CHINCHILLAS - Chinchilla laniger, Chinchilla brevicaudata

Introduction

Native to the Andes, a cool, dry environment, chinchillas have been farmed for their soft coat.   In fact, much of the literature regarding chinchillas is from the fur industry.  Interestingly, most reports on diseases date from the '50s and 60's, and are not necessarily in English. The pet chinchilla in the private home, however, may suffer instead from the effects of poor husbandry (the result of misinformation?) and/or diet. Following are some qualities and fun facts regarding chinchillas:

• Active, inquisitive and friendly, particularly those handled from a young age.  Rarely bite.
• Nocturnal animals.
• May be litterbox trained (urine). Use nontoxic and digestible filler; no walnut, corncob or shavings.
• Cool weather animals (note place of origin), and overheat easily.
• May stress easily, which may spell death for an already compromised animal. Note also that chinchillas may "hide" disease, and so may be more debilitated than originally believed.
• Recorded lifespan of 9 - 17 years.
• Optimal environmental temperature = 50 - 60 F; temperatures > 80 F may be fatal.
• Humidity < 40% (purchase a hygrometer).
• Temperature = 102 - 103 F

              Pulse = 200 - 350 beats per minute

              Respirations = 45 - 80 respirations per minute

              Body weight = 400 - 800 grams (females > males)

• All teeth are open-rooted and grow continuously through life.
• Sexual maturity is reached between 7 - 10 months of age.

Husbandry

Diet/dietary requirements

Chinchillas, like rabbits, are well adapted to a sparse diet. In captivity, they do well on grass hay with pelleted food and a small amount of treats (produce).

• Commercial pellets: protein 18 - 20%, fat 2.3 - 3%, fiber 15 - 18%, feed approximately one ounce daily.
• Provide unlimited amounts of timothy hay. May feed small amounts of alfalfa or clover hay, but no more than 25% of daily intake.
• Produce in small quantities (1 tsp/adult):  dried fruits, carrots, green vegetables.
• Delicate digestive tract does not handle change well, reminiscent of the rabbit's GI tract. Therefore any dietary changes need to be gradual, and monitored closely for any evidence of innappetence, anorexia, diarrhea (may be as subtle as clumped fecal pellets), or change in attitude, fecal or urine output.

Housing/Environment

• Minimum space requirements per adult:  4' x 4' x 3' of rabbit-style caging. The more space the better as chinchillas like to climb and hide.
• Be sure that there is room for a dust bath tray. Chinchillas need to take dust baths   4 - 5 times weekly; dust is available from pet stores and should be 2 - 4 " deep within the dust tray.
• Supply a wooden nest box for sleeping.

Health Care

• Annual physical exam with a review of husbandry and diet.
• Fecal exam.
• Baseline bloodwork.

Links

Aassociation of exotic mammal veterinarians - www.aemv.org