Chinchillas are a popular small pet. They’re small, relatively easy to care for, and they are clean. They do tend to be quite shy and are considered better pets for adults and quieter children, but with a lifespan of 10 to 20 years, a pet chin could be with you for some time.
Chinchillas originate from the Andes mountains in Chile. They have been and are still extensively farmed for their fur and their meat, which has seen the total population of wild chinchillas dwindle considerably. Although not extinct, this small rodent is endangered, which means that the species is at serious risk of extinction unless action is taken.
Read on for more information about this small animal and its conservation status.
About Chinchillas
There are two species of chinchilla, Chinchilla chinchilla and Chinchilla lanigera. Both are classified as endangered in the wild by IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Commonly found in burrows and rock crevices, chins are sociable animals that can live in herds of up to 100 animals. Once found in Peru, Argentina, and throughout South America, it is now really only found in Chile.
As Pets
A comparatively long lifespan and quiet nature have made chinchillas a popular pet, especially with older children and adults. A healthy chin can live up to 20 years. However, even with regular handling, it is unlikely that the furry rodent will enjoy being picked up, although they do learn to tolerate it, which is a good job considering their thick, soft fur is very tactile.
They should be let out for supervised play, and exercise, at least once a day, and many experts agree that they should be kept in groups of at least two to ensure they do not become lonely. Loneliness can lead to depression and stress, eventually causing illness.
They require a reasonable size cage: they are much larger than hamsters, after all. They are also herbivorous, which means feeding commercial food and fresh produce, rather than insects or small animals.
All pet chinchillas sold by breeders and pet stores are captive bred. Wild chinchillas are not caught and sold to the domestic market. In fact, in the US, it is believed that virtually all pet chinchillas originate from 11 pet chins brought to the country by engineer Mathias F. Chapman, in 1923.
