Some Basic Chinchilla Facts
In the past, chinchillas were raised specifically for their thick, luxurious fur and its use in making coats. Today, the animals are commonly kept as pets. The mid-sized rodents are originally from South America and when they are kept in captivity, they normally live from ten to twenty years. In their natural habitat, their life expectancy is reduced to ten to fifteen years>
One of the commonly unknown chinchilla facts is that they were nearly extinct in the early 1900’s. Since it takes from eighty to one-hundred chinchillas to make one coat, their use in this way quickly depleted their population. During that time, eleven of the chinchillas were captured and brought to the United States and all those in the United States as pets today are from those eleven original chinchillas.
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Another of the chinchilla facts that many people may not be familiar with is that they are nocturnal. When you keep chinchillas as pets, you will find that they are the most active at night time. They also sleep during the day meaning they need to be kept in an area that is free from excessive noise and other disturbances. If you approach them, do so quietly so as not to cause them stress.
Chinchillas do not always exhibit the same behaviors. They can be gentle, loving pets but they are also intelligent and mischievous. Whatever the temperament your chinchilla has when you first obtain it will most likely be the same for as long as you have it. One of the chinchilla facts that every owner should be aware of before they purchase chinchillas is that they may get one that is calm or they may get one that is mean and it will probably always be the same way.
When you bring a new chinchilla into your home, it may be frightened or timid. Once you have spent some time with it, your chinchilla can get to know you and no longer feel the need to run from you. Some chinchillas may allow you to hold them but most do not like to be held or cuddled closely. If your chinchilla allows you to hold it, use both hands and support their rear legs in one while the front feet are held slightly higher in the other hand. Hold it close to you so that it feels secure but not so much so that it feels confined.
One of the important chinchilla facts for potential owners to consider is that they aren’t a good choice for someone who has allergies to any type of animal fur or to dust. Their fur is extremely thick and they require dust baths to keep their fur clean. They also are not a good choice for children who want a pet they can hold and cuddle.
Since chinchillas are rodents, they like to chew to clean their teeth and keep them filed down. Provide them with something appropriate for them to chew on to prevent chewing on their cage.
One of the chinchilla facts that delights many owners is that the chinchillas make noises like squeaks and funny little barks. While they may not do so frequently, it is an entertaining surprise when they do! While chinchillas make great pets, they do need owners that have the time to spend caring for and socializing with them!
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