What you need to know about Chinchillas
BEHAVIOUR: sociable pets, which should live as a couple. Male and male or female and female
can live together. Chinchillas are nocturnal species so they are not suitable for children, but the
best for employed people.
LIFESPAN: Chinchillas can live 18 - 20 years, depending on feeding. It can be a friend for life.
ACCOMMODATION: In big cages or aviaries with many places to sit and climbing possibilities.
They also need many hideouts and a house for sleeping. Don’t put other pets into the cage of these
pets!
FOOD FOR ANIMALS: pellets, hay and water
CAGE ACCESSORIES: A water bottle, rack for hay, feeding dish, dust tub, chippings, branches
from willow, nuts, apples or pears. Gas concrete for gnawing.
LOCATION: Not in the direct sun or in air draft. The most suitable temperature is between 17 and
22 °C. The best humidity is 50 to 60 %.
Don’t let day active pets stay with these pets in one room. They distract each other in the
activity phases.
BODYHEIGHT: between 20 to 32 cm without tail. The tail can be up to 20 cm long.
WEIGHT: The weight varies between 400 to 700g sometimes up to 1000g. The factors depend on
the genetics, the food, and the physical exercise.
SEXUAL MATURITY: begins between 3 to 8 months. The rutting is 3 to 5 days. The cycle
between two ruttings is 28 to 32 days. (deviations are possible)
PREGNANCY: 111 days, sometimes deviations + / - 2 days.
BREEDING: Chinchillas are born complete ready. The mother and the father look after their
children.
AFTER BIRTH: After birth you must take the bath away because the uterus is open and the dust
can cause an infection. After birth give the mother a small piece of apple, so she can the placenta
better digest. Please control the weight of the babies at the beginning every day.
NUMBER OF TEATS: Chinchilla females have 6 teats.
LIFTING THE PETS: With one hand you hold the bottom of the tail and with the other hold the
belly. Take care to have the pet securely on your hand and it will sit still. This is different,
depending on the pet. With some pets you must exercise slowly.
CARE OF THE CAGES: Once a week you must change the chippings and clean the cage.
TAKE CARE! The socialization of Chinchillas is sometimes difficult. Please contact an
experienced breeder for help
