Chinchilla Breeders

Most Chinchilla Breeders have their own websites, where they post pictures of their pets and bits of information on Chinchilla species, care requirements, and the animal’s role in the history of mankind. Chinchillas have a fine quality fur, and extensive hunting has nearly put Chinchillas on the verge of extinction. There were three Chinchilla species in the 19th century - the Chinchilla Costina (now extinct), the Chinchilla Brevicardata and the Chinchilla Lanigera.

Matthias Chapman, a miner from California, was actually the first Chinchilla Breeder. In the 1920s, he brought a group of Chinchillas from Chile to the USA and launched the first breeding farm. However, it was not until the 1960s that Chinchillas became popular as house pets. These animals have proven to be intelligent and easy-going pets, but they are not like dogs or other conventional domestic animals. They do not like to sit in the owners lap. They do not like being carried in the arms either. Instead, they enjoy playing and exploring, and they are notoriously fond of getting into places where they are hard to find. They are naturally crazy about climbing, and they like to get into pipes or narrow passages. Not infrequently, they get into ventilation ducts or under furniture, which can be very dangerous.

Chinchillas are nocturnal animals, and they are more active during night hours. Chinchillas should be kept in large and spacious cages. Chinchilla cages are usually equipped with numerous facilities that can keep Chinchillas busy – pipes, ramps, ladders, bars, etc. Chinchillas, like all rodents, like to gnaw on things, so you can buy a set of wooden toys for your Chinchilla to use its teeth on. It is recommended to let Chinchillas out of cages for at least 20 minutes each day. Chinchillas can be aloof with strangers and other pets, if not socialized properly. Reputable Chinchilla Breeders always warn their potential clients about these behaviors and they usually give advice on how to avoid trouble. Chinchillas are very sensitive to stress.

Chinchillas are members of the Chinchillidae family. Chinchilla Brevicardata and Chinchilla Lanigera differ in appearance. The Chinchilla Brevicardata has a shorter tail, shorter ears and stouter body formation. The Chinchilla Lanigera is smaller and slimmer, and its fur is more valuable. Chinchilla Breeders possess great knowledge on the species, and they are always ready to share it with prospective Chinchilla buyers.