Chinchilla

Coat and looks how to spot one

very dense, silky fur

A compact, round-bodied rodent with big dark eyes, large rounded ears, long whiskers and a bushy tail. Its fur is among the thickest of any land mammal, with dozens of hairs sprouting from each follicle, which makes it feel exceptionally soft. The natural colour is a bluish to brownish grey with a pale underside.5241

Personality what they are like

Chinchillas are gentle, curious and lively, but also shy and easily startled. Most prefer to be watched and interacted with on their own terms rather than cuddled or held, and they rarely bite unless stressed. They suit calm households and owners who enjoy observing an active little animal in the evening.657

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Mostly active at dusk and during the night. They need a tall cage with ledges and ramps to jump and climb, a solid-surfaced wheel of about 38 cm (15 in), and daily supervised time out of the cage in a chinchilla-safe room. Plastic exercise balls are not suitable.863

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Chinchillas keep their fur clean by rolling in a dust bath of fine volcanic ash or pumice dust, not water; getting the coat wet can cause matting. Offer a dust bath roughly 5-10 cm deep for about 10 minutes daily (MSD) or at least a couple of times a week (other sources). Handle calmly by supporting the body, since rough grabbing can make them release a patch of fur (fur slip), which takes months to regrow.8217

Home where they are happiest

A large, multi-level wire cage with ramps and shelves, small bar spacing (side openings no bigger than about 25 x 50 mm) and safe bedding such as kiln-dried pine or paper. Provide hides like wooden houses or tubes, as wild chinchillas shelter in rock crevices. Keep them in a cool, dry, quiet spot, as they come from cold mountain habitats.863

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Unlimited good grass hay such as timothy forms the base of the diet and keeps the ever-growing teeth worn down. Add a small amount (1-2 tablespoons) of chinchilla pellets daily, a little dark leafy greens, and keep fruit to under 10% of the diet. Avoid nuts, seeds, grains and dried fruit. Fresh water should always be available, usually from a bottle.961

Company who they like around

Highly social; wild chinchillas live in colonies that can number over 100. The RSPCA advises that pet chinchillas should not be kept alone, so a compatible companion is recommended.631

The story where it all began

Chinchillas take their name from the Chincha people of the Andes, who used the animals' fur and meat. International trade in chinchilla fur began in the 16th century, and demand grew so heavy that around 1900 Chile was exporting roughly half a million skins a year; by the end of the 19th century the animals had become scarce in the wild. Commercial breeding began around the 1920s, and according to Britannica all captive chinchillas descend from 13 animals taken to the United States in 1927. Ranch-bred chinchillas later moved into homes as pets, and breeders developed a wide range of colour mutations. Wild chinchillas are now protected and both species are listed as endangered.1342

Recognised by the official bits

Empress Chinchilla Breeders Cooperative

North American breeders' cooperative that holds chinchilla shows, keeps a breeder directory and publishes ethical breeding guidelines.10

Selective breeding (general)

Domestic chinchillas are bred in many colour mutations; dominant colours include beige, white and ebony, recessive ones include sapphire, violet, charcoal and velvet.2