Total Body Weight: 1-2 lbs (males are smaller than females)
Sexual Maturity: 7-10 months
Life span: 9-20 years
Temperature Range: 50 degrees F � 75 degrees F
Origin: Andes Mountains
Diet: Pelleted CHINCHILLA food, timothy/alfalfa hay
Treats: Raisins, banana chips, willow sticks, hanging chew toys, rose hips
Teeth: Yellow to orange and in alignment
Exercise: It's best to give 2 hours of free play or time in a ball of 15 inch diameter
Shedding: 3 times a year
Bathing: NEVER get your chinchilla wet � it has a high chance of hypothermia. Buy volcanic ash at the petstore and let your chinchilla roll in it to get clean.
Petting: Never squeeze the chinchilla's rib area � the bones are fragile. They like scratches behind the ears and under their chins!
Holding: To prevent escaping, always have a firm grip of your chinchilla at the base of their tail.
Housing: Chinchillas love hopping from level to level so a multistory cage is best. I recommend at least 2x2x3.5 feet dimensions. Bigger is better! Make sure there are some solid surfaces for your chin to rest their feet on as well.
Allergies of Chinchillas: Red cedar, cherry, walnut, citrus woods, fresh pine
Female's estrus cycle: 30- 50 days, starts immediately after giving birth
Gestation period: 111 days
Weaning Age: 8-10 weeks
Grooming: brush away fur with a close toothed comb, or a grooming mit
