Fun facts about Chinchillas..
Posted by Jennifer Snyder on Wed, May 19, 2010 @ 07:06 PM
Fun facts about Chinchillas...
1. Chinchilla fur is 30 times softer than human hair.
• That's right. Chinchilla fur is considered to be the softest fur in the world. Chinchillas have the highest fur density than any land animal. There are about 80 to 100 hairs per hair follicle! This makes the chinchilla's fur so dense, that skin parasites (fleas, for example) cannot live within the fur. They would suffocate.
2. Chinchillas are born with fur, teeth, and their eyes open.
• Most rodents are born in the complete opposite with no fur, no teeth, and their eyes completely shut.
3. Wild chinchillas and domesticated chinchillas have different diets.
• Though our chinchillas that we have at home eat hay, pellets, and the occasional fruity treat, chinchillas in the wild feed on small bugs, fruit, and plants. Never thought your chinchilla was hungry for a bug, did you?
4. No allergies here! Chinchillas have no dander!
• When listening to common allergy-related problems, pet dander is usually a main factor. If you suffer from such allergies, a chinchilla would be a great pet option for you! No dander here!
5. Chinchillas have been known to jump up to 5 feet above their head!
• You hear many people suggest having "perches" in your chinchilla's cage; this is why. Chinchillas like to "bounce" from ledge to ledge. It is in their nature. These ledges/perches/shelves help create a happy, cozy habitat for your chinchilla.
6. Chinchillas have an average body temperature between 96.8 - 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Remember my article about keeping your chinchillas cool in the Florida temps? This is why. On average, chinchillas have a higher body temperature than we do. They don't sweat and they are covered in very thick fur (as mentioned above). Keeping their habitat temperatures cool is very important.
7. Chinchillas take baths! DUST baths!
• To keep their fur soft and free of oils, chinchillas bathe in dust or volcanic ash. This also helps keep their fur free from moisture.
By Kaci