24Ĭhinchillas deliver one uterine horn at a time, and the two horns can go up to an hour between deliveries. Parturition generally occurs at night or in the early morning, and litter size averages two to three however, chinchillas can have up to six kits. Gestation is 105 to 115 days, 110 days average. 24 The estrous cycle for chinchillas is approximately 28 days, and a postpartum estrus occurs. 24, 38 A vaginal closure membrane is open during estrus, making the opening between the urethral papilla and anus slightly moist and easily visualized. Mammone.)įemales are seasonally polyestrous from November to May. Prolonged stress can result in anorexia, gastrointestinal stasis, impaired sleep cycle, fur-chewing, secondary infections, and death.įigure 7-4 An ejaculatory plug may be noted at the vaginal orifice in mated females and is usually expelled within a few days of breeding. Whenever possible, situations that disrupt their normal routine (e.g., moving, travel, car rides) should be avoided.
It is recommended that chinchillas be kept in a room apart from the daily activities of a household or veterinary practice. Loud noise, traffic, and commotion cause them stress. Chinchillas are a prey species and do not generally mix well with other pets. They will usually come and sit to be petted for a short time, but even friendly chinchillas will resist being held. Young chinchillas tend to be easier to tame than older ones. The majority of chinchillas are tractable and nonaggressive toward humans. 50 Always provide small houses for each chinchilla to escape to that can be defended to prevent attacks (see Female Reproductive Behaviors). By the time they are clean the pair will no longer tend to fight. Both chinchillas will typically begin to bathe immediately, in a furious attempt to remove the odor-causing substance. Then both chinchillas are placed in a new, larger cage (one that is neutral territory for both of them) containing two dust baths. 50 A strong-smelling substance (e.g., camphor) is first applied to both chinchillas, and they are smooshed together for approximately 15 minutes. This is commonly referred to as the “smoosh” method by laypersons and fanciers. When pairing chinchillas for breeding, the female should be placed into the male’s cage so that she is in new territory.Īn alternative method involves closely confining the two chinchillas to a cage sufficiently small enough so that they are barely able to turn around, in order to prevent fighting via crowding. New introductions should be attempted only after caging animals near each other for at least 1 week. When attempting to kill another chinchilla, the aggressor typically gets on top of the victim, pins it down, and bites it on the back and the neck. Chinchillas are capable of inflicting severe and fatal injuries on one another. When new chinchillas are introduced, barking, chasing, and biting are common. The aggressor will typically pin down the victim and bite it on the neck and back, inflicting wounds like the ones shown here. This is normal exploratory behavior but can be painful nonetheless.įigure 7-3 Chinchillas can be territorial and aggressive toward intruders.
#Are chinchillas nocturnal trial#
A chinchilla may give a trial bite to the handler’s finger. Potential hazards (e.g., electrical cords) need to be addressed before chinchillas are allowed to exercise outside of their cage. They normally chew on the cage and furnishings. They are curious about their surroundings, and will investigate the entire home. 8 This may be one reason that they tend to dislike being held.Ĭhinchillas will use their mouths to explore their environment. Chinchillas are sensitive to heat above 26° C (80° F). Chinchillas are sensitive to light and should ideally get 12 hours of darkness per night and undisturbed rest during the daytime. 24 Their eyes are large and black with a vertical, slit pupil. The hearing range of chinchillas is similar to that of humans, so they are often used in hearing research.Ĭhinchillas are largely nocturnal and use their vibrissae to find their way in darkness. Accordingly, they have large ears and auditory bullae. Figure 7-1 Chinchillas are primarily crepuscular and nocturnal.
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