The Life of Animals | Chinchilla | There are two living species of chinchilla, Chinchilla chinchilla (formerly known as Chinchilla brevicaudata) and Chinchilla lanigera. There is little noticeable difference the between the species except the Chinchilla chinchilla That has a shorter tail, a Thicker neck and shoulders, and shorter ears. The Chinchilla lanigera species, though rare, can be found in the wild. Domestic chinchillas are thought to come from the lanigera species. The international trade in chinchilla fur goes back to the 16th century. A single, full-length coat made from chinchilla fur may require as many as 150 pelts, as chinchillas are Relatively small.
Domestic chinchillas are still Bred for this use. Chinchillas require extensive exercise. Chinchilla teeth need to be worn down as Their teeth grow continuously and can Prevent the chinchilla from eating if They Become overgrown. Birch, willow, apple tree, manzanita or kiln-dried pine are all safe woods for chinchillas to chew. Chinchillas dissipate heat by routing blood to Their large ears, so red ears signal overheating. Chinchillas can be found in a variety of colors.
The animals instinctively clean Their fur by taking dust baths, in the which They roll around in special chinchilla dust made of fine pumice. The dust gets into Their fur and absorbs oil and dirt. Chinchillas do not bathe in water Because the dense fur prevents air-drying, retaining moisture close to the skin, the which can cause fungus growth or fur rot. A wet chinchilla must be dried with towels IMMEDIATELY and a no-heat hair dryer. The fur also reduces loose dander, making chinchillas hypo-allergenic.
Chinchillas eat and digest desert grasses and can not efficiently process fatty foods, high protein foods, or too many green plants. Avoid chinchilla feed That includes a mixture; chinchillas may avoid the healthy high-fiber pellets in favor of items like Raisins and seeds. Chinchillas also eat and drink in very small amounts. Nuts Should Be Their avoided due to high fat content. High protein foods and alfalfa hay can cause liver problems and Should Be Limited.
