Facts & Tidbits

• Point of Origin:

Chinchillas originate from the South Andes Mountains.

• Lifespan:

The average lifespan of a chinchilla is about 10-15 years, with some chins reported living to 30 years old!

• Size:

The average size of a chinchilla is about 30-35cm long. Their weight is normally one and a half pounds, although many chins reach the two pound mark.
Classification: The chinchilla is classified as a rodent.

• Sleeping Habits:

Chinchillas are nocturnal, which means they are active during the night. Chins can be quite grumpy if woken up in the daytime. Around 8 at night your chin will start to become active. This is the best time to play with them.

• Shedding:

Chinchillas shed about four times a year. It is clear to distinguish when your chin is shedding. Chinchillas shed from head to toe, so your chin will have a “shedding line” moving from head to tail. This can take up to two weeks.
Fleas: A chinchilla has around 80-120 hairs per follicle so it is impossible to for a chinchilla to have fleas.

• Odor:

Chinchillas are odorless! Their urine is not acidic, and they are naturally clean animals. Smell can accumulate if their cage is not cleaned weekly, and they are not given their daily dust bath.

• Biting:

Although it is not common, if your chinchilla is frightened or grumpy, it can and will bite. A warning bark is normally given if you approach your chin and they are grumpy. If you try to pick them up, they may bite. If they do manage to bite you while you are holding it, blow in their face. They hate breezes, especially on their face, and will learn to associate the blowing with the biting.

• Throwing Fur:

If your chin is scared when you try to pick it up, it will “throw” its fur. This is similar to the warning bark. It is part of their natural defense to get away if caught in a predator’s mouth. In this case, the chin is viewing you as the threat.

• Scratching:

If you notice that your chinchilla is scratching a lot, and you see no visible reason for it, (lesion, patch of hair missing) then cut back on the frequencies of their dust baths, as their skin is drying out.

• Vegetables:

Chinchillas should never be fed green vegetables like lettuce, broccoli or spinach. They have no need for it in their system, as they receive hay each day.

• Vaccinations:

Contrary to what a few books on the market are saying, top chinchilla vets state there are no vaccinations that are needed to be given to a chinchilla.