Chinchillas belong to the rodent family, and they resemble squirrels or rabbits. They are definitely bigger than squirrels, though. These South American animals make for great pets. They belong to the big family of Chinchillidae. Are you planning to get a chinchilla for your home? Read on to know about the top 10 facts about chinchillas to be well aware of the animal. This will help you care for the pets in a much better way than before.
facts about chinchillas
1. Chinchillas stay awake during the night
Be prepared for busy and noisy nights when you plan to get chinchillas as your pets. These are nocturnal animals; therefore, they keep you occupied all through the night, at least its not like potoo bird. Ensure that you place the chinchilla cage in a quiet, dark place so that the animal can sleep properly during the day.
2. chinchillas have Long lifespan
When compared to the other furry animals in their family, chinchillas live for a very long time. They definitely live longer than squirrels, rabbits, and rodents. They live for a maximum of 20 years. So when you are getting a chinchilla home, you should prepare yourself to stay committed to it for a long time.
3. chinchillas are Very active and attention-seeking
You need to have a lot of space in the chinchilla cage that you have set up for your pet. This is because these small furry animals love to jump and climb. They are known for their speed and agility in climbing great heights. They can jump from the floor to the ceiling in a second; therefore, you need to keep enough toys and treats in the cage to keep them occupied throughout the night.
When they are domesticated, these chinchillas are very social and friendly animals. They love it when you cuddle them or pamper them to bits. When you don’t, they seek your attention by doing crazy things. They are very high-maintenance pets because they demand a lot of care, attention and time from you.
4. chinchillas are Dangerous gnawing habits
When you buy chinchillas, you should ensure that you watch out for their gnawing habits very carefully. The teeth of these animals keep on growing, all through. Their teeth grow an average 12 inches per year. This makes it quite painful for the pets to chew or gnaw normal foods. So, you need to give it foods and treats that are not too painful. Most of the times, chinchillas injure themselves when they bite on to dangerous items such as electrical cords, sharp objects, wooden furniture and the like.
5. Dust baths are common
One of the unique features of the chinchilla is its thick fur. It takes a very long time for this thick coat to dry when chinchillas bathe in water. However, they also want to get rid of the dust and oils that get accumulated in their fur. This is why they love rolling over dust to give themselves a dust-bath and keep them clean from impurities. When they roll over the dust happily, they make for excellent sights.
6. chinchillas are Prone to heat strokes
The chinchillas have been designed with very thick fur to help them withstand the freezing temperatures of their native areas. They can handle extreme cold conditions well, but they are not very good at handling warm temperatures. The temperature in the Chinchilla cage should be maintained below 80degrees F at all times. If it exceeds this limit, chinchillas suffer from heat strokes. When they get over-heated, chinchillas get rid of the excess heat by emitting blood through their huge ears.
7. chinchillas are Very vocal characters
There would never be a dull day in your homes when you have a chinchilla as a pet. They are experts in making a lot of strange voices. Chirps, grunts, and squeals are
8. chinchillas are Not very picky about diet
Chinchillas are poor eaters. There are two reasons for the same. Firstly, in their native hillside homes, they don’t get a lot of variety of food, mainly because of the freezing temperatures there. Secondly, their teeth keep on growing until they live, which makes it very uncomfortable for them to chew their foods. Hay and hay-based pellets are their favorite foods. Don’t over-feed them, as they are prone to digestive disorders.
9. Chinchilla babies are fully developed
Chinchillas gestate for a long time – 111 days, to be exact! A female chinchilla usually carries twins, and because of the long gestation period, the babies are grown almost fully-developed. Don’t be surprised to see the baby chinchillas come out of their mother’s belly with completely developed thick fur. They are born with fully open eyes as well. In short, they are born in a condition that helps them cope with the harsh cold climate outside.
10. chinchillas are Slips out of fur
The thick fur that the chinchillas have not only protects them from extreme climatic conditions but also proves to the perfect defense mechanism for them. When they are caught by their predators, chinchillas quickly shed a layer of fur and escape quickly. All you will be left with is a thick coat of fur in your hands. Sometimes, chinchillas shed a lot of furs when they are scared, stressed or ill. You have to pamper your pet so that it becomes normal soon. The fur that has been shed grows back quickly within 6 months.
We hope these top 10 facts about chinchillas help you understand about your pet well. These pets demand a lot of attention and time from you. Therefore, get yourself a chinchilla only if you are ready for the long commitment and care that it deserves.
Chinchillas are prone to quite a few health issues. They are also active all through the night. Are you ready for a busy journey ahead of you for at least 20 years from now? If yes, the chinchilla is the right pet for you.
Conclusion:
chinchillas are fascinating animals with many unique characteristics. From their dense fur and excellent jumping abilities to their inability to sweat and their ability to digest cellulose, there are many mind-blowing facts about chinchillas. By understanding these facts, we can better appreciate and care for these adorable creatures as pets or in their natural habitats.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How long can chinchillas go without water?
Chinchillas should not go more than 24 hours without water. They require a constant supply of fresh, clean water to stay hydrated and healthy. Dehydration can lead to serious health issues and even death in chinchillas, so it is important to ensure they have access to water at all times.
Can chinchillas eat crackers?
Chinchillas should not eat crackers as they are highly processed and contain ingredients that are not suitable for their digestive system. Crackers are also high in carbohydrates and can cause digestive problems and obesity in chinchillas.
How to tell if your chinchilla is cold?
You can tell if your chinchilla is cold by observing their behavior and body language. Signs of a cold chinchilla may include shivering, huddling, lethargy, and a decrease in activity. Chinchillas are sensitive to cold temperatures and require a consistent environment of around 60-70°F (16-21°C) to stay warm and healthy.
Hi, my name is Idammah, and I am a huge animal lover! I have always had a special place in my heart for pets, especially cats. I currently have a rescue cat named Simba, who has brought so much joy and love into my life. In my free time, you can find me playing with my cats or watching some animal documentaries. When not spending time with my cat, I enjoy writing about my experiences as a pet owner and sharing helpful tips and advice with other pet lovers. I hope to connect with other pet enthusiasts and share our love for animals through this blog.