Chinchilla (Chinchilla laniger) is crepuscular rodents, slightly larger and more robust than ground squirrels, native to the Andes mountains in South America. Chinchillas come in a variety of colors. The most common color is silvery gray; but the also come in white, beige, ebony and sapphire (super-violet) color. Some of these chinchillas are now extinct, although people breeding them are constantly coming up with new ones.
Chinchillas live in colonies at high altitudes (up to 15,000 ft/4,270 m). Short-tailed chinchillas are found in mountain shrub and grassland areas at elevations between 3000 and 4500 m. They make their dens in rock crevices. Their feet are highly adapted for movement on rocks. They have weak hind claws and pads on their feet to prevent slipping.
Chinchillas are sensitive to temperature. They cannot live in temperatures over 75 degrees Fahrenheit. If they are in temperatures over this, they can quickly overheat. If the chinchilla is not cooled down immediately, it can die.
Chinchillas can live 12 until 20 years. They also have an exceptionally long pregnancy, 111 days. So babies pop out ready-to-go like their distant cousins, the guinea pigs. Chinchillas play during the night and rest during the day (nocturnal). Chinchillas are born fully furred, with teeth and open eyes. Chinchillas have a beautiful soft lush fur, an inquisitive, boisterous nature and no objectionable noises. Chinchillas have been known to eat plants, seeds, insects and fruit. Chinchillas also like to chew and they need things to chew on in order to keep their teeth filed down.
