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Birds
African GreySenegalSmall Animals
ChinchillasFerretsDegusSugar GlidersHedgehogs|
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| Small Pets |
| Chinchillas |
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About Your Chinchilla The Chinchilla is a great pet with an interesting history. They were almost hunted to near extinction in there native habitat, the high rocky Andes Mountains in South America. IIn 1923 a man named M.F Chapman brought 11 of these animals back to California. Most chinchillas are descended from this origanal stock. The Chinchilla used to valued only for its fur but now it is also being know as a great pet. What is a Chinchilla A Chichilla (chinchilla langiera) are in the Oreder Rodienta Group which includes porcupines and prairie dogs. Chins are 10 to 14 inches long with their tail 6 to 8 inches long. Chins have short forelimbs and have long powerfull hindlimbs that are used for jumping. Feeding Your Chinchilla A high fiber diet is essential! Chinchillas should eat a high quality grass hay as a major part of there diet. Chinchilla pellets can be given as a supplement; however, a diet high in pellets or fruits and vegetables can predispose these animals to enteritis. Sunflower seed are not only a great treat for chinchillas it also adds sheen to an animals coat. Treats should be limited, and there are some items that should be left out of the animals diet altogether like extra salt and vitamins. Avoid abrupt changes in your animals diet. If you have to change food mix new and old food for a couple weeks. Always keep fresh food and water. Chinchilla Housing Chinchillas do best in conditions similar to their mountain homeland. Heat stroke is the most common problem in these pets and they should always be kept in a cool, low humidity environment.Make sure the tempeture doesnt go over 70 degrees F. This can be fatal. Never put a chinchilla in a tank always keep it is a wire mess cage. Part of the cage should be a solid material (such as wood) to reduce foot problems. Because chinchillas love to jump and climb a multi level cage is recommended. Chinchilla Colors Chinchillas come in many different colors. The original color of all chinchillas is a standard Grey. There are many different mutation. Some are Black(the only mutation color that the chinchilla doesnt have a lighter underbellie), Silver, Sapphire, Violet, Black Velvet and homo bieges. Chinchilla Grooming Chinchillas are fanatical about their coats and often insist on daily dust bath which is sold at local pet stores. This should be left out so the chinchilla can roll around in the dust. Chinchillas like to be brushed when they are sheding. Chinchilla shed their fur every three months. Combing a chinchilla requires a special comb for them. Top ten reasons for Chinchillas as a pet. 1.They are adorable and gentle creatures. 2.They require little attention, but they appreciate attention when shown to them. 3.They keep themselves very clean. In fact, they have no odor. 4.Their fur is so thick that fleas and ticks can't live on them. 5.They are quiet. 6.They are easy to care for and can be left alone over a weekend. 7.Their food is very inexpensive (only about $1.20 per month). 8.They are nocturnal so they are ready to play when you get home from work. 9.Many people who are allergic to most animals are not allergic to Chinchillas. 10.They are smart, curious and extremely entertaining. |
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