Chinchillas - Pictures

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Chinchillas - Description

Chinchillas (Chinchilla Lanigera) are small furry animals resembling squirrels with their bushy tails. There are 6 species in the family of Chinchillidae. Their soft dense coat is silver-gray. In captivity Chinchillas come in a variety of colors: standard, beige, black velvet, ebony, tan, white, violet, sapphire, or mosaic.

Chinchilla's ears are rather long; the eyes are round and bright. The Chinchilla weighs about 0.5 kg; the body length averages 25 cm long, and the tail is about 17 cm. The hind legs of Chinchillas are longer than the forelegs. These animals are good at running, leaping, and climbing. Chinchillas are social animals; they live in small family groups, which are part of larger colonies of 100 and more animals. Chinchillas dig burrows, where the ground is suitable, or find shelter under rocks.

Chinchillas - Health

Chinchillas' health problems are diarrhea, which is cured by shredded wheat; raisins cure constipation; and runny eyes can be cured by boric acid rinse. But the main concerns with Chinchillas are their teeth that continue to grow throughout their life. That's why hay, pine blocks, lava rocks, and pumice are essential for them. A healthy Chinchilla's teeth should be dark orange. If it isn't so, the animal may have calcium deficiency. Chinchilla's teeth are not connected to the jawbone, but are set in the socket with connective tissue. Chewable vitamin C or rosehips help to keep this tissue firm. If the connective tissue becomes loose, tooth spur may result. Spurs can cause loss of appetite, abscesses, or even death of Chinchillas.

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