Colored Chinchillas

Selective breeding has produced a number of color mutations in chinchillas. These include White, Silver, Charcoal, Chocolate and Beige. Silver and white animals may be patterned with small or larger blotches of gray pr beige fur.

Each chinchilla must be provided with a dust bath – a deep metal tray that contains fine bathing dust. It can be obtained from a pet shop. Chinchillas love to dust bathe, they will roll in it and play. This cleans grease and first from their fine fur that would otherwise become dirty and matted.

Chinchillas love eating sunflower seeds. They are said to help make the fur shiny but avoid giving too much, as they can result in an overweight chinchilla. Supplement dry food with small pieces of fresh fruits and green vegetables can be given too.

A doe chinchilla is pregnant for 111 days before giving birth to twins or triplets, born fully furred and with their eyes open. The buck can stay with the doe and pups but should be removed for a few days immediately after their birth to prevent re-mating.