The Chinchilla originally came from the Andes Mountains in South America. They are a member of the Rodent Family, meaning they are related to mice, squirrels, beavers, etc. They are accustomed to dry, cold weather. They do not tolerate heat very well.
Over time, breeders have developed many different colors of chinchillas. They were at one time very sought after for their extremely soft fur.
Chinchillas average ten to fourteen inches in length with a tail about six to eight inches. They weigh about one pound when full grown. They can jump surprisingly well because their back legs are longer than their front ones. They can live to be about twenty years old in captivity.
Chinchillas need to take a "bath" in volcanic ash almost daily to keep their coat from matting and to keep it clean. They eat grass, roots, bark, fruits and some leaves in the wild. In captivity they can eat specially made chinchilla pellets, hay, and dried fruits in small quantities. They enjoy raisins and nuts for treats.
Chinchillas can make a very loud squeaking noise when they talk. They have several different sounds that they make for different moods. They are somewhat nocturnal, which means they are more active during the nighttime. They can make a great pet, usually more desirable for older children or adults.
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