The chinchilla as a pet

Among the current trends to have animals at home, is the use of chinchilla as a pet. Here we tell you its main characteristics and guidelines to adopt.

Chinchilla as a pet is a very trendy option today. These are small rodents as affectionate as they are quiet, which allow many families to enjoy a pet whose maintenance is quite economical. Mainly if compared to the popular dogs and cats. They are equally ideal for teaching children from an early age the responsibility of caring for other living beings.

The chinchillas are native to the southern part of the Andes Mountains, it is estimated that they are at least 50 million years old on Earth. One of its most striking features is its abundant and silky hair. In fact, it is the terrestrial species with the thickest fur.

But this aspect has also become his biggest problem. The wild population has been dramatically reduced during the last two centuries, due to its high value in the world of furs. At present they are mostly bred to supply the fur market and, to a lesser extent, to be sold as pets.

General characteristics of chinchilla

Unlike what happens with most animals, females are larger than males. On average they weigh about 800 grams, while their peers rarely exceed 600 g. Its thick fur responds to the conditions of its place of origin: more than 4000 meters above sea level, in cold and desert areas. And thanks to the fact that it falls with great ease, they can escape from the claws of their attackers.

Its hind legs have an amorphous design of only three fingers and without the presence of large claws that allow it to run and jump at high speed. They have a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years. Although they know of copies that reached, and even exceeded, 25 years.

The chinchilla as a pet

It is an extremely independent animal, which does not imply that you enjoy solitude. Therefore, those who decide to bet on a chinchilla to serve as a company, should preferably acquire more than one copy. Although to avoid territorial conflicts, a single male will serve several females.

As a pet, the chinchilla will need a large cage with several levels. But regardless of the dimensions of this habitat, it is advisable at least once a day to let them explore with some freedom, always under the supervision of their owners. Their diet is based almost exclusively on vegetables. Hay is his favorite food and to a lesser extent alfalfa. In the market there are specific feeds, which have the essential nutrients for their development.

Beyond some difficulties with your digestive system, they are animals that do not usually suffer from many diseases. Visits to the veterinarian are almost always limited to routine deworming every six months. Another compelling reason to choose a chinchilla as a pet.