Chinchilla
Description
Chinchillas are South American rodents known for their agility, soft fur and lively temperament. They require frequent dust baths to keep their coats soft and shiny. Most pet chinchillas are of the species Chinchilla laniger. Descended from Chilean chins, this species is characterized by large ears and a long tail.
Scientific Name
Chinchilla laniger or Chinchilla brevicaudata
Country Of Origin
Andes Mountains in regions such as Argentina, Bolivia, Chile and Peru
Size
Slightly larger than a guinea pig. The average pet chinchilla weighs 1 to 1.5 lbs
Life Expectancy
10-20 years
Color
Standard blue gray (naturalle) is the most common color. Other colors include: beige, black, black velvet, brown velvet, charcoal, ebony, mosaic, sapphire, violet and white