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15. CHAPTER. Chinchillas. History of Chinchillas. Descended from Paramys (Paleocene and Eocene epoch) Incas used for fur thousands of years ago Fur reached Europe in 1500s Became popular in 1700s Animals nearly became extinct but were revived on ranches

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  1. 15 CHAPTER Chinchillas

  2. History of Chinchillas • Descended from Paramys (Paleocene and Eocene epoch) • Incas used for fur thousands of years ago • Fur reached Europe in 1500s • Became popular in 1700s • Animals nearly became extinct but were revived on ranches • First organized sale in New York (1954) • World now produces 150,000 skins yearly

  3. Major Chinchilla Color Groups • Standard • White • Beige • Black • Sullivan Violet

  4. General Chinchilla Characteristics • Physical appearance • Broad head with large ears and eyes, very long, stiff whiskers • Short ears and short, bushy tails (3 to 10” long) • From 9 to 15” long total, weigh from 1 to 2 pounds • Native habitat • Barren areas of Andes Mountains up to 20,000-foot elevations • Shelter in crevices and holes among rocks

  5. Feeding patterns • Diet of any available vegetation • Eat sitting upright with food in forepaws • Behavioral patterns • Primarily nocturnal • Make little noise and are very clean

  6. C. Brevicaudata Species • Native to Peru, Bolivia, and Northwestern Argentina • Stocky appearance • Thick neck and shoulders • Ears shorter than those of C. laniger • Nose flatter than that of C. laniger • Heavy light gray, coarse hair that is often tinged yellow

  7. C. Laniger Species • Type usually raised domestically • Native to Northern Chile • Smaller than C. brevicaudata • Narrow neck and shoulders • Silky and medium to dark gray fur with a bright bluish cast

  8. Chinchilla Housing and Equipment • Location requirements • Quiet in daytime • Fairly dry • Adequately ventilated • Moderately heated

  9. Cage desirables • About 24” x 24” x 14” • Sides of metal and wire with small openings • Bottoms of wire mesh or solid material (pan) • Wood shavings for bedding • Hiding place (wooden box or large can) • Play toy (small wooden block) • Pan with bathing powder • Metal, creep-type feeder • Vacuum-type water bottle

  10. Basics of Chinchilla Feeding • Varied pelleted foods • Ground alfalfa hay, corn gluten, corn tailings, wheat germ, and bran • Vitamins and minerals • Pelleted guinea pig feed as substitute • Dietary supplements • Fresh, well-dried alfalfa or timothy hay • Grass, carrots, and celery • Raisins in limited portions as treats • Constant source of clean, fresh water

  11. Methods of Handling Chinchillas • Overall approach • Allow animal to acclimate to surroundings • On approach, go quietly and speak softly • Choose nighttime interaction over daytime • Handling techniques • Grasp tail close to body and lift • Place one cupped hand in front of animal and one hand behind (gentlest option)

  12. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (bacterium) Eye inflammation (conjunctivitis) Inner ear infection (otitis) Pneumonia Intestinal disorders Reproductive disorders Pathogenic organisms Intestinal parasites Dermatophytosis or ringworm Impaction Fur chewing Malocclusionis Dietary deficiencies Mastitis Chinchilla Diseases and Ailments

  13. Chinchilla Reproduction • Two breeding approaches • Pair • Polygamous • Females bred at ~8 months • Gestation period of 111 days • Litters vary from 1 to 3 (average of 2) • Young born fully furred, eyes open, with full set of teeth and a lot of energy • Should be handled only when dry and warm

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