Chinchillas originated from South America(the Andes Mountains.) They were found by the Spanish explorers around the 1500's. Named after the Chincha Indians. The Chincha used them for food, as well as clothing. Chinchilla fur was VERY popular at this time which almost lead to their extinction. A lot of times even Royalty wore the fur on their robes & other apparel to show class status.

The wild chinchilla’s color is/was grey or standard, as you may know now with them being bred as pet/show there are a variety of color mutations.

Chinchillas became known to the US in 1923. When a man named, Chapman had brought 11 of them here to breed & sell to pelters or as pets.

Chinchillas are, yes, a part of the rodent family. The word rodent in Latin (rodere) meaning to gnaw. (They do a lot of!!)They are also a close relative to the Guinea pig. (Believe it or not!)

Chinchillas at their largest can be about 11 to 13 inches long & weighing about 20 - 40 Oz. (Give or take.) So about 630 - 900 Grams. Like a human, it all just depends, on the genetic make up, diet, & all that! Females normally weigh in a bit more than the males. (Especially when they are expecting.)

Most chinchillas look like a rabbit or even a squirrel, I have heard so many things when people see mine. (If you get one, be ready to correct A LOT of people! )

The chinchilla fur is very fluffy, full, & ever so soft!!! They shed during the summer seasons & cannot get fleas. (Their fur is simply too thick ) They can get other things such as ringworm & other funguses/mites though..

Their tail is much like a squirrel, it’s rough & is frayed like (you have to watch catching them by the tail, they can fall off, as a way to get away from predators.) Pretty cool huh?! (but no, it will not grow back)

The average captive chinchilla lives a VERY long, good life. They can live up to 10 to 20 years. That’s a very long life span for a rodent.**YOU must remember that will be a big part of your life** They will be living a good part of your life with you & you can’t just abandon it!

Chinchillas are also nocturnal so they, yes, sleep most of the day, & are up & loud at night. Although, they will normally wake up every time for you & your play time if its offered! A healthy chinchilla will not have a bad odor as would a sugar glider or a ferret. They are a rather clean animal as well. (You just have to dust a lot!!!!!)