Chinchilla smoky. Main breeds and interbreed mixtures of chinchillas: colors with photos

Chinchilla ( Chinchilla) belongs to the order rodents, suborder porcupine, superfamily chinchilla, family chinchilla, genus chinchilla.

Description of the chinchilla and photos

Chinchillas have round heads and short necks. The body is covered with dense soft hair, and stiff hairs grow on the tail. The body length is 22-38 cm, and the tail grows 10-17 cm long. The weight of a chinchilla reaches 700-800 grams, while females are larger and heavier than males.

At night, chinchillas are easy to navigate thanks to their huge eyes that have vertical pupils. The whiskers of mammals grow up to 10 centimeters in length. The ears of chinchillas are rounded and have a length of 5-6 cm. There is a special membrane in the auricles, with which the chinchilla closes its ears when it takes a sand bath.

The chinchilla's skeleton can shrink in a vertical plane, so the animals can climb into the smallest cracks. The hind legs of chinchillas are four-toed, and the front ones have 5 fingers. The hind limbs are very strong and twice as long as the forelimbs, which allows mammals to jump high.

The life expectancy of a chinchilla reaches 20 years.

Do chinchillas have teeth?

Chinchilla teeth are very strong, however, like all other rodents. They have 20 teeth in total: 16 molars and 4 incisors. Newborn babies have 8 molars and 4 incisors.

Interesting fact: An adult chinchilla has orange colored teeth. Cubs are born with white teeth that change color with age.

Colors of chinchillas. What color are chinchillas?

Chinchillas have an ash gray color and a white belly - this is the standard color of the animal. In the 20th century, more than 40 different types of chinchillas were bred, the coat color of which has more than 250 shades. Thus, chinchillas come in white, beige, white-pink, brown, black, purple and sapphire.

Types of chinchillas

There are the following types of chinchillas:

• Small long-tailed chinchilla (coastal)
• Short-tailed (large) chinchilla

Male and female chinchilla

Chinchilla female larger than the male and weighs more. Males are more tame. But if you take not a female, but a male first, the chinchilla may be offended and turn its back.

Where does the chinchilla live?

Chinchillas are native to South America. The short-tailed chinchilla lives in the Andes of southern Bolivia, in northwestern Argentina and northern Chile. The long-tailed chinchilla lives only in certain areas of the Andes in northern Chile.

Thanks to strong hind legs, chinchillas are capable of high jumps, and a developed cerebellum guarantees them excellent coordination. These are colonial animals that do not live alone. Chinchillas are most active at night. If there are no crevices and voids in their habitats, the chinchilla digs a mink.

What does a chinchilla eat?

Like all rodents, the chinchilla feeds on seeds, cereals, herbaceous plants, lichens, bark, moss, legumes, cacti, shrubs, and insects. In captivity, the animal eats dried foods: apples, carrots, nettles, hay, dried dandelions, nuts, as well as special feeds, which include wheat, corn, oats, barley, peas, lentils, beans, grass flour and other components. Especially chinchillas love such dried fruits as raisins, dried apricots, prunes, dried pears and apples, dried cherries, wild rose and hawthorn. You should not feed a chinchilla many fresh vegetables and fruits, as this can lead to stomach problems.

Chinchilla breeding

Chinchilla couples are monogamous. At the age of 7 months, the animals reach sexual maturity. The female can give birth up to three times a year. On average, two cubs are born, but sometimes more. Females go pregnant up to 115 days. The male becomes caring and helps the female care for the chinchillas. Little chinchillas are born with open eyes, with fur and can move around on their own.

Sounds of chinchillas

If the chinchilla makes a sound like a chirp or quack, it means that the animal does not like something. When a chinchilla clicks his teeth very quickly or makes sounds like growling and blowing his nose, the animal is very angry. When a chinchilla hits or is frightened of something, it squeaks loudly. In case of danger, the chinchilla can attack the enemy. To do this, she stands on her hind legs, growls, lets out a stream of urine and then clings to her opponent with her teeth.

Chinchilla is a pet

Because of the beautiful and pleasant to the touch fur of chinchillas, they were often hunted, which reduced their population. AT this moment there are chinchilla farms where animals are grown for the sake of fur. The chinchilla has also become a popular pet. At home, the chinchilla lives in spacious cages and aviaries, and an already accustomed and accustomed animal can walk around the apartment.

• Chinchillas do not see well, but they are well oriented thanks to the sense of smell;
• The chinchilla does not have sweat glands, so it does not smell of anything;
• Chinchillas bathe not in water, but in sand or dust: they do not stay on the water and immediately get wet;
• Chinchillas can jump up to 2 meters high and even higher, and they can also sleep upside down, in a vertical and horizontal position;
• Chinchillas do not shed but can shed their fur, especially when attacked.

Many people are used to believing that these fluffy rodents are exclusively gray. But in fact, the colors of chinchillas are quite diverse, because for decades experts have been breeding with them, achieving new colors and shades of their amazing fur.

There are only two types of these animals: a small long-tailed chinchilla and a large short-tailed chinchilla (or Peruvian). They differ from each other only in size and length of the tail.

And some areas of the Argentine Andes, but in natural conditions these animals are no longer found, as they were completely exterminated due to valuable fur. Now short-tailed chinchillas are bred on special farms. Representatives of this species have a strong body, from thirty to forty centimeters long, and their weight ranges from five hundred to eight hundred grams. The short tail is covered with stiff hairs.

They are called coastal, and they are still found in the wild, mainly in the highlands of the Chilean Andes. Rodents differ from their large relatives in their more miniature size (body length is from twenty to thirty centimeters) and a long tail covered with luxurious hair. The animals weigh no more than seven hundred grams.

Important: both of these types of chinchillas have almost the same gray color, but as a result of breeding work with a small long-tailed chinchilla, breeds with more than forty colors and different shades of fur were bred.

angora chinchilla

The angora or royal chinchilla is a subspecies of the common long-tailed chinchilla. As is the case with pygmy rodents, long-haired animals appeared due to natural mutation, not targeted selection, although chinchillas with long fur have long been the ultimate dream of many breeders.

Although the first mention of these animals dates back to the sixties of the last century, it was only in 2001 that the Angor standard was fixed.

The fact is that their breeding is difficult, since even a pair of long-haired parents can have babies with ordinary short hair.

Features of the appearance of angoras:

• The main distinguishing feature of these animals is, of course, long silky fur. The angora chinchilla has a very fluffy luxurious tail and elongated hair on the paws and head;
• Angoras also differ from their relatives in a more flattened and short muzzle, which is why they are also called Persian;
• long-haired rodents are more miniature in size compared to ordinary relatives.

Important: the most expensive chinchillas in the world are representatives of the Angora breed. Their price can vary from one to several thousand dollars. Moreover, the more rare and unusual the color of the animal (blue diamond, violet, black velvet), the higher the cost of the rodent.

Dwarf chinchillas

Many people mistakenly think that dwarf chinchillas are a separate breed, but this is not the case. Miniature fluffy animals appeared as a result of a natural genetic mutation and the only thing they differ from their counterparts is their small size. Mini chinchillas have a small compact body, short legs and a short, very fluffy tail. only three hundred or four hundred grams and can fit entirely in the palm of a person.

Few breeders decide to start breeding dwarf chinchillas, as they consider this business troublesome and unprofitable. Baby mini chinchillas are born the same size as those of ordinary rodents, so miniature females have difficulty giving birth, and it is not uncommon for them to die in the process. Babies in such females are born weak and many die in the first days of life.

As for colors, the color palette of small fluffy creatures is the most diverse, and in this they do not differ from their large fellow tribesmen.

What are chinchillas: color options

In their natural habitats, these animals have many enemies, and nature itself took care of their survival, endowing them with an inconspicuous and inconspicuous fur coat, of a grayish color. Indeed, due to the gray coat color, fluffy animals merge with the surrounding rocky terrain, thus hiding from predators.

But since these creatures began to be bred in nurseries and on farms, breeders set out to breed animals with new colors, resulting in individuals with white, black and beige fur. In the course of many years of breeding work, animals were bred with such unusual and interesting colors as purple, sapphire and white-pink.

What color are chinchillas?

• gray color, which is also called agouti, is considered the standard of chinchillas;
• white color of fur with varying degrees of saturation of the shade and interspersed with pinkish and beige tones;
• brown color or pastel, which ranges from light beige to rich chocolate;
• black color of a fur coat with different depth and saturation of a shade;
• unusual and original colors such as purple, sapphire and pink.

Important: the colors of these rodents are divided into dominant and recessive. The dominant color is the color that appears immediately at the birth of the animal. In the recessive variant, the rodent does not have a specific fur color, but is a carrier of a gene responsible for a certain shade, and when crossed, it can pass it on to descendants.

Standard gray color chinchillas

The gray coat is characteristic of both wild individuals and domestic chinchillas. But depending on the shade and depth of color, the gray standard is divided into moderately dark, light, medium, dark and extra-dark.

Light coloured

For rodents with this color, light gray fur with a silvery overflow is characteristic. The belly, chest and paws are painted in a light, almost white tone.

Average

This is the most typical and common color of animal fur. Animals have a coat with a uniform gray tint, but with a lighter color on the belly, legs and chest.

Dark

The animals have a gray-black coat with a blue tint coat, which has a lighter color in the abdomen and chest.

Moderately dark

Chinchillas are painted in a dark gray coat with an ashy tint on the legs, muzzle and sides. The belly is bluish-white.

extra dark

Fur in animals has a rich coal-gray color, turning on the sides and chest into a lighter shade. The belly is painted in a light beige tone.

Chinchilla breeds with white fur

Rodents with a snow-white fur coat look very beautiful and aristocratic.

White Wilson

Representatives of this type white fur, which sometimes contains blotches of grayish or beige shades. Chinchilla white Wilson can be of two options: silver mosaic and light mosaic.

White chinchillas of the first type have a white coat with a silvery overflow and darker hair on the head and base of the tail.

In animals with a light mosaic color, light gray spots are scattered on a snow-white coat, and the scruff and ears are painted with a darker gray color.

Albino

Strictly speaking, these rodents cannot be called a separate breed. Indeed, among chinchillas, as among many animals, there are albinos, which are characterized by the absence of a color pigment in the genes. These animals have a milky white coat and red eyes.

White Lova

A recently bred breed characterized by creamy white coloration and dark ruby ​​eyes.

White velvet

These are animals with a light fur coat, iridescent beige or silvery hue and with specks of rich gray color on the front legs and head.

white-pink

The animals have milky-white fur, pink ears and black eyes. Sometimes the hair on the back has a pinkish tint.

Animals with beige color

This color is also called pastel. In representatives of this breed, the fur is colored with all shades of beige, brown and red.

It is interesting that the fur coat of animals of this type becomes darker with age.

Gomobeige

Animals have uniformly colored fur of light beige, almost sandy color. The ears are pinkish.

Heterobeige

From the previous version, heterobezh differs in uneven color. The coat of the animals is beige, but the undercoat and tips of the hairs have a darker brown color.

Beige Tower

The coat color of rodents varies from light to dark beige. On the back there is a pattern of rich brown shades.

Beige Wellman

The animals have light beige fur, very light ears and black eyes.

Beige Sullivan

Rodents have a rich beige fur coat and bright red eyes.

Brown velvet

The main color is beige, but the back and head of animals are chocolate-colored. The belly is painted in light sand, and sometimes white.

Ebony breed

This type is not distinguished by the color of the coat, since the color palette of ebony chinchillas is presented in various colors. Animals of this species have extremely shiny and iridescent shiny fur.

There are also several options for ebony that differ from the standards.

Homoebony (or charcoal)

It is considered one of the rarest and most valuable colors. The animals have a coal-black fur coat and black expressive eyes.

heteroebony

These animals are characterized by dark shining fur, combining black and gray colors.

White ebony

Animals have a snow-white coat color with black coating on the tips of the hair. On the legs, head and base of the tail, the hair is darker, gray or beige.

Breeds of chinchillas with a dark color

In addition to homoebony, which have a rich black coat, one can also distinguish a breed of chinchillas with a dark color, which are called "black velvet".

Black velvet

These are amazingly beautiful animals, in which black hair on the back, sides, tail and head creates an incredible contrast with a light tummy. The more pronounced the contrast of dark and light fur, the more valued chinchillas of this type.

Rare breeds of chinchillas

Breeders managed to breed breeds with an unusual and rare color, for example, purple or blue.

violet

The animals have an amazing coat of light lilac or lavender color contrasting with a white tummy. There are dark purple blotches on the nose and ears.

Sapphire

One of the rarest and most beautiful breeds. The bluish or light blue color of the coat is combined with a white belly and pink ears.

blue diamond

Rodents of this type are even rarer than representatives of the sapphire color. The animals have light blue fur with a metallic sheen and a dark pattern on the head and back.

Breeds, types and colors of chinchillas

Today I want to talk with you about such animals, to which most of the earth's population is not indifferent - chinchillas!

This article opens a new section on the Good to Eat! project, called "Fauna", in which you can find information about any animals on our planet...

So chinchillas...

Chinchillas ( lat. Chinchilla - a genus of furry animals of the family chinchilla group of rodents.

The birthplace of chinchillas is South America, namely dry rocky, preferably northern regions at an altitude of 400 to 5000 meters above sea level. These small beautiful rodents inhabit the Andean mountains of Bolivia, Chile, Peru and Argentina.

Chinchillas grow in length up to 22-38 cm, and their tail is 10-17 cm long. The head is rounded, the neck is short. The body of the chinchilla is covered with thick and durable fur, which warms this animal in the cool highlands, and the tail is covered with stiff guard hairs. Weight in adults reaches up to 800 grams. Chinchillas have large black eyes with vertical pupils, which make them easy to navigate at night. Whiskers grow up to 8 - 10 cm, and ears up to 6 cm, and have a rounded shape. The auricles of chinchillas have special membranes with which the animals close their ears when they take sand baths; thanks to this, sand does not get inside. The chinchilla's skeleton is able to compress in a vertical plane, which allows the animals to penetrate narrow cracks in the rocks. The forelimbs are five-fingered: four grasping fingers and one little used are twice as long as the front five-fingered ones. The hind limbs are four-fingered. The strong hind limbs are twice as long as the forelimbs and allow high jumps, while the strongly developed cerebellum provides good coordination of movements necessary for safe movement on the rocks. Chinchillas live up to 20 years. The standard color of the animal is grayish-blue (ash), with the exception of the white abdomen.

Sexual differences of chinchillas. Chinchilla females are larger than males, so if an adult female has a weight of up to 800 grams, then males do not exceed 700 grams in weight. Chinchilla boys at the age of 4-5 months have secondary sexual characteristics (testicles under the tail). And at the age of about 7 months, the genitals are easily distinguishable and you can no longer confuse him with a female. In terms of behavior, male chinchillas are usually lickers, i.e. more manual. An interesting fact is that if there is a male and a female in the cage, and if you take the male first in your arms, then the female may be offended by you, which will be expressed in the fact that she will turn her back to you.

Chinchillas were, and still are, the object of intensive hunting because of the valuable fur from which fur coats are made, which led to a strong decrease in their numbers. At the moment, chinchillas are listed in the Red Book of the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources.

Long-tailed chinchillas are bred for fur on farms in many countries, and are also common as pets.

Features of the behavior of chinchillas

Chinchillas make very interesting sounds: when they don't like something, they make a sound similar to quacking or chirping. If they are very angry, they begin to make sounds similar to growling or blowing their nose, and sometimes at the same time they click their teeth very quickly. If they hit hard or get very frightened, they can squeal very loudly. But chinchillas are not defenseless - when threatened, they can attack. They attack in a rather funny way: they stand high on their hind legs, begin to “growl”, let out a stream of urine, and then bite with their teeth.

Chinchillas in history

When the Spanish conquerors reached the shores of South America, the warm clothes of the local population made of fur aroused their admiration. The name "chinchilla" fur received from the Spaniards in honor of the Indian tribe Chinchas. An intensive harvest of chinchilla fur for delivery to Europe began. This led to almost the extermination of the wild chinchilla. Many attempts to breed chinchillas in captivity have failed. Since the movement of chinchillas from the mountains to the valley ended in their death.

The first who was able to move chinchillas from the mountains, as well as transport them to North America, was M. Chapman. In 1923, he managed to bring to the United States 11 chinchillas (eight males and three females), which can be considered the ancestors of almost all animals living on farms today. He managed to get offspring from the first three females. After the success of M. Chapman, extensive development of the experience of breeding chinchillas in captivity began in North America and Canada, and later in Europe and South Africa. A lot of work on the selection of farmers from all over the world has led to a color mutation. The first were white Wilson, beige, black velvet. Currently, chinchillas have gained great popularity among lovers of exotic animals.

Types of chinchillas

There are two types of chinchillas: small long-tailed or coastal chinchilla (lat. Chinchilla Lanigera) and short-tailed or large chinchilla (lat. Chinchilla Brevicaudata).

The body length of a small long-tailed chinchilla is 22-38 cm, and its main difference from other brethren is a chic fluffy tail 10 to 17 cm long, which resembles a squirrel. In addition, this animal is endowed with large black eyes, long whiskers and large rounded ears adapted to nocturnal activity.

This type of chinchilla is endowed with short front and very powerful hind legs, and the body of such a chinchilla is also framed by a small tail. The neck of the animal is quite thick. The general color scheme of short-tailed chinchillas is grayish-blue, and the abdomen is painted white. The short-tailed beauty is larger than the long-tailed chinchilla, with a broad head and small bluish ears.

In addition to the main species, chinchillas have many mutational species that have been produced over many years of work when crossing these animals, and differ mainly colors his fur.

The color of the standard chinchilla, which is the main species grown on farms, is gray-blue on the back of the body (on the head, back, sides, thighs and tail) with a white ventral stripe. The agouti color pattern, typical of the chinchilla, is common to all species in the suborder Caviomorpha (ex. guinea pigs or viscacha), and its name comes from the Agouti species (Dasyprocta agouti - a South American golden hare that lives in South America and in the Antilles). This pattern is based on the zonal color of the fur: dark on the top, light on the middle, and dark on the base. The overall effect of the color of the fur, which gives a dark top, is called a veil. In the middle part of the hair, the pigment is more or less diluted. In standard views, three types of color are distinguished: dark, medium and light. They differ in the length of the colored part of the fur and the intensity of pigmentation.

Some types of chinchilla coloring

At home, chinchillas are mainly bred, which have the following colors: standard gray, black velvet, white, beige, homobeige, ebony, purple, sapphire. When crossing of these colors, more than 200 different combinations of hybrids arise among themselves, some of them have a complex genetic structure and are bred in several stages.

Standard gray- wild natural color, carrying two recessive genes - aa. Crossing parents of a similar color gives a similar offspring. Among the standard gray chinchillas, light standard, medium standard and dark standard are distinguished, since the color of the fur can vary from light gray to dark gray with a bluish tint on the back and sides and from white to bluish white on the abdomen. On the curves of the body, a play of tones can be observed, since the lower part of the hair is black or bluish, the middle is white, and the upper is black.

Black velvet. The color was first bred in 1960 in the USA.
Distinctive features of this color are black diagonal stripes on the front legs, black color of the back and head, white belly.

Chinchillas of this color cannot be crossed with each other, as they have a “lethal gene”, which negatively affects the qualities of the offspring. Crossing with other colors gives the following main types of hybrids: white velvet (with Wilson's white); brown velvet (with heterobeige); purple velvet (with purple in two stages); sapphire velvet (with sapphire in two stages), etc.
Wilson white, mosaic (or white velvet), silver. This color, first obtained in 1955 in the USA, is dominant, contains a "lethal gene". Appearance heterozygous individuals are different, the color of the fur is from snow-white to dark silver.

White chinchillas- carriers of a recessive "lethal gene" that appears as a result of crossing two white parents. Therefore, animals that are carriers of this gene are not crossed with each other.

Recessiveness is a form of relationship between two genes, in which one of them has less strong influence on the corresponding traits of an individual than another.

In relation to the standard gray, the white gene is dominant, and as a result of crossing, both white and standard animals are born.

Color white velvet can be obtained by crossing black velvet and white wilson. As a result, the individual receives white, black velvet and standard genes. White velvet, which has the effect of double dominance, is characterized by white fur, a dark “mask” on the head, dark gray diagonal stripes on the front legs.
Crossing white velvet with animals of the following colors should be avoided: white velvet, black velvet, brown velvet, purple velvet, sapphire velvet, as well as white, white-pink, white ebony. This is due to the fact that white velvet carries two "lethal genes" characteristic of white Wilson and black velvet.

Beige color was first obtained in 1955. Animals in which the beige color is dominant are characterized by pink to dark red eyes and pink ears, sometimes with black dots. Fur color varies from light to dark beige.

Dominance is a form of relationship between paired genes, in which one of them has a stronger influence on the corresponding traits of an individual than the other.

Beige chinchillas are homozygous, so they perfectly interbreed with others. The result is wonderful hybrids.

Beige homozygous. Animals of this color do not have a "lethal gene", they can be homozygous. Beige homozygous chinchillas are distinguished by light cream fur with a pinkish sheen, pink ears, light pink pupils with a light blue or white circle around the pupil.

As a result of crossing a homobeige animal with a standard one, heterobeige puppies are born. When hetero-beige are crossed with each other - hetero- and homo-beige individuals, the most successful pairs for which are white-pink, brown velvet, white velvet, velvet heteroebony, velvet homoebony.

Heterozygous beige. The combination of two heterozygous beige chinchillas gives 25% homozygous beige, 50% heterozygous beige, 25% gray animals.
Crossing a heterozygous beige and standard gray produces an equal number of heterozygous beige and standard chinchillas.

Brown velvet obtained by crossing the colors black velvet and beige. Hybrids of this species have a white belly and back - from light to dark. So that the number of cubs in the litter does not decrease, it is not recommended to cross between animals that have the black velvet gene.

white-pink obtained by crossing beige and white chinchillas with beige, white and standard genes.

Due to double dominance, there is the possibility of beige and white genes. The ears of such animals are pink with black dots, the eyes are from pink to dark ruby, the fur is white. Brown spots of various shapes and locations are allowed.

Homoebony. Color is currently not thoroughly studied. Chinchillas of this color are distinguished by a beautiful shine and a special silkiness of the fur. However, breeding such animals is a rather difficult task, since homoebony grow more slowly and have smaller sizes compared to other hybrids.

Heteroebony. The genotype of animals of this color contains the genes standard and ebony. Obtaining a dark heteroebony chinchilla is possible by crossing a male of a similar color with a light standard female.

The resulting individuals can be light, medium, dark, very dark. Crossing with a beige animal leads to the appearance of a pastel color. Heteroebony is the result of crossing homoebony and standard chinchilla, homoebony and heteroebony, heteroebony and standard, heteroebony with each other.

Velvet ebony. Velvet ebony are hybrids of black velvet, homoebony and heteroebony, having genes for black velvet, standard and ebony.

The presence of the velvet gene in heteroebony is determined by the dark color of the back and the “mask” on the head. Velvet homoebony are distinguished by light fur on the sides, dark fur color. Diagonal black stripes on the legs are not visible. The black color of the belly indicates the presence of the ebony gene.

Velvet heteroebony obtained by crossing heteroebony with black velvet, velvet homoebony - by combining velvet heteroebony with homoebony or heteroebony. These individuals have shiny fur, close in decorativeness to the homoebony color. However, it is undesirable to cross between velvet chinchillas due to the presence of a “lethal gene”.

purple color, related to recessive mutations, appears only in the homozygous state. The result of crossing with standard chinchillas are standard animals that carry a purple gene that does not appear externally. The color of the fur of such animals varies from light to dark lilac. The belly has a snow-white color.

The purple color is quite rare, as purple chinchillas only start breeding at 14-18 months. But despite the difficulties that breeders face when breeding, these hybrids occupy the second most popular place in Europe after animals bearing ebony genes.

Purple velvet. A hybrid of black velvet, homoviolet, having the black velvet gene, standard, and purple. The fur of the animal is dark lilac, the belly is white, diagonal dark stripes are located on the paws. The black velvet gene affects the basic purple color, making it darker.

The hybrid is bred in two stages: when black-velvet and purple chinchillas are combined, animals with the genotype black velvet - a carrier of purple are obtained, which are then crossed with purple. The resulting puppies can have a variety of colors, one of which is ultraviolet.

Sapphire. The sapphire color is recessive. When crossed with a standard chinchilla, puppies are obtained that are standard carriers of sapphire, which does not appear externally. The combination of two sapphire or one sapphire and a sapphire carrier results in sapphire animals. The color of the fur is preserved throughout the life of the animal.

In 1967, the first purple chinchilla appeared in Zimbabwe. Her cubs were bought in 1975 by a Californian fur breeder, who began breeding animals of this color.

Before buying a chinchilla, prepare a room for it, which should be warm, dry, bright and well ventilated. Proper placement and maintenance of chinchillas consists of next necessary conditions: the purchase or manufacture of a cage or enclosure that meets the biological needs of animals, and care that will ensure their good, good health and longevity.

Before purchasing a cage, you should consider what you are keeping your chinchillas for. If you want to get offspring from them, then you should consider the following - the cage should not be very high. very soon after birth, they begin to climb the walls of the cage. So if breeding is one of your goals, make sure that your cage is not too high so that the cub can climb up and not hurt himself when falling.

If you have several chinchillas: the cage should be as spacious as possible, but not less than 90 × 70 cm and 50 cm high. For one animal, a cage 70 × 50 cm in size and 50 cm high is most preferable. Such cages, even in a small room, will take relatively little places. The cages are made of metal, from a galvanized mesh with a mesh size of 1.5 × 1.5 cm for the bottom and 1.9 × 1.9 for the side walls and roof. It is impossible for the cage to be painted, so when buying, pay attention to this.

It is desirable that the cage would have a retractable metal (made of sheet aluminum or iron) tray, into which it is necessary to pour a bedding of sawdust, small chips. These animals are clean and almost odorless, so the litter can be changed about once a week.

Wooden shelves about 15 cm wide are also installed in the cage, on which they willingly rest. You can install ladders in the cage, wooden tunnels, so that the animals, if necessary, can hide in them. It is also necessary to install a house for the animals to rest and raise offspring. It should be designed so that it is convenient to periodically replace the litter on which the animals rest. The nesting house should remind the chinchillas of their natural shelter, there it is necessary to create twilight. In terms of size, the house should be approximately 30 cm long, 15 cm deep and 15 cm high. If a couple lives in a cage, a husband and wife, then it is better to install two houses in the cage so that in case of a quarrel, and chinchillas have it, they could sit in different places. Almost like people 🙂

The feeder and drinker are installed on the front wall or on the door of the cage. This method is the most convenient, since the feeders that are placed on the floor of the cage can be turned upside down during the games of your animals, or they can turn into a toilet. The best option for parrot feeders made of metal or ceramic with attachments to the cage. Currently, a variety of drinkers for rabbits and chinchillas are sold on the market and specialized stores. These are vacuum bottles with a metal rod 4-6 cm long, inside of which a metal ball is placed.

Hay must be present in the chinchilla's diet, so it is necessary to install a separate feeder on the side of the cage - a hay nursery. You can install a hay feeder inside the cage, or you can put hay on the mesh roof of the cage above the shelf. It is advisable to remove any hay that has fallen on the bottom of the cage during the day.

In order for the fur of the chinchilla to be in good condition, they need to take baths. The bath should have a special "sand" - sialite (crushed volcanic stone). In nature, animals, grinding incisors, gnaw it, and then bathe in this dust. Bathing, they clean the wool. It is better not to use Polish “sand” - this is, in fact, ordinary river sand, from which chinchillas break their hair. However, one feature must be taken into account: cialite is a dusty powder; it is not very convenient to use it in an apartment. Therefore, it must be mixed with German-made bathing sand in equal proportions and poured into the bath with a layer of two centimeters. Once or twice a week, it must be sieved through a sieve (slightly larger than for flour). Two packs will last for six months. You can buy a ready-made bath or use small containers measuring 30x20x20 cm made of tin or plastic. The bath is set for 20-30 minutes. Do not leave the bath in the cage for a long time, because. the animal can relieve its need there and the sand will have to be thrown away. Also, with frequent bathing, the skin of the animal can become very dry, which is not desirable. Animals bathe with pleasure, noticeably transforming at the same time. The fur becomes more fluffy, airy, and the mood of the animals and activity improves. It is very interesting to watch chinchillas bathing, and if there is such an opportunity, it is better to use transparent materials for making a bath, and if this is not possible, then an old pan or a three-liter jar will do. Packaged bathing sand is sold in markets and pet stores.

Because chinchillas are rodents, they have a natural instinct to constantly nibble on something. Therefore, it is imperative to put a special hard stone in the cage for grinding teeth. You can also put wooden ingots or wooden toys, a mineral or chalk block into the cage, in general, everything that can diversify the life of your pets.

In the room where cages with chinchillas are installed, there should be fresh air, but without drafts, with humidity preferably 50-70%, temperature from 5 to 25 ° C, best of all 18-20 ° C. As already mentioned, long stay animals in direct sunlight is undesirable, at the same time, the morning or evening sun is very useful for them and activates vital functions.

Important! In no case should you use hairspray, perfume or other substances that cause pungent odors near the chinchilla cage.

Daily regime. Chinchillas lead a twilight lifestyle, and during the day (during daylight hours) they sleep, so it is necessary to create conditions for them to do this.

Important! Chinchillas are shy: very loud sounds of music, the sudden inclusion of bright light or a very sharp bang can lead to stress and illness or even death of the animal, therefore, near the cage, until it gets used to the atmosphere at home, you can not make sudden movements, scream, turn on bright lights .

Chinchillas are herbivores and are not picky eaters. The basis of their diet is made up of various herbaceous plants, mainly cereals, legumes, also seeds, mosses, lichens, shrubs, tree bark, small insects.

Feeding chinchillas is practically no different from feeding rabbits. On the market and in pet stores there are a lot of different feeds for chinchillas. You can also offer your pets something more varied and tasty. In the summer, fruits, plant seeds, dry bread crusts can be given. In winter - hay, tree branches, dried fruits - apples, plums, dried apricots, raisins, nuts. Rose hips and barberry are very useful. However, when feeding chinchillas in the summer, greens must be followed by some rules, you need to start with servings of 1-2 well-dried dandelion leaves per day. Clover and stems leguminous plants always dried or used dry to avoid bloating. Do not get carried away with root crops - beets and potatoes, carrots must be given well washed.

Hay should also be present in the diet of the animal. Hay should consist of forbs. Well-dried hay is green and smells good. Its nutritional value depends on the content various kinds herbs. Do not feed animals with damp and moldy hay

Chinchilla must be constantly provided with water.

Important! Do not give chinchillas chlorinated water (from the tap), because. this can lead to the death of the animal. Water is used artesian or mineral, but without gas. You can also use boiled or purified water.

To grind the front incisors into the cage, you need to put dry ingots or tree branches. From trees, you can use apple, pear, willow, acacia, birch, willow, linden, hazelnut. It is undesirable to give branches of coniferous trees with a high content of resins, citrus, walnut, cherry, plum and oak. Also for the same purpose, you can purchase special stones made of pumice or chalk. Chalk is also necessary for chinchillas as a mineral supplement.

However, when feeding chinchillas, you should not get carried away with a lot of sweet and high-calorie foods. This can lead to obesity, and this negatively affects their ability to reproduce.

Squirrels - construction material.

Protein Functions:
- participate in the production of antibodies, thereby protecting the body from viruses and various microbes;
- control energy balance;
- ensure the full development of the body, especially the nervous system, regulate irritability and reactions to external stimuli;
— are constituent parts hormones, muscles and other tissues;
- are biological catalysts of processes - enzymes (in connection with vitamins and microelements);
- shaping the mind.

AT in large numbers proteins are found in milk, legumes, cereals, corn and nuts.

Fats - are a solvent for vitamins, and regulate the water balance of cells, are responsible for the entry of salts, amino acids and sugar into them, provide a feeling of fullness during meals. In addition, fats are a source of energy.

Abundant consumption of fat is very unhealthy for the chinchilla!

The richest sources of fats are nuts, sunflower seeds, and other oilseeds.

Carbohydrates is the main source of energy in the body.

Perform the following functions:
- participate in the synthesis of nucleic acids, non-essential amino acids, in plastic processes;
- are part of cells, tissues and interstitial fluids, blood;
- replenish the glucose content in the blood;
- help the body in the utilization of fats.

Vitamin A (retinol) - Necessary for chinchillas to maintain good vision. composite element photosensitive substance of the retina. Responsible for the normal condition of the mucous membranes of the body (respiratory system, gastrointestinal tract etc.) and skin. Plays an important role in the regulation of immune processes.

Vitamin A is found in rose hips, red carrots (more raw), pumpkin, bananas, spinach and lettuce, as well as milk and corn.

B vitamins necessary for metabolism. They ensure normal growth and development, promote wound healing and participate in the processes of blood formation.

B vitamins are rich in legumes and cereals (especially their cell membranes), milk, lettuce, spinach.

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) - one of the most important vitamins needed to maintain and improve health.

Functions of Vitamin C:
- is part of organs and tissues;
- participates in redox processes;
- ensures the normal metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and fats;
- enriches the organs with glucose;
- regulates the permeability of the walls of blood vessels;
- favorably affects the functions of the pancreas and liver;
- regulates blood clotting;
- helps the body resist infectious diseases;
- participates in the production of antibodies;
- affects immunobiological reactions.

The main source of vitamin C is vegetables, berries and fruits. In large quantities, it is found in wild rose and sorrel.

Vitamin E necessary for strengthening muscles, it maintains a healthy skin condition. It has a positive effect on the work of the gonads and some others, restores reproductive functions, promotes the development of the fetus during pregnancy. Vitamin E also prevents inflammation. The best natural sources are wheat germ, soybeans, spinach, corn, almonds and walnuts.

The composition of body tissues, blood, tissue fluids, bones, enzymes and hormones includes minerals and micronutrients.

Calcium is a building material for teeth and bones. Responsible for blood clotting, regulates activity internal organs, muscles, nerves, helps the heart to work constantly, to be flexible and strong vessels. It plays an important role in the body's resistance to infections. It is found in large quantities in nuts (almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts), seeds, apples, wheat, raisins, dried apricots, soybeans and beans.

Potassium - an important element for the cells of the chinchilla body. It is necessary for the normal functioning of soft tissues. Endocrine glands, blood vessels, capillaries, cells of nerves, kidneys, brain, liver, heart and other muscles cannot function normally without this element. Potassium is present in 50% of all body fluids. You can saturate the body of a chinchilla with potassium by feeding it dried apricots, raisins, pine nuts, carrots, sunflower seeds, dandelion leaves.

Zinc it is simply necessary in the body of a chinchilla to develop stable immunity. Plays an important role in wound healing and supports the sense of taste and smell. Ensures the normal development and functioning of the gonads. Contained in sprouted grains of wheat, sunflower and pumpkin seeds, legumes. Fruits, vegetables and berries contain very small amounts of zinc.

Iron in the body of both a chinchilla and a person it is contained in very small quantities, but without it it is impossible to carry out many functions. First of all, iron is required for the production of red and white blood cells. Red cells (erythrocytes) contain hemoglobin, an oxygen carrier, and white cells (lymphocytes) are responsible for immunity. Thus, iron plays a major role in providing cells with oxygen and supporting immunity.
Contained in beans, peas, soybeans, wholemeal bread crumbs, vegetables with green leaves, rose hips.

Magnesium affects the energy processes in all organs and tissues, primarily those that actively consume energy (nervous system, heart, working muscles). Participates in immune processes.
Sources of magnesium are nuts (peanuts, hazelnuts, almonds, Walnut), oatmeal, soybeans, beans, buckwheat. In winter, dried fruits, especially dried apricots, raisins and prunes, can become an additional source of magnesium.

Folic acid found in beans, wheat, vegetables, dried fruits, oatmeal. Participates in the formation of red blood cells, improves milk secretion in lactating females. Folic acid is necessary for normal cell division, which is why it is of great importance in the body of pregnant women and injured chinchillas.

How to start a chinchilla family

In order to create a chinchilla family, you need to know a few rules. The first is that chinchillas have a pronounced matriarchy, in connection with this it is advisable to plant a younger female to the male, on his territory. If you are faced with the fact that you need to plant a male to a female on her territory, then for this you need to conduct a so-called acquaintance between them. To do this, you can place a carrier cage with a new tenant next to the cage of the old tenant for 2-3 days, so that they get used to each other. After that, try to settle them together, if the experiment failed, then you need to put the aggressor into the carrier for several hours. So you can continue until they get along with each other without quarrels. The replanting of a new tenant should always take place under your supervision so that the animals do not cripple each other.

Males, as a rule, reach sexual maturity at 7-9 months, females at 6-8. The duration of the sexual cycle in females is 30-50 days, estrus is 2-4 days. In the female, the reproductive organs are quite close to the anus, and the male has a small gap between them, where the testes are hidden under the peritoneum, so it is not difficult to distinguish a male from a female chinchilla. Pregnancy in chinchillas lasts an average of 105 to 115 days. During pregnancy, it is advisable to transfer the female to enhanced nutrition, and it is also desirable to supply vitamins, especially if this is the first pregnancy. Usually 1-2 cubs are born, rarely 3 or more. Pregnancy does not interrupt the development of eggs, which mature quickly after childbirth. Therefore, if you do not want your female to become pregnant again, you should remove the male from her and it is advisable to move his cage to another room. If you decide not to put the male away, then he usually becomes a caring father, helping the female to take care of the puppies. After the second offspring in a row, the male should still be transplanted and the female should be allowed to rest.

Chinchillas are born with hair open eyes and capable of independent movement. The body weight of newborns ranges from 30 to 70 grams and depends on hereditary traits, mother's feeding and litter size. If one or two cubs were born, then they do not need to be supplemented. If three or more puppies were born, then they must be fed with a glass pipette. Boiled milk, milk mixtures are suitable for this. You can also give the female to increase lactation 1-2 raisins per day. After two months, the grown cubs need to be placed in a separate cage.

Chinchillas are naturally shy animals, so the golden rule for you should be this: never rush to become good friends from the first moment we met. imposition his friendship will only frighten the chinchilla. It will take a few days when the animal will get used to its new territory, and then you can begin to create trusting, friendly relations.

Please note that the daily routine is very important for the chinchilla, determine the time (preferably from 18.00-19.00) for feeding, as well as changing the water in the bottle and of course exercising.

First steps towards friendship. Speak gently to your pet as you walk past the cage, repeating her name. Several times a day, you can offer her a small piece of sweet (for example, raisins - a favorite treat of chinchillas). However, you should not give a whole raisin at once - half is enough, as too many raisins can cause diarrhea, but 1-2 raisins a day, for the sake of pleasure, are quite suitable.

First, you can offer her a treat through the cells of the cage, while talking to her. The main thing is not to scare the pet with sudden movements. Always move slowly when approaching a cage. Some make a specific sound when they approach the cage with a treat. It may sound silly, but over time, chinchillas associate this sound with a certain action (for example, bringing goodies) and begin to greet you joyfully.

Continue to build your relationship in this way for several days, observing the behavior of your animal. Over time, the chinchilla becomes more courageous and, armed with a twist, you can open the cage door very carefully, talking all the time with your pet, stick your hand with a treat to her nose. Most likely, the chinchilla will take the treat from your hand quickly and eat it right on your hand, or in a corner. By continuing to do these exercises with your pet, you will soon see how the chinchilla itself will want to explore your hand. At this time, you can also try to gently tickle under the chin or behind the ears, since most chinchillas enjoy this, and this is a good way to let her explore you, your scent, and associate you with the pleasure they get from interacting with you.

After a while, your chinchilla will be ready to explore more than just your hand. She may try to get close to your face or your shoulder, the main thing is not to frighten her away with sudden movements.
To walk around the apartment, you should place the cage in the place where the walk will take place, while you need to prepare the place before that: close all the places where the animal could hide from you (under the closet, bed, behind the heating radiator, etc.). Then carefully open the cage door, talking to your pet, inviting him to leave the cage. If the pet does not come out, you can always use the old bait - raisins, and reward the animal when he leaves his safety zone - the cage. At the end of a walk around the apartment, try not to catch the animal with your hands, try to lure it into the cage with treats or by placing a bathing tray with sand in the cage. If this does not work, try to take the animal by the base of the tail with one hand and substitute the other hand as a support, and escort it into the cage in this way, do not squeeze the animal too much, as its delicate body can be damaged.

Remember, a chinchilla, for all its charm, is not a creature that will hug all the time. They are too impatient to be in one position. The time will come, as soon as your chinchilla gets used to you and understands that you are not harming her, and the animal will be happy to approach you, climb on you, play with you, and will allow you to pet him. You will be able to create trusting relationship with your pet.

Chinchillas are truly wonderful and funny animals. You only need to take the time to your animal and be patient, and you will make yourself a furry friend for many years to come.

Sticking of the hairline in the anus area indicates that the animal has diarrhea, which may be of infectious origin, due to improper care and feeding.
Also, when choosing and buying a chinchilla, you need to understand for what purpose the animal is being bought and also take into account your financial capabilities. The price of a chinchilla depends on age and color. Animals of a standard gray color are cheaper than their colored counterparts.

Chinchillas almost never bite. There are animals that willingly go into the hands of the owner, explore clothes, hair, jewelry. They can sit on their shoulders, on their heads for a long time and move around the room with a person in this way.

There are, however, individuals who do not tolerate any touch of hands to themselves. The extreme degree of hostility of the chinchilla is an attempt to “shoot” the offender with a stream of urine. Typically, this behavior occurs in animals raised on large farms and not having close contact with humans. But even such a bully can be completely re-educated if you allow him to feel attention to himself, and not be limited only by the desire to grab the animal and cuddle it like a kitten. After all, most chinchillas perceive such an attitude as aggression.

When buying, you also need to decide whether you will buy one chinchilla or you subsequently intend not only to keep the animals at home, but also to get offspring from them. In this case, immediately purchase a pair of heterosexual animals. Do not forget that chinchillas live in small families, they are animals that need to communicate with their fellows. Therefore, lonely animals will be bored, and the owner will have to deal with them more.

Diseases of chinchillas

Disorder of the gastrointestinal tract. The reason for this is inadequate feeding. Its symptom is diarrhea, constipation, bloating. This disease occurs as a result of feeding moldy food, poor quality food, or poor quality water. This disease may also be caused by wrong diet nutrition: feeding in large quantities of succulent or dry food. Diarrhea also occurs as a result of a sharp change in diet, or feeding foods poor in fiber and rich in proteins and fats. This can lead to stomach cramps, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, etc.; indigestion - bloating, diarrhea, constipation; intestinal inflammation - bloody diarrhea, mucous diarrhea. Each of these symptoms can lead to abnormalities. Changes in the flora of the stomach or water regime can lead to the multiplication of microbes, which can lead to poisoning and death of the animal.

Fatty degeneration of the liver. This is a liver disease causing macro- and microscopic histological changes in the organ. The reason for this is the feeding of granular products to the animals, which were stored for a long time, and as a result, rancidity of fats occurred, indigestibility of carotene, if it was in excess in food. Cases of liver dystrophy should be a signal for a review of the diet and feeding products that protect the liver. It is recommended to include in the diet substances that have a protective effect and substances that cleanse the liver: these include the homeopathic preparation Epatral, metionin, cholin and Vitamin E.

Food poisoning. It can be caused by Clostridium perfingens enterotoxin, which was present in the feed of animals. A case of such poisoning is described by Novakovsky in (1991): the reproduction of this type of anaerobic bacteria occurred in granulated feed, which included soy hydrolyzate and powdered milk, which was an excellent environment for bacteria during the storage period of the product. Symptoms of poisoning were diarrhea, bloating, prolapse of the anus. 20% case of animals is registered. A detailed examination revealed inflammation of the gastric mucosa in the area of ​​the pylorus, an inflamed, bleeding state of the intestine with swelling, as well as an enlarged liver.

Urolithiasis disease. This disease leads to bleeding inflammation of the bladder. This disease is most commonly observed in adult males. As a result of the unusual functioning of the urinary function, crystallization of various compounds occurs and crystals precipitate in the renal ducts and accumulate in bladder. If it is in small amounts, then natural excretion occurs in the urine, as a result of the excess, accumulation occurs - stones are formed that irritate the mucous membrane of the bladder, causing inflammation, often accompanied by bleeding, resulting in urinary retention and uremia. Successful treatment can begin after the type of stones has been established (urinalysis can determine whether these stones are carbonate or otherwise). Ultrasound can be used to establish their presence in the bladder. Sand can be removed, and larger stones are removed by surgery or by incising the bladder.

Sunstroke. This is a specific disease caused by overheating of the body. This happens when the room for chinchillas is maintained for a long time above 26 degrees ° C, with high relative humidity. Negative influence is exerted by excess sunlight and lack of ventilation. Symptoms of sunstroke are: fever, constant lying posture of the animal, short and frequent breathing (in order to increase heat exchange), stale air (heavy breathing), and sometimes there is loss of consciousness and fainting. First aid is a water font, or cooling the body of the animal with a damp towel and lowering the air temperature on the farm. Sometimes it is necessary to consult a veterinarian. Treatment is based on the use of drugs that stimulate blood circulation and respiration.

Conjunctivitis. There are a lot of reasons that cause this disease, and by origin these reasons can be mechanical (various foreign bodies, dust), chemical (disinfectants, gases, smoke) or bacteriological. There are cataracts and conjunctivitis. Treatment can be effective only when the cause of the disease is eliminated, most often it is a dirty, untidy cell, untidy bedding with waste and urine, which releases ammonia, which irritates the mucous membrane of the eye. Treatment is based on washing the eyes with a 3% solution of boric acid or a decoction of chamomile. In the treatment of conjunctivitis, eye drops containing antibiotics are used.

Nose catarrh. This disease most often occurs when the weather changes: in late autumn and spring, when there are significant temperature fluctuations and high humidity. Additional factors are drafts and heavy dust in the room. The nostrils of sick animals are moist, mucus flows out of them, the eyes are watery, and discharge is visible in the eye corners, first white and then yellow. As a rule, there is a loss of appetite, the appearance of the animal is drowsy, it stands on the rack for six, breathing is rapid, fever. Sick animals must be isolated in a dry room with a low temperature, their eyes and nose should be washed with a solution of boric acid, and food rich in vitamin C should be fed. In more difficult situations, a consultation with a veterinarian is necessary.

Wounds. These are skin ruptures resulting from mechanical influences. Most often, wounds are the result of battles between animals, although sometimes they can occur as a result of contact with sharp protrusions of the cage or shelf. Abrasions and skin wounds heal very quickly and sometimes without outside help. The most dangerous are deep wounds, the healing of which takes place more slowly and, as a rule, only superficially, while an inflammatory process develops along the depth of the wound. Fresh large wounds need to be sutured, while simple, superficial ones need only be washed. Hair must be trimmed around each wound.

Inflammation of the uterus and vagina. Most often, diseases are the result of infection with microbes. Their manifestation is bloody, mucous discharge with the smell of rot. May occur as a result of injury, stillbirth, or retained placenta.

Abortion (premature removal of an immature, lifeless fetus). Chinchillas do this quite often. The causes of abortion can be divided into internal (from the side of the fetus: for example, genetic deficiencies as a result of closely related crossing, or from the side of the female: for example, reaction to stress, poisoning, infectious diseases) and external (inadequate diet, injuries, poor hygiene, disinfection and other). If there is no decomposition of the dead fetus in the uterus, then the fetus is removed without any help. If the fetus decomposes, then inflammation of the uterus occurs and putrefactive discharge appears. In order to exclude abortion, it is necessary to handle the female carefully, not to grab her, not to feel her, to separate her from the male, to exclude dust baths.

Occurrence near the fetal membrane (afterbirth). Not removing near the fetal membrane after lambing causes its decomposition, the resulting toxins enter the bloodstream, causing severe poisoning and even death of the animal. When lying near the fetal membrane, the intervention of a veterinarian is necessary, who uses means to remove the afterbirth, and in case of decomposition, uses antibiotics, anti-stress drugs and drugs that improve blood circulation.

Postpartum tetany. It manifests itself in the form of spasm, convulsions, sometimes loss of consciousness. The reason for this is the lack of calcium and phosphorus in the body, often a clear lack of vitamin B1. A preventive measure of this disease is to provide females with an appropriate diet, the presence of mineral supplements and vitamins in the diet during the animal's pregnancy. In the last months of pregnancy, it is necessary to slightly limit calcium supplements in order to avoid metabolic disorders in the body. An excessive amount of calcium in the diet leads to an insufficient release of parahormones, which ensure the removal of calcium from the bone and thereby control the deficiency of this element in the body. After lambing, the diet must be enriched with calcium and phosphorus, in terms of increasing their consumption. A common mistake is to increase the dose of these elements during pregnancy, which paradoxically affects their deficiency in the postpartum period and tetany is observed. Treatment is based on the injection of elements containing calcium and phosphorus.

Inflammation of the mammary gland. Most of all, this is the result of injury by young animals to the nipples of the female, the accumulation of milk in the mammary gland, inflammatory or other processes after infectious diseases. In case of milk retention, you can try milking with a massage. The presence of inflammatory processes requires antibiotic treatment. The inflammatory condition of the nipples is manifested in their swelling, redness, fever. Often this inflammatory process is a consequence of a disorder of the gastrointestinal tract.

Diseases of the teeth. It has been established that as the age of the animals increases, they develop problems with their teeth, especially tooth growth and periodontal disease. Overgrowth of fangs, caused by the inability to grind them down on a hard surface, leads to gum wounds, which leads to a complication of nutrition. Chinchilla teeth have open roots, thanks to which they retain the possibility of growth throughout the life of the animal. In the natural environment, there is a balance between tooth growth and tooth wear. At home, with a lack of vitamins A and D in the diet, as well as calcium and phosphorus compounds, their strong growth is observed. It is very likely that the age of the animal also plays a role in this case. Correction of teeth can be done with scissors, small sharp forceps and a nail file.

Well, that's all, I wish you and your chinchilla health, as well as a pleasant pastime with this excellent beautiful animal!

Video with chinchilla

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Chinchilla colors are one or a combination of basic (base) colors. There are 12 mutations of the standard coloration: 9 recessive and 3 dominant, as well as 10 combinative (including various mutations) forms. Due to the intensive activity of breeding work with chinchillas, these numbers are constantly growing.

Standard color chinchilla is a wild natural color of chinchilla.
You can say the most beautiful and mysterious color.
Chinchillas of this color have thick fur, uniform color distribution and a clear belly line.

White velvets are white, and there are dark (black), if the white velvet is dark, then its distinctive feature is a completely white tail. The main color of the fur is white, and there is an almost black “mask” on the head. Chinchilla's front legs have black or dark gray diagonal stripes. Often, all signs of velvet are revealed by 2-3 months.

Chinchillas of this color may differ in fur color, but dark gray or black eyes, gray or almost black ears, a black “ring” at the base of the tail remain. The peculiarity of the white Wilson is that the tip of her tail will remain white. The color of the fur of the animal varies from snow-white to dark silver. The presence of yellowness in the color of the white Wilson coat indicates a decrease in the quality and purity of the breed.There are also mosaic (White Mosaic), they are brighter and less, the extreme arrangement of dark ones is more appreciated. spots.

This is a very favorite color of breeders, it is beautiful and carries white, beige, and the standard gene. The fur of the animal can be white-pink or almost white with small beige patches. The more interesting the distribution of spots, the more valued this color. Chinchilla ears are pink, sometimes freckled. The eyes are red or dark ruby. Chinchilla fur may be white color with beige "veil" (dyed tips of hairs)

Chinchilla fur pure white color, since there is no pigment in the body of the animal. The eyes of a pet are red. Chinchilla skin is pink.

The color of the fur is gray in different shades with a pronounced blue tint (unfortunately, it is rather difficult to convey in the photo), the belly is white, the eyes are black. As you know, many colors change the color of the fur with age (as a rule, darken), and sapphire retains the same color he had at birth.

Beige

Under different lighting, these chinchillas look different, when they are light gray, when they have a very delicate purple tint, and a white tummy. There are two variants of violet light (Afro) and German, it is darker with a brownish tint. There are white and beige representatives of this breed, in which gray-violet hairs are evenly distributed over the skin, which gives the fur a lilac tint.

In white violet, whole spots of different shapes and sizes with a purple tint can be located on the fur coat, more clearly manifested at the tip of the tail

This is the result of crossing black velvet and beige chinchillas. Very beautiful color and quite rare. Similar to black velvet, except for the color, it can also be a rich dark brown or light brown, the belly is white. The eyes, like all chinchillas with a beige gene, are ruby, pink, or brown with a red tint.

hit gray chinchilla. This is the basic, natural, color of the chinchilla. This color is called "standard". The standard chinchilla has a gray back, a light stripe on the belly. Moreover, the standard color has its own variations: from extra-dark to light gray. The border between a dark back and a white belly can be blurred or clear. The presence of a clear border is a sign of a quality color.

On the basis of the standard, all other colors were bred. Moreover, the system of color names for different breeders may differ. Or the same color can have several names.

So, chinchillas can be white, beige,. In addition to the main color, the chinchilla may or may not have the ebony gene. It manifests itself in a painted belly. If the ebony gene was obtained from one parent - a heteroebony chinchilla, it also carries the standard gene. At the same time, the coloring has a gradation - light, medium, dark, extra-dark. If the ebony gene is from both parents, then it is a homoebony chinchilla.

Any color can have the velvet gene. Velvet chinchilla should have certain features: stripes on the paws, a velvet muzzle with a dark mask, a velvet sheen on the skin, wide paws ...

With a large number of spots on the skin, the color is called a mosaic.

The following colors enjoy the love of the owners:

Black velvet- gray-black color, the second most common after the standard.

White Wilson (BW)- color has variations: from white to silver. Eyes and ears are dark. From a white chinchilla, you can get both white and silver chinchillas.

(BB)- white chinchilla, similar to BV, has a dark mask on the muzzle, dark stripes on the paws, black eyes.

White-pink (BR)- can also be white, have beige spots, be beige with white spots. White and pink chinchillas have pink ears and pink or red eyes.

Pastel (Beige heteroebony)- from light beige to dark brown. There are light, medium, dark, extra-dark and chocolate pastels. Chinchilla fur darkens with age.

Brown velvet (KB) - color varies from beige to dark brown. The ears are pinkish-brown, sometimes covered with freckles, the eyes are from to. Velvety is evidenced by a dark brown mask, diagonal stripes on the paws. In newborn babies, the mask is not very noticeable, but gradually it darkens and stands out.

Sapphire- sapphire chinchillas have very beautiful, shiny gray-blue fur, white belly, pink eyes. It is no coincidence that another name for sapphires is "blue dawn". A hybrid of sapphire and black velvet produces wonderful sapphire velvet chinchillas.

Violet- the color of purple chinchillas varies from gray-lilac to, the tummy is white. This is a rather rare color, as it is obtained only by crossing two purple chinchillas or one purple, and the second is a carrier of the purple gene.

Homoebony- black chinchilla, which is loved by both lovers and breeders. Very similar to extra-dark heteroebony.

We have not talked about all the colors, there are others: complex, very beautiful variations.

The standard chinchilla can be crossed with any color chinchilla. But from two standards you will get only standard children. But, choosing a colored pair for your pet, you can get colored offspring. You can, of course, immediately choose two colored chinchillas. You can select pairs not only guided by your own taste, but also with the help of a genetic calculator. It will help to calculate the probability of the appearance of certain colors in cubs, based on information on the genes of each parent.

When purchasing a chinchilla, if possible, find out the color of grandparents. This is easier to do by purchasing a chinchilla from a breeder rather than from a pet store. A standard or black velvet, for example, may carry the sapphire gene. Then, when planted with sapphire, sapphire children may appear.

The female chinchilla brings from 1 to 5 babies. And their color does not necessarily repeat their parents.