Rounded body
• Mouse-like ears
• Short legs

CONTINUED

• Tale is 6 inches long
• Teeth continuously grow
• Live up to 10-15 years
• Females are larger than males
• Mature weight:1-1/2 pounds

DIET&COST

• Mazuri Chinchilla Diet®
• Hay, water, occasional treats (nuts, seeds, dried fruit)
• Supplements (salt blocks, vitamin C tablets)
• Need high fiber diet
• Food cost $20 a month

LIFE

• Gestation period 110 days
• Birth occurs in the morning
• Babies are called kits
• 2-6 kits per litter
• Kits are very active after birth. Weigh 35-60 grams

CONTINUED

• Dependent on mother's milk for 8 weeks
• Reach full size at 18-24 months
• Sexual maturity: 8 months old
• Breeding season: depends on light cycle
• Northern Hemisphere-November till May

DISEASES

• Ring worm
• Fur rings-cause urinary problems
• Pneumonia
• Listeria-gastrointestinal problems
• Neoplasia-skin lesions

HOUSING

• Prefer large cages
• Need shelves to climb on
• Clean the cage once a week

FUN FACTS

• Cannot vomit
• Do not need vaccinations
• Take dust baths
• http://youtu.be/XZQo8oXOByY

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