I need some Chinchilla information…?
What habitat do chinchillas live in? (in the mountains, desert, etc.)
Thanks!
chinchillas come from the Andes mountains, and the area is a cool, arid climate… a cold desert, if you will…. Temps never get too warm (chins can not take higher temps, about 75 degrees) and their natural environments are rather low relative humidity. (there were 3 subspecies found at various elevations http://www.geocities.com/therodentguy/Chincolorstype.html )
There is not much in the way of fruit or the like, and in the wild they subsist on grasses, twigs and some roots, grown from the well drain volcanic soils. From these same soils are the "dust" that they bathe in to remove the oils and lanolin from their coat hair.
Chins have a unique ability to "split cellulose", and natural fibers so tough grasses and wood products can serve as nutrients that other animals can not utilize.
Seasonal changes also change the diet of wild chinchillas, allowing their body’s digestive system to produce the proper enzymes needed to enhance the absorption of the new seasons foods. This is one reason pet keepers need to make changes to the diet gradually, and not feed too many treats.
Emma xD Says:
Andes Mountains
-Emma
References :
The Chinchilla Care Guide Book
Posted on July 31st, 2009 at 6:25 pm
Heather Says:
(SORRY FOR ALOT OF IMFORMATION!!!)
THIS IMFORMATION IS FROM THE WEBSITE BELOW.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinchilla
Native environment
Andean Chinchilla habitat in Chile.In their native habitat, chinchillas live in burrows or crevices in rocks. They are agile jumpers and can jump very high, up to 5 feet. Predators in the wild include hawks, skunks, felines, and canines. Chinchillas have a variety of defence tactics including spraying urine and releasing fur if bitten. In the wild chinchillas have been observed eating plants, fruits, seeds, and small insects, though this diet could irritate the digestive system of a domestic chinchilla whose diet should be primarily hay-based.
In nature, chinchillas live in colonies. Chinchilla females are significantly bigger than males. Chinchillas can breed any time of the year. At 111 days, they have a very long gestation period compared to other rodents. Due to this long pregnancy, chinchillas are born fully furred and with eyes open. Litters are usually small in number, predominately twins.
References :
Posted on July 31st, 2009 at 6:47 pm
paris26 Says:
Wild chinchillas are native to the Andes mountains in Chile. Domesticated chinchillas are very different from their wild relatives in terms of size, color and diet and have done quite well in captivity.
References :
chinchilla guardian
Posted on July 31st, 2009 at 7:18 pm
Lisa, that's me! Says:
Chinchillas originated from South America. They come from mountainous areas where there is sand close by.
References :
Posted on July 31st, 2009 at 7:47 pm
Different Indifference Says:
Chinchillas come from the Andes mountains, and the area is a cool, arid climate… a cold desert, if you will…. Temps never get too warm (chins can not take higher temps, about 75 degrees) and their natural environments are rather low relative humidity. (there were 3 subspecies found at various elevations http://www.geocities.com/therodentguy/Chincolorstype.html )
There is not much in the way of fruit or the like, and in the wild they subsist on grasses, twigs and some roots, grown from the well drain volcanic soils. From these same soils are the "dust" that they bathe in to remove the oils and lanolin from their coat hair.
Chins have a unique ability to "split cellulose", and natural fibers so tough grasses and wood products can serve as nutrients that other animals can not utilize.
Seasonal changes also change the diet of wild chinchillas, allowing their body’s digestive system to produce the proper enzymes needed to enhance the absorption of the new seasons foods. This is one reason pet keepers need to make changes to the diet gradually, and not feed too many treats.
References :
Chinchilla breeder for almost 10 years, study of chins for about 12 years, chin educator and rescue resource for the local shelter.
Posted on July 31st, 2009 at 8:35 pm