Since the 1920s, millions of chinchillas have been raised on farms for use in the fur industry.īefore laws were passed protecting wild chinchillas, hunters almost made the animals extinct. Coats made from the animal's soft fur have sold for over $100,000. Between 18, 1,680,000 chinchilla skins were exported from the country of Chile alone. Humans have prized chinchilla fur since the days of the Incas, native Quechuan people of Peru who established an empire in South America in the fifteenth century. The number of short-tailed chinchillas in the wild is un-known, but centuries of hunting has severely reduced their population. They live among crevices and rocks in barren areas covered with dense shrubs and grasses. Short-tailed chinchillas prefer to live in the mountainous regions of Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, and Peru at elevations over 6,560 feet (2,000 meters). A female chinchilla may give birth to up to six infants at a time. While eating, it often stands erect and holds theįood with its forepaws. The animal's hind legs are much larger than its front legs, making it an agile jumper.Ī chinchilla's diet includes leaves, seeds, fruits, and other vegetation. A chinchilla's silky fur is mostly gray in color. Female chinchillas weigh up to 28 ounces (794 grams), while the smaller males weigh up to 18 ounces (510 grams). An average chinchilla has a head and body length between 9 and 15 inches (23 and 38 centimeters) and a tail length between 3 and 6 inches (7.5 and 15 centimeters). It is one of two species of chinchilla-the other is the long-tailed chinchilla ( Chinchilla langiera). The short-tailed chinchilla is a nocturnal (active at night) rodent with soft fur, large ears, and a bushy tail. Range: Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Peru Description and biology Although loving animals, they do require gentle and careful handling.Status: Critically endangered, IUCN Endangered, ESA A chinchilla could possibly bite a child out of fear. Children are often overzealous with affection and could frighten or injure a chinchilla. They are not recommended for young children. They are active, vocal, and entertaining to watch. They are smart, inquisitive, and loving animals. Sugar Glider Care Guide – Download & PrintĬhinchillas can make wonderful pets for the right family. Although they require some work, sugar gliders can make fun, enjoyable, and loving pets. They require fresh fruit daily and a reasonably larger cage. Sugar gliders can live up to 15 years in captivity. Sugar gliders can be very vocal and loud and bark much like a small dog. They are social animals and do better in pairs. Sugar gliders recognize the people that handle them and express affection and displeasure. A hedgehog can be a wonderful addition for someone who wants a unique and entertaining pet. A hedgehog is fun to watch, quiet and not usually aggressive, though they will curl up into a ball if startled or scared! They are very curious animals and love exploring. Hedgehogs are nocturnal and are best suited for people who are home in the evenings and at night when they are most active. Hedgehog care is essential for a healthy hedgehog. They often become very attached to their owners. They tend to make very good pets being intelligent and trainable. Rats are social and inquisitive small rodents that come in a variety of colors. Learn about rat care with our rat care guide. Guinea pigs tend to have a gentle nature and recognize their owners and seek them out and return affection. They love to vocalize with squeals, chirps, squeaks, and whistles. Cavies have a very good sense of smell and sensitive hearing. Guinea Pigs comes in a wide range of colors and the hair may be long, short or short and curly. Guinea Pig care is essential to keeping your Guinea Pig healthy. There are many different species of hamsters with Syrian hamsters, also known as golden or teddy bear hamsters, being the most common ones kept as pets. They love to hoard food in their cheeks and also love to chew! They are pretty good at escaping so make sure you have a very secure cage. Hamster care is essential to keeping your hamster healthy.
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