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What is the life span of a chinchilla?
Chinchillas generally live between 15-20 years although there has been some that have lived longer!
Where are chinchillas from?
Chins originated from high atop the Andes Mountains in Peru.
What is their temperment like?
Chinchillas are naturally curious and full of energy (if you catch them when they're up). Each has their own personality but it is important to remember that they don't "tame down" as some other animals do. Chinchillas cannot be trained. What you see is what you get. Remember, if you see a cute chinchilla at a pet store that bites, he will bite when you get him home too. Make sure that you like its personality the way it is. If a chinchilla is raised with lots of love and attention it will be well socialized towards people and will not bite. However, I've seen a lot of pet store chins that were obviously not raised correctly and don't know that biting is not a good thing. Do your homework and make sure you like his personality more than anything!
Do they make any kind of noises?
You better believe it! They might not meow like a cat but they can make a variety of sounds that will have you wondering "what on earth is that?!?!" I've heard mine making quiet barking sounds a lot. They also try to 'wheek' like a guinea pig. This always makes my two guinea pigs really confused when they hear it. Dustie makes a really weird sound that I can't even describe. It sounds like a "whooooouuuuuuppp!" if you can imagine that. He does it when he's sleeping... my little sleep-talker. Oh yeah, and it completely freaks me out if I go in their room and it sounds like a bunch of little kids giggling quietly. Like I said, they make the strangest noises sometimes! They're not loud noises... but they'll definately catch your attention the first couple of times that you hear them!
Why are some chinchillas more expensive than others?
Chinchillas come in many different colors and some colors are more rare than others - thus making the price higher. Good temperment may also make a chinchilla more valuable.
Why do pet stores only carry gray chinchillas?
Standard Gray as they're called are the "standard" color of chinchillas. In the wild chinchillas are gray to blend in with their environment. However, with selective breeding, breeders have been able to make a wide range of colors! If you're interested in acquiring a specific color you should contact a local breeder (altough some breeders will ship chins) rather than a pet store.
For more information about the different colors, please visit my Genetics page.
Do chinchillas get along well with other animals?
This was once a question of mine since I have many different types of animals. Generally cats and dogs should be kept away from chinchillas at all times. I've heard of some that get along - make sure they are always supervised! - but I would be worried that the chin might get hurt. Small rabbits may get along with chins - but make sure they are relative in size as the chin. Large rabbits may injur a chin. Guinea pigs can make good friends with chinchillas since they are relatively the same size. Ferrets should never be placed near a chinchilla!!
If you are allowing other animals to play with the chinchilla make sure they are NOT in a cage and that there is room for either animal to run away from the other. Also, never leave them unsupervised and never house two different species together.
Still got a question?
If you don't find the general information that you're looking for here chances are it may be in my Chin Care section.
If you still can't find it, head on over to the Chins & Quills Forum! They have a TON of info already there and knowledgeable people than can answer your questions quickly.
©2006-07 The Chinchilla Villa · CVKL
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