Source: Wikimedia Commons
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Chinchilla lanigera
Famous for the softest fur in the animal kingdom. Exceptionally long-lived for a small animal at 15-20 years. Nocturnal and active. Daily dust baths keep them clean.
The chinchilla is a crepuscular rodent native to the high Andes mountains of South America, living at elevations of 3,000–5,000 m. Two species exist—the long-tailed chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera) and the short-tailed chinchilla (C. chinchilla)—with the former being the species kept as pets. Adults weigh 400–800 g and measure 25–35 cm. Their extraordinarily dense fur, with 60–80 hairs growing from each follicle, gives them their famously silky texture. Chinchillas are highly sensitive to heat and humidity; temperatures must be kept below 22 °C to prevent fatal heatstroke. Daily dust baths using fine volcanic sand are essential for coat maintenance; water bathing must be strictly avoided. They are long-lived for small mammals, with lifespans of 10–15 years. Common health issues include heat stroke, dental malocclusion, and fur-ring problems in males.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Origin
Andes Mountains of South America
Lifespan
15-20 years
Size
25-35cm / 400-600g
Temperature
15〜22℃
Humidity
30〜50%
Timothy hay (staple), chinchilla pellets
Extremely heat-sensitive. Must stay below 22°C. AC essential in summer
Daily 15-30 min dust bath required. Use dedicated chinchilla sand
Tall multi-level cage with platforms and chew toys
Never get wet. Long lifespan requires long-term commitment
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The ideal temperature for Chinchilla is 15〜22℃. Recommended humidity is 30〜50%. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Chinchilla is 15-20 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Chinchilla typically reaches 25-35cm / 400-600g as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Chinchilla feeds on: Timothy hay (staple), chinchilla pellets. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Chinchilla varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Find listings for this species
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