chinchillas

1. chinchillas By: Bennett Resnick

2. Chinchillas as Pets • Chinchillas make good pets. But be careful how hold them, they are delicate and squirmy!

3. Animals they are Related to • Chins are related to porcupines, Patagonian Maras, Capybaras, Guinea Pigs, and Degu

4. What they Need • Chinchillas need a cage • A Dust bath • Lots of energy • Food and Water • They like raisins, carrots, small pieces of fruit(dried or regular) or apple twigs, which is good for their teeth

5. Health Problems • A chinchilla has a few health issues. Some are dry skin, from not taking a dust bath, dehydration, overgrown teeth, so give them something to chew, they can’t get fleas but can get fungus. They get stressed and too many treats can cause liver damage. Don’t ignore them but don’t over love them.

6. Chinchillas in the Wild • In the wild, chinchillas are found in the Andes Mountains in Bolivia, Chile, and Peru, living in crevices in the rocks or hiding in caves. Chinchillas are nocturnal. They live in colonies of about 100. The fur balls eat roots, fruits, leaves bark, alfalfa, pellets, and hay. Chinchillas are camouflage next to rocks. There predators are owls, foxes, snakes hawks, and any other night creatures.

7. Endangered • Chinchillas are endangered. They are hunted for their fur which is used in coats or blankets. • Chinchilla fur became popular in the 19th Century. After they were named “endangered”, people still continued to hunt them illegally. Out of the two species, Short-tailed chinchilla and Long-tailed chinchilla, the Short-tailed has nearly met extinction.

8. How to Help • You can help these poor little creatures by donating money at a chinchilla society or rescue center and help save them. (look online for any)

9. What “Chinchilla” Means • The name “Chinchilla” comes from a South American tribe and means “Little Chinta.”

10. Hope you Liked it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!