Chile’s Andes mountains are home to chinchillas. As the heights change from sea level to 15,000 feet, so does their lifestyle. The chinchilla is closely linked to the guinea pig and porcupine. In their natural habitat, they can survive on the terrain consisting of rocky mountain ranges at high altitudes. Since 1923, they have been bred in captivity for their fur. They’re quite famous in the pelt market because of their lovely bluish-grey fur. In some cases, chinchillas with poor fur were sold as pets or used in research. Chinchillas are now kept as pets as well as for research.
Natural History of Chinchillas:
The initial stage of breeding took place in 1895. In the same year, the first animal was born and each year two litters were born. In the summer of 1896, an unknown disease started spreading during the breeding process. By then, there were 13 animals and all of them succumbed within two months. Surprisingly, in 1918, there was a revival of chinchillas. Eventually, a man from California became interested in keeping chinchillas to raise them as pets.
At first, the Chilean government did not agree on this, but as the man put in so much effort, the government relented. Then, during the first three periods, only eleven chinchillas were captured. After that, they were brought back to the United States for breeding. This process leads to the first chinchilla farm. It also started the process of raising domestic chinchillas.
Chinchilla fur is prevalent because it has a soft texture. Their even-colored fur is also known to be used in large or small pieces of clothing. For creating a large piece of clothing, there are a large number of chinchillas that are required to make a coat because their skin is so small. In this process, the chinchillas can be hurt obviously. Because of hunting and killing, one of the species became non-existent. People still don’t stop and hunt domestic chinchillas to create clothing, but wild chinchillas are no longer targeted for hunting.
Where is this Species Commonly Found?
Initially, this exotic animal was named after the people of the Ander region, Chincha. The Andes Mountains are found in the region of South America. The word “Chinchilla” actually means “little Chincha”. Back around the close of the 19th century, animals started becoming popular because of their thick and soft fur.
The species of chinchilla “lanigera” is commonly found in Chile. The word “lanigera” originally means “having a woolen coat”, but these cute little rodents have hair on their bodies instead that is soft and sleek.
Burrows or cracks in the rocks are the perfect places where chinchillas love to reside. They are very good at jumping and can jump up to 5 feet high. In the wild, these rodents love to consume fruits, seeds, plants, and small insects. When it comes to breeding, it can take place at any time of the year and there is no specific season or day. When the female chinchillas get pregnant after mating, their average length of pregnancy is around 111 days. For a chinchilla, that is considered to be a long period in this animal group. Because of the long pregnancy period, the chinchillas are born with their eyes wide open and furry bodies. At the time of delivery, their litter is usually one or two, with two more times that are not twins.
Common Types of Chinchilla:
Two types of chinchillas can be differentiated by the size of their tails. The first type “brevicaudata”, which is also commonly named the Bolivian, Peruvian, and Royal chinchilla, has a short tail. They came from the Andes Mountains in the regions of Chile, Peru, and Bolivia. This chinchilla was on the verge of becoming extinct and was known for its exquisite fur. Even with fur, the population of these animals continued to decrease. The chinchilla lanigera, which is also known as Chilean, Coastal, or Lesser chinchilla, has a long tail.
Some Facts About Chinchilla
Here are some facts that you need to know about Chinchillas:
- Chinchillas bear a striking resemblance to rabbits, with tiny forelimbs and powerful, muscular rear legs, but their ears are significantly shorter and rounder. They have bushy tails and huge, black eyes.
- Keeping chinchillas isn’t a difficult task. If you handle them, be aware of the potential for ‘fur slide,’ which can cause injury. There are times when the fur will fall off in patches, which is known as “fur slip.” Even though they rarely bite, they are nonetheless capable of doing so if they are upset.
- High humidity and temperatures of 80 F (27 C) or above can cause heat stroke in Chinchillas, despite their ability to resist frigid conditions.
- Chinchillas breed in the Northern Hemisphere from November to May and the Southern Hemisphere from May to November. Chinchilla females give birth to their offspring 111 days after they become pregnant. As many as six kids can be born at a time. Litter is a term used for these groups of newborns. Individual newborns are called Kits.
- In their diet, they will consume both plant and animal matter. Insects and bird eggs are included in their diet. They eat by holding their prey in their front paws and nibbling on it with their front teeth.
- The chinchilla is listed as an endangered species by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources. Both short-tailed and long-tailed chinchillas are highly endangered. In Bolivia and Peru, short-tailed chinchillas are believed to be extinct, but they may be making a comeback elsewhere.
How to Care for These Pets?
Chinchillas are best kept in couples or as solitary pets.
As with any pets, chinchillas are prone to certain illnesses and conditions, but some are more common than others. Constipation and dental disease are the most prevalent problems in chinchillas. To prevent this, appropriate care and food are essential.
Even though chinchillas rarely bite, you should be aware that the temperament and disposition of chinchillas can influence this danger. Adults who have experience caring for pets may find them suitable companions for their children.
Chins necessitate a cage that is both safe and secure for their well-being. A plastic bottom is suitable instead of a wire bottom, as the wire can irritate chinchillas’ feet. In terms of bedding, several options are ideal for chinchillas and can be chosen according to personal preference and affordability. Shredded or pelleted paper goods, recycled wood pulp waste, and aspen or pine shavings are also good bedding options but avoid cedar shavings.
Chinchillas are most well-known for their thick, silky, and luxuriant fur. Fur serves as a form of weather protection for these animals in the wild. They are, nevertheless, vulnerable to overheating when held as pets.
Chinchillas can consume commercially available pellets that serve as an excellent essential diet. A chinchilla’s digestive tract relies heavily on high-quality hay, including alfalfa, timothy, orchard grass, and prairie grass. Chinchillas cannot get adequate fiber from a pellet-only diet. However, most of them may get by with just a tablespoon or two pellets each day. Some fruits and vegetables are recommended when it comes to occasional treats, but you should check with the vet first. Fresh food should be placed in a dish and removed from the cage after a few hours to avoid spoiling.
Conclusion
Learning the history of the chinchilla is fun and interesting. Many people consider purchasing one for themselves. However, ensure that you’re prepared to care for a chinchilla before you get swept away by its adorable face. Even as pets, Chinchillas can live for as long as 8-10 years.
Want to Know More About Chinchillas You Should Read Lifespan of Chinchilla.
