Chinchilla Flashcards
What is a chinchillas lifespan?
10-12 years
What is an adult chinchillas body weight?
400-600g
What is a chinchillas body temp?
38-39*C
What is a chinchillas respiratory rate?
40-80 b/min
What is a chinchillas pulse rate?
100-150 b/min
What age is a chinchilla sexually mature?
8 months
What is a chinchillas gestation period?
111 days
What type of young do chinchillas produce?
Precocial young
What type of diet do chinchillas have?
Monogastric Herbivores
Do chinchillas perform coprophagia?
Yes very actively as they are hind gut fermenters
Are chinchillas social or solitary animals?
Social
Are chinchillas nocturnal?
Yes
What is the Dental Formula of a chinchilla?
I1/1, C0/0, PM1/1, M3/3 x2 = 20 teeth
Are chinchillas teeth present at birth?
Yes
What type of roots are chinchillas pre molars and molars?
Open rooted and grow continually throughout life
How much do chinchillas incisors grow in a year?
6cm
What shape and colour are a chinchillas incisors?
Chisel shaped
Yellow in colour
Chinchilla Digestive System
What type of stomach does a chinchilla have?
Large simple stomach.
Long intestine to digest plant material.
Large caecum for breakdown of cellulose.
Chinchilla Digestive System
Explain some attributes of the caecum.
Long and coiled.
Microbial fermentation occurs within the caecum which results in caecotrophs.
Chinchilla Digestive System
What should be included in the diet?
High protein and fibre.
Treats such as apples and sultanas can be given in moderation.
Chinchilla Digestive System
Explain some attributes of the oral cavity.
The oral cavity is small and narrow.
The tongue is continuous with the soft palate and the entrance to the pharynx is via a small hole (palatal ostium)
Chinchilla Reproductive System
Explain the attributes of the male reproductive system.
No true scrotum - testes remain in the open inguinal canal or abdomen.
Testes will swell in the presence of females.
Penis is 1.5cm and supported by a small bone (baculum).
Have 3 pairs of mammary glands (6).
Chinchilla Reproductive System
Explain the attributes of the female reproductive system.
Seasonal polyoestrus and spontaneous ovulates.
Uterus has 2 uterine horns - each terminate in a cervix.
2 cervix lead into single vagina.
3 pairs of mammary glands (6).
Young sit beside the dam to feed as nipples protrude sideways.
Chinchilla Handling
How would you safely handle a chinchilla?
Pick up calmly and quickly.
One hand supporting the pectoral girdle behind front limbs.
One hand cupped underneath the hind legs supporting the weight.
Hold firmly but with minimal restraint.
Chinchilla Handling
How could you ensure minimal stress when handling?
Dim the lights.
Reduce noise.
Chinchilla Housing
What groups are chinchillas kept in?
Singly, pairs, or mixed groups.
If kept in mixed groups, both sexes should be neutered to prevent breeding.
Chinchilla Housing
What are the minimal enclosure requirements?
Minimum - 2 cubic meters
Chinchilla Housing
What should the enclosure look like?
Vertical - need height for climbing.
Some of the bottom of cage should be wire to prevent moisture build up to protect the fur.
Deep litter bedding.
Nesting box lined with hay, straw, or shredded paper.
Dust bath.
Chinchilla Housing
Why should chinchillas have dust baths? and how often?
Dust bath of 5-10cm deep of silver sand and fullers earth. Ratio of 9:1 for 30 mins daily.
To keep fur in good condition.
Chinchilla Housing
What is the optimum temp and humidity for the enclosure?
Temp - 10-15*C
Humidity - 70%
Temps should not exceed 22*C
Chinchilla Housing
What should the housing include and why?
Branches to chew.
Ramps to climb.
Drainpipe to hide in times of stress.
Enrichment improves quality of life.
Chinchilla Nutrition
What should their diet include?
Pelleted commercial food of 15% protein and low in fat.
Good quality fresh hay.
Fresh water available always.
Fruits and vegetables in small quantities twice weekly. (1/8th apple, carrot, celery).
Caecotrophy.