Chinchilla

Chinchillas, cuddly looking rodents, live high in the Andean Mountains of South America. They have some of the finest and thickest fur of all animals and have been bred on fur farms since 1920s. Standard Gray chinchillas most resemble their wild cousins.

They are to be kept in a heavy-duty, wire cage that is at least 36 by 24 by 24 inches. Line with a layer of wood shavings and hay that should be cleaned out every day to prevent the animal’s fur becoming dirty and matted. Provide a brick to sit on, and a next box to sleep in.

Chinchilla pellets, developed for fur farms, are a complete food. Buy in small quantities and check the sell-by-date. Provide 2 tablespoon of dried food each day and also fresh, dry timothy hay and fresh water. Wheat, barley, oatmeal, apple and millet can also be given.

Chinchillas live for 8 to 10 years, sometimes for as long as 20 years. Keep singly or as a breeding pair. Never keep 2 males or 2 females together, as they will fight. Do not grab a chinchilla around the middle; if they are frightened their fur falls out, or they may even lose their tail.