Chinchilla breeds: description of chinchilla colors. Breeds, types and colors of chinchillas Crossing chinchillas of different colors

In the article I will list several popular colors of chinchillas: standard, velvet (black and brown), pastel, ebony (homo and hetero), beige, mosaic, white Wilson and others. I will also give a brief description of each type.

Existing colors of chinchillas

In total, there are more than 20 different color options for chinchillas.

Almost all options are the result of long-term selection work. Using the results of random mutations, breeders have developed many color variations that differ from each other not only in shades, but also in coat structure.

Among them there are both common shades (homobige, agouti) and rare ones with a complex genetic structure (blue slate, charcoal, white-pink ebony).

The color of a chinchilla can be dominant, manifested in the phenotype of the animal, or recessive, in which the animal is a carrier of the gene responsible for a certain shade.

Standard

Standard or agouti is the only color found in nature. The fur of such a chinchilla ranges from ashy to graphite. On the back it is darker, the sides are several shades lighter, the belly and tips of the paws are almost white. The hair is gray-blue with a black tip.

Includes a palette: from light beige to dark.

The first beige chinchilla was obtained in 1955.

The back is colored darker than the rest of the body, the belly is white. The ears are pinkish-beige with light pigment spots resembling freckles. The iris of the eyes is from pink to dark ruby.

Beige homozygous

The fur of such chinchillas is beige or cream, evenly colored and without pronounced zoning. The eyes are pink, sometimes with a blue rim. The ears are pale beige.

When crossing two beige individuals, non-viable offspring are born.

The fact is that the gene responsible for homozygous color is lethal.

In this version of the mosaic, the animal has white fur with blurry silvery areas. The head and base of the tail are colored darker.

The rules of inheritance of mosaic coloring have not yet been fully studied, so the color is rare and expensive.

The body is white, with a smoky veil running along the back.

Ears and head are gray. Eyes of a dark shade. Distinct gray spots are scattered throughout the body. Individuals with bright, clearly defined spots are considered the most valuable.

White-pink

Another name is beige mosaic. The coat is white with a beige tint and pinkish-beige or gray patches or without them. The ears are pale pink with pigment spots. The eyes are scarlet.

Help: to get a pet with this color you need to cross carriers of four genes at once, so this option is rare.

White - pink color

Black velvet

One of the most original colors in existence was obtained in the United States of America in 1961. The head and body of this fluffy creature are painted black, the sides are gray, and the belly is snow-white. Ears and eyes are dark.

The most valuable are those with dark, almost black sides.

The peculiarity of this color is the gradual development of color. Cubs are born with light fur, which begins to darken with age.

Help: the gene responsible for the black tint of the coat is lethal, so two black individuals cannot be crossed.

Brown velvet

The predominant color with this color is brown (from light to chocolate). On the sides it gradually turns into beige and becomes almost white on the belly. There is a dark mask on the head, the front and hind legs are covered with diagonal stripes. Eyes with a red tint. The fur on the hind legs is more voluminous.

Brightness and richness of color appear as they grow older.

At birth, the cubs are light brown, with a creamy tint. Saturation begins to appear after 3 months.

Another name is extradark. One of the rarest and most spectacular colors. The price for such a chinchilla reaches several thousand euros. The fur is thick, shiny coal-black, evenly colored. There are no streaks, veils or inclusions of other colors. Eyes and ears are black.

Heteroebony

This color is rare and expensive.

A heteroebony chinchilla can be:

• light. The base is white or beige combined with gray, brown or black.
• medium light. Cream or light brown with flecks of gray or brown.
• average A combination of dark gray and white shades.
• dark. A combination of black and various shades of gray.

A distinctive feature of all the listed variations is a completely painted belly.

Fur color varies from light gray or white to lilac. The belly is white. The ears are dark gray with a bluish-whitish tint. The eyes are dark in color. The fur of such animals is thick and delicate.

The first purple chinchilla was bred in North Africa in 1960.

There are 2 color options for white ebony:

1. With a predominance of white or light beige color (extremely rare) and black spots.
2. With a predominance of black color and white markings.

The spots are located on the head, ears, paws, at the base of the tail and sometimes on the sides. Ears and eyes are dark in color.

Pastel

The color of the fur varies from cream to chocolate. The belly is slightly lighter or has the same color as the rest of the body. The ears are light beige, the eyes have a red tint.

Little chinchillas are born white and only acquire color after 3 months.

Sapphire

Animals with this color differ from their counterparts in their smaller sizes. Their coat is bluish-gray with an elongated graphite veil. The belly color is white. The ears have a thin light fringe. The eyes are dark.

The small number of carriers, complex genetics and susceptibility to disease make sapphire chinchillas one of the most difficult mutations to breed.

The first sapphire chinchilla was registered in 1963 in the USA.

Each of the listed color options is unique in its own way. They differ from each other in price, quality and structure of fur and genetic code. Therefore, when choosing a pet, you need to think in advance about the purpose of acquiring it. For breeding, it is better to take one of the owners of rare genes, from whom there will be a chance to get unique offspring. And for the role of a pet, you can choose a gentle animal without a pedigree.

Chinchillas are a genus of rodents that have the most valuable and warm fur. The rodent's habitat is mainly in the Andes region, Chile. The animals were first caught for home breeding at the beginning of the 20th century. There are dominant and recessive colors of chinchillas, which determine the breed of the animal.

The first record of chinchillas was made in the 16th century. The rodent got its name from one of the provinces in Peru - Chile.

Over time, the animal chose to live in the highlands of the Andes in Chile, Peru, Bolivia, and Argentina. The rodent can easily live in rocks and mountain crevices due to the structural features of the skeleton. And the presence of closing eardrums allows you to wait out sandstorms without danger to life.

In 1919, M. Chapman, together with other 23 hunters, began to catch chinchillas for the purpose of domestication and breeding in captivity. There are 2 types of natural chinchillas: small long-tailed, large short-tailed. Only the small long-tailed one is considered valuable for breeding.

Over three years of hunting, 11 individuals were caught, three of which were females. In 1923, permission was received from the Peruvian government to export chinchillas to California. Since that time, professional breeding of chinchillas began on farms in plateau conditions.

The structure of a chinchilla

All anatomical features of rodents occupying natural habitats have been poorly studied. The peculiarities of the body structure and habits became known only after many years of breeding chinchillas in artificial conditions. Therefore, all signs are more relevant for small long-tailed chinchillas.

The large round head goes into a short powerful neck. The total body length is up to 38 cm, with a tail from 10 to 17 cm. There are two large eyes on the head. The length of the whiskers is up to 10 cm. The ears are 5-6 cm in size and have a membrane that can completely close the ear canal. Therefore, sandstorms do not harm chinchillas.

The entire body of the rodent is covered with coarse hair, tightly adjacent to each other. Natural chinchillas have three colors of hair: black, white, gray. It is due to the presence of several colors on one hair that it provides a different shade of the animal’s skin.

The chinchilla can easily make big jumps. There are five toes on the forelimbs and four on the hind limbs. The structure of the front legs allows the animal to quickly grasp. The hind legs are twice as long as the front legs, so the chinchilla can jump far.

There are only 20 teeth in the mouth, 16 of which belong to the chewing group. Almost all teeth grow throughout life. The animal's diet consists mainly of grasses and grain crops. Chinchillas can also eat small insects. In captivity, chinchillas eat fruits, vegetables, grass, and hay.

Types of chinchillas

The chinchilla is valuable due to its fur. The fur is very dense against the background of close proximity of hairs. There are up to 25,000 hairs per 1 cm2. Moreover, 1 bulb can support the growth of 80 hairs.

The colors of chinchillas growing in artificial conditions are divided into mutational and interspecific. The group of chinchillas obtained through artificial crossing is divided into dominant and recessive.

Table No. 1. Types of chinchillas bred in artificial conditions.

Popular dominant species

Dominant types of breeds were formed due to the transfer of a certain gene from one generation of chinchillas to another over a long time. Based on the genome, rodents are classified.

Gray standard

Gray is the natural color of chinchillas. This breed is also called agouti. The color of the skin is highly variable and ranges from black-blue to white-blue.

Coloring Features:

• back: black and blue;
• sides: dark gray;
• between the sides and belly: gray;
• belly: gray with a blue tint, turning into white;
• chest: white with gray inclusions.

The color may vary in saturation and contrast. This is due to the fact that 1 hair combines 3 colors at once: from gray to black. The length of the gaps of each color together determines the color of the fur.

The gray standard is an ideal option for obtaining new chinchilla colors. Agouti reaches sexual maturity earlier than other individuals. Gray chinchillas can be crossed with any other representatives of the species. It is due to this mixing of breeds that expressive eyes, dense fur and good fertility are obtained.

The gray standard has 7 shades of skin color. During production breeding, in order to maintain a good number of chinchillas, it is recommended to keep at least 10% of the agouti breed in the tribe. The price for 1 agouti starts from 2500 rubles.

Black velvet

The difference from the agouti is that the chinchilla has a clearly defined transition from one fur color zone to another. The back, muzzle and paws are bright black. The belly is white. This transition looks like a mask, the main part of which is located in front and on the sides.

There may be a hump on the nose. There is a relationship between the structure of the muzzle and the tail. Chinchillas with small ears and eyes will have a short tail. Long-tailed chinchillas have prominent eyes and ears. Crossing two individuals of black velvet is unacceptable. Price for one chinchilla from 5500 rubles.

Homobeige

This animal is characterized by the presence of evenly colored beige fur. The wool has a pink tint without sharp transitions to other tones. The color of the inner hair is almost white.

Homobeiges have small, light-colored ears. Eyes red or pink. The rim around the eyes is white or blue-pink.

The main characteristic feature of homobeige is the uniformity of color. It is extremely rare to find inclusions of dark shades. The cost starts from 4500 rubles.

White-pink

Fur of different colors: white with a pink tint, beige, marble pattern. The transition from one shade to another can be in the form of spots and stripes. This color variability is due to the presence of 3 genes: white, beige and standard (corresponding to natural color).

Neat pink ears are often covered with freckles. The eyes are red or ruby-colored. A number of animals have marbled coloring in the form of a veil: a clear pattern due to the dark ends of the hair. The most valuable breed is considered to be the one with a mosaic color. Less common are white-pink individuals with a white tail. Price for one individual from 5500 rubles.

White Wilson

You can distinguish a white Wilson from other breeds by its dark eyes, gray ears, black ring at the beginning of the tail and white fur. If the animal has a yellow tint in its color, this indicates a decrease in the quality characteristics of the breed.

There are several color forms:

• silvery: the tips of the axial hairs are grey. Depending on the length of the gray staining, the spots may be of different shades;
• mosaic: a mosaic pattern with alternating black and gray spots;
• extra-mosaic: unlike the mosaic form, the transition boundaries are clear and contrast with each other;
• platinum: all fur visually looks like a veil with a gray tint;
• tricolor: a rare form. It combines black, white and gray shades, combined into unusually shaped spots and stripes.

The more bizarre the Wilson White's color looks, the more highly valued the breed is. The price for one individual starts from 5,500 rubles.

Heterobeige

The fur on the back, sides, head and belly combines several shades that smoothly transition into each other. These are mainly brown tones: light and dark beige, brown. The belly is white. The color of the undercoat varies and can be either light beige or beige.

Eye color ranges from red to brown. Small shaped ears may be interspersed with brown.

Chinchilla furs with yellow and orange inclusions reduce the purity of the breed. To improve the breed, it is better to cross a beige female with a gray standard male. Price for one individual from 4500 rubles.

White velvet

The White Velvet breed is very similar to the Wilson White. However, there are a number of features: a light, almost white body against the background of a dark mask on the head and ears. Wide limbs with diagonal and vertical spots and stripes of black or dark gray. Rarely found is a black-colored white velvet with a white tail.

Coloring features are not always immediately apparent. Sometimes color appears only 2-3 months after birth.

White velvet has many color variations. Another characteristic feature is the presence of velvet fluff on the nose. The price for one piece of white velvet is from 8,000 rubles.

Brown velvet

Eye color can be pink, red or brown. The ears are pink and sometimes have freckles. The front legs have vertical brown stripes.

Fur with undercoat in brown shades. The color is uniform, one shade smoothly transitions into another. The belly is white. If the entire chinchilla is brown, then this greatly reduces its value as a breed. Price from 7000 rub. for one individual.

Recessive species

Recessive chinchilla species are obtained by crossing 2 individuals that do not have a dominant gene. Their color is more uniform compared to dominant ones.

Charcoal

The fur color is dark gray or with a black tint. Gray small ears and black eyes are located on a relatively small head. The fur is less dense compared to other breeds.

Belly with dark gray undercoat. The charcoal breed has been preserved thanks to hobbyists who raise rodents on their private farms. The price for one individual starts from 8,000 rubles.

Violet

Purple can have many different shades of fur, but the main one will be a skin with a purple tint on the back and sides and a white belly. The ears are small and pink.

Chinchilla fur has a chameleon effect: during the day the fur looks bright purple, at night it looks rich sulfur. Violet can have white and beige tints. White individuals may have spots of various shapes and sizes on their skin, with a purple tint. The color of such spots in the tail area is more pronounced. The price of one violet is from 5000 rubles.

Sapphire

The sapphire breed has beautiful gray fur with a bluish tint. The color of the animal does not change from birth. The skin is velvety to the touch.

Types of sapphire:

• sapphire velvet:
• blue diamond:
• sapphire ebony.

The ears and nose are sapphire pink, the eyes are black. The belly is white. Work to improve the color of sapphire is carried out regularly. Price from 4500 rub. per individual.

Albino

Chinchilla is white, without the presence of impurities. Pink skin. The eye color is red, but can have pink or brown tones. The peculiarity of the albino's coloring is due to the fact that there is no pigment in the genome that affects the color of the fur.

Purebred albino is less common and therefore its cost is high. The price for one albino starts from 8,000 rubles.

Foggy

Gray fur. In this case, one tone of gray smoothly transitions into another. Therefore, an overflow effect is created externally.

Foggy rock is also called hazy rock. The animal's eyes are often gray.

Don't agouti

The color of the fur is predominantly monochromatic. The color is uniform gray or black. The eyes are dark and may have a reddish tint. The chinchilla is similar in color to the gray standard.

Video - Chinchilla colors

Step-by-step instructions for breeding chinchillas at home

Step 1.

Determine the sex of a male by the distance between the penis and anus. It is located at a greater distance compared to females.

Step 2.

Introduce your chinchillas to each other. Move the animals into a separate cage for a few days.

Prices for cages for chinchillas

Chinchilla cage

Step 3.

Leave your chinchillas together during their mating cycle. Females reach sexual maturity at 6 months, males at 7. The sexual cycle can last up to 45 days. Mating is more effective from late November to March. The peak occurs in January-February.

Step 4.

Determine the signs of pregnancy in a female. If her belly is enlarged, her nipples are swollen, her physical activity is reduced, her diet is disrupted, then she is pregnant. The duration of pregnancy is about 4 months. Females show aggression towards males. Therefore, it is necessary to separate the female.

Step 5.

Feed the female several times a day. Food should be varied, including vitamins and minerals.

Price for food and vitamins for chinchillas

Food and vitamins for chinchillas

A female chinchilla gives birth to litters of 2 to 6 individuals at a time. She gives birth to cubs up to three times a year.

Video - Breeding chinchillas

Crossing dominant and recessive breeds on farms or private farms regularly produces new colors of chinchillas. 14 breeds and 10 species are officially registered. To make it easier to separate the colors of all chinchillas, they are classified into dark, light and gray. Breeding chinchillas yourself is not difficult. It is necessary to adhere to the rules for the care and nutrition of animals.

There are two main breeds of chinchillas: short-tailed and long-tailed. All modern subspecies and color morphs are found only in the long-tailed breed, which has become the most popular for home breeding. Today there are more than 30 color subspecies of animals in the world.

The large or short-tailed chinchilla is also called the royal or Peruvian chinchilla. The animal is originally from South America, but is no longer found in natural conditions. The short-tailed chinchilla is quite large in size - its body length reaches 40 cm, and its weight can reach up to 900 grams. The rodent is not so popular for keeping at home, but its thick and dense fur has made this animal a valuable game animal - they are bred on special farms. A large chinchilla has only a natural color - gray of all shades.

Long-tailed chinchilla

The small or long-tailed chinchilla is a popular and cuddly pet. The rodent has a cute appearance, dense and beautiful fur, smart round eyes, a long tail and good health. In nature, the long-tailed chinchilla is extremely rare - the population has sharply declined due to the illegal extraction of valuable chinchilla fur.

Chinchilla colors

The color variations of the fur of these furry animals are varied and breeders are still working on obtaining new color morphs. A new color is formed as a result of a combination of such components as:

• Fur density
• Pigment,
• Color.

A specific gene is responsible for each of these components, and various combinations of genes make it possible to obtain offspring of a wide variety of colors, even when crossing two animals of the same color. All existing chinchilla colors come from three original colors:

• Black.
• Brown.
• Red.

The complete absence of pigment results in a white color. Genes responsible for a particular shade can manifest themselves differently due to their dominance or recessivity.

All white chinchilla

Modern types of chinchillas differ not only in color, but also in the structure of the fur, its density, shine, and softness.

Subspecies of long-tailed chinchilla

Angora

Angora is one of the rarest morphs and is distinguished not by its color, but by its long coat. The animals have longer covering hair than all the others. It is difficult to fix the gene that transmits the length and silkiness of hair. Therefore, the offspring of even two Angoras may only contain cubs with normal fur. You can get more fluffy animals by crossing a carrier of the gene with homobeige or velvet individuals.

Beige chinchilla Tower

One of the most common subspecies. Fur color is beige in all possible shades. Rodents are distinguished by a pattern on the back and a beautiful iridescence of fur. The tips of the hairs are darker, as is the undercoat. Homobeige chinchillas can only be produced from parents who have the dominant beige gene. Obtaining homobeige individuals is important for color consolidation and subsequent breeding. Beige animals can be crossed with any species and colors without restrictions.

White Wilson

White Wilson chinchilla has a uniform white color of several variations:

• Albino,
• Mosaic,
• Silver.

White Lova

The White lova color morph is relatively new and was only obtained in 2002. Fur color is creamy white. Most are a champagne shade. They differ from Wilson's chinchillas by having dark ruby ​​round eyes.

Blue Diamond

This color comes in two color forms:

• Blue diamond (purple sapphire),
• Blue diamond velvet.

The blue chinchilla is the rarest of all varieties. Only a few nurseries in the world are engaged in targeted selection of blue animals. The color is metallic and has zoning. A blue diamond is obtained in several stages by crossing individuals with dominant colors of sapphire and violet. To obtain a morph with velvet fur, the infusion of the dominant velvet gene is necessary.

Violet

The purple color is available in several variations:

• Velvet purple,
• Sullivan Violet,
• Heterozygous ebony,
• German violet,
• Beige (including the morph with velvet fur),
• Homobeige,
• White,
• White velvet.

Animals with a violet color have very delicate and plush fur. The shade depends on the variety, and varies from light gray and almost white to rich lavender. The lightest morph is Sullivan violet, the darkest is German violet.

Sapphire

Sapphire-colored animals come in several varieties:

• Sapphire,
• Sapphire velvet,
• White,
• Ebony sapphire.

Rare and difficult to breed color morph.

Velvet

Velvet color form is represented by three subspecies:

• Black velvet,
• White velvet,
• Brown velvet.

Brown velvet is the most common and is obtained by crossing a male carrying the dominant velvet gene and a female of any color. If you cross a brown velvet with any colored chinchilla, then in the offspring you can get not only white and black velvet, but also beige animals, sapphire or purple velvet.

Beige diamond

The beige diamond is also called the white-pink morph. There are three forms of color: ebony white and pink, velvet and basic white and pink. Depending on the shape, the fur color can be either pure white or soft pink. The pink chinchilla is the rarest morph.

Ebony

The original color of ebony is distinguished by a special and very bright shine of the fur. Ebony animals can come in all shades of grey. The main thing is uniformity of color, thickness of the undercoat and silvery shine. There is also a form of velvet ebony. The ebony gene can be either dominant or recessive.

Pastel

The basic pastel color is available in several color morphs:

• Original pastel,
• Velvet pastel,
• Chocolate,
• Homobeige.

Fur color is all shades of beige. Depending on the shape, it can be either sandy or straw, or rich chocolate.

Dwarf chinchillas

The dwarf chinchilla is not a separate breed. This is a genetic mutation, fixed or manifested by chance. The size of the dwarf animal is much smaller than its ordinary counterparts and its weight can reach only 300 grams. Breeding these ornamental rodents is a complex matter. Females often experience difficulty during childbirth, and the offspring have few viable young. Small chinchillas can come in a wide variety of colors and color morphs.

Genetic calculator

Chinchilla genetics is an interesting and rather complex science. A large combination of genes and their combinations, dominant and recessive manifestations can confuse even experienced breeders. Therefore, a special genetic calculator for chinchilla colors was developed. The main genes of the parents are entered into the calculator: white, beige, sapphire, ebony, purple, velvet and angora, as well as the degree of manifestation of the genes:

• Present or not,
• Double or not
• Carrier or not,
• Gene shade (from light to dark).

Based on the data obtained, the calculator calculates not only the genotype of the parent pair, but also all possible colors of the offspring and the probability of obtaining them. The calculator is useful not only for beginning breeders, but also for those who want to breed a new color morph or fix a specific gene. You can find a genetic calculator on numerous websites of chinchilla breeders and large nurseries.

Many people keep chinchillas as pets, others breed them en masse, and when crossed, obtain either the color of one of the main breeds, or a unique color. This article provides information about the appearance of chinchillas, the main breeds and the rules for breeding rodents.

There are only two types of chinchillas: the small long-tailed and the large, they differ from each other in the size of their body parts. Long-tailed chinchillas are the most common species, so further external descriptions will refer specifically to them. Their historical habitat is the Andes.

The incisors of rodents have the function of biting off food particles. Molars, as in humans, are usually divided into molars and premolars. Their sizes can reach 12 mm. The first are large teeth, and they are located on the back side of the jaw. They perform the function of mechanical processing of food, grinding. There is also a special gap between the incisors and premolars - the diastema. Chinchillas only have one set of teeth for their entire lives.

In this article you will learn what are the early signs of pregnancy in a chinchilla, the rules of nutrition for females during this period, how to prepare the cage for the birth of babies and help the chinchilla herself during childbirth.

Prices for cages for chinchillas

Chinchilla cage

Chinchilla colors

The color of an ordinary individual is gray-blue with white splashes in the belly area. Moreover, among long-tailed representatives of this family, the color saturation and the length of the colored part may naturally vary. There are only 9 main colors of chinchilla fur, and as a result of selection, this number grows to 150 different new shades. The usual gray color can vary from a darkish to a light shade. Naturally, crossing gray individuals with each other will not give you a new, unique shade, but this hybrid is no less important and valuable than the others. Ordinary grayish chinchillas allow you to take the fur properties and body dimensions of other individuals to a new level. Their number from good breeders is about 10%.

Main breeds

Fur color black (dark) velvet was developed back in the sixties of the last century. The main color of these animals is black. In addition, there are distinguishable lines on the paws. The darker the fur color, the better quality it is.

Chinchilla color "black velvet"

Also, when selecting an animal of this subspecies for breeding, it is worth paying special attention to the shape of the muzzle and ears. For the first, it is better to choose a semicircular shape, for the second - small, round ones. This does not affect the quality of the fur in any way, but it will add aesthetic beauty to the individual and its selected offspring.

Wilson's white (Wilson's snow-white) was originally a coffee-cream color, but over time acquired various colors from snow-white to silver. Yellowness reduces the demand for products made from this fur.

Color white velvet is obtained by crossing a pair of representatives of the above described colors. This type has dull spots on the head and a white back.

White velvet chinchilla

Beige color saw the world thanks to a random mutation. A skillful breeder managed not only to preserve the resulting individual, but also to distribute it among chinchilla lovers. A distinctive feature for them is coral-colored ears and reddish irises.

For homobeige color characterized by the presence of exclusively beige type genes. They are distinguished from heterobeiges by a very shiny back color with a light coral tint, with creamy-lilac ears and lavender eyes. Both subspecies have a white abdomen.

Color brown (brown) velvet appears to be a product of hybridization between beige and black velvet. Characterized by the presence of a pair of dominant genes belonging to the parents. The color of the eyes and ears is from the beige representative, the line of the paws is black. The fur color varies from woody to chocolate.

Chinchilla brown velvet color

White and pink chinchillas also have two dominant traits and a lethal allele, that is, a recessive deadly gene. The color can be pinkish or smoky. Eye color ranges from light coral to brick. There is a possibility of them having brown spots, which is very much appreciated.

Velvet white-pink- quite a valuable and unique color scheme. The color of the back is white, there are brown stripes on the paws, purple ears, and burgundy eyes.

Male color “white-pink velvet”

Video - Examples of chinchilla colors

The nuances of crossing chinchillas of the main breeds

In this section we will describe the features of crossing chinchillas. It must be remembered that family ties between chinchillas should be avoided, as this will lead to degeneration of the breed. The results of most known crosses are presented in the table.

When breeding, gray chinchillas are used to improve the physical parameters of other individuals: fur density, body weight. Breeders are recommended to keep 7-10% of the entire population of high-quality representatives of this species.

Black velvet chinchilla having breakfast

Hybridization of a pair of chinchillas with the velvet gene should be abandoned, since it is not necessary to cross two representatives of the black velvet color, because there is a high probability of the absence of offspring or their non-viability. Hybridization with Wilson's snow-white gives the shade of snow-white velvet, with heterobeige - coffee velvet, with violet in 2 steps - violet velvet, with sapphire, also in 2 steps - sapphire velvet.

Wilson's snow-white chinchillas are equally likely to produce snow-white, silver, and mosaic chinchillas. Representatives of this species, like dark velvet, have a lethal gene, therefore it is not recommended to cross two individuals of the same species. Snow-white velvet is not suitable for further selection because it has inherited 2 lethal genes from its parents. The best choice for crossing would be a homo- or hetero-beige chinchilla.

Individuals of beige color are successful for selection. They produce offspring with 2 dominant genes. Hybridization with black velvet produces brown velvet , and with Wilson's snow-white - pink and white. Beige chinchillas can be crossed with any other. Moreover, it is possible to obtain a chocolate or smoky color by crossing them with representatives endowed with the ebony gene. One of the manifestations of this gene is a colored abdomen. The degree of color of the abdomen is proportional to the degree of dominance of this gene, so the less colored the abdomen, the weaker the gene in a given individual. It also adds shine to the fur. It is better to combine individuals with the ebony gene with carriers of the same gene to preserve the quality of fur in the offspring (the ebony gene tends to reduce its influence during crossing).

Homobeige individuals are obtained by crossing two homobeige, two heterobeige, or hetero- and homobeige. This color is highly valued by breeders because it makes it possible to avoid the appearance of ordinary gray cubs. When hybridizing homobeige individuals with ordinary ones, heterobeige ones are obtained, with black velvet - brown velvet or heterobeige, with heterobeige - homo- or heterobeige.

Brown velvet, when hybridized with individuals having the ebony gene, makes it possible to obtain velvet pastel. It is noticeable in the color of the fur of the cubs in the form of a coffee or smoky shade with a colored belly. Also, the result of crossing these subspecies can be the production of a rare young generation with the presence of beige and velvet genes.

Fur shade - velvet pastel

When white-pink and beige chinchillas are combined, homozygous white-pink chinchillas are obtained. Their characteristic features are soft brown ears and clear eyes. The lethal gene is present. Can be crossed with regular or dark velvet. In case of hybridization with the second one, up to 8 different combinations can be obtained!

Velvety white-pink has 4 sets of genes from its white, beige, gray and velvet counterparts. However, when looking for a pair to cross, it is worth considering the presence of a pair of lethal genes at once. Homo- and hetero-beige individuals can be a good choice.

The nuances of crossing non-mainstream breeds

Individuals snow-white ebony have white and black fur color. The degree of saturation of a particular color varies, for example, the main color is white, and black represents only partial inclusions in the fur, color of the eyes, and ears. Snow-white ebony has a lethal gene. This color is developed by crossing white hetero- and homo-ebony. It is not recommended to hybridize it with representatives of white flowers.

In representatives of color velvet pastel the color of the back is bronze-brown, velvety lines on the paws. The eyes are mostly brick-colored or a similar shade. This color is developed by crossing pastels with brown velvet or velvet ebony. When hybridizing a velvet pastel and a pastel, there is a chance of obtaining rare and valuable cubs with a beautiful chocolate-velvet shade of fur.

Homoebony is now considered the most interesting of the breeding colors. Its color is completely black, but perfectly black specimens are very rare and are very expensive. Homoebony is usually bred together with hetero. The cubs come out with beautiful fur. There is also a chance of getting a homobeige, chocolate brown, or purple individual.

Chinchilla color "homoebony"

Heteroebony in turn, they reproduce better than homos. The coat color can vary from light to dark. The light hybrid has additional white hair on the tail. You can get it by crossing a homoebony with a gray chinchilla.

Chinchilla color "heteroebony"

Violet (lilac) fur color. The back shimmers with purple tones. Breeders add standard gray animals to these animals, who are carriers of the purple gene. This method allows you to not lose the quality of the fur.

To obtain purple velvet color you need to go through 2 steps:

1. Hybridization of representatives of black velvet and lilac.
2. After this, the resulting individuals are re-crossed with the purple one.

The fur of this subspecies is purple, darker than that of the common lilac chinchilla.

At the end I would like to mention sapphire color. Fur in this case comes in different shades of blue. Crossing one or a pair of sapphire representatives results in cubs of the same color.

Prices for swimsuits for chinchillas

Bathing suit for chinchillas Savic

Video - Features of breeding diamond chinchillas

Today I want to talk to you about such animals, which most of the earth’s population is not indifferent to - chinchillas!

This article opens a new section on the project “Good IS!”, called “Fauna”, in which you can find information about any animals of our planet...

So, chinchillas...

Chinchillas ( lat. Chinchilla) - a genus of furry animals of the family chinchilla squad of rodents.

Chinchillas are native to South America, namely dry rocky, preferably northern areas at an altitude of 400 to 5000 meters above sea level. These small, beautiful rodents inhabit the Andes mountains of Bolivia, Chile, Peru and Argentina.

Chinchillas grow up to 22-38 cm in length, and their tail is 10-17 cm long. The head is rounded, the neck is short. The chinchilla's body is covered with thick and durable fur, which warms this animal in the cool highlands, and the tail is covered with hard guard hairs. The weight of adults reaches up to 800 grams. Chinchillas have large black eyes with vertical pupils, making them easy to navigate at night. The whiskers grow up to 8 - 10 cm, and the ears up to 6 cm, and have a rounded shape. The ears of chinchillas have special membranes, with the help of which the animals close their ears when they take sand baths; Thanks to this, sand does not get inside. The chinchilla's skeleton is able to compress in a vertical plane, which allows animals to penetrate narrow crevices in rocks. The forelimbs are five-fingered: four grasping fingers and one little-used one are twice as long as the front five-fingered ones. The hind limbs are four-toed. Strong hind limbs are twice as long as the front ones and allow high jumps, and a highly developed cerebellum provides good coordination of movements necessary for safe movement on rocks. Chinchillas live up to 20 years. The standard color of the animal is grayish-blue (ash), with the exception of the white belly.

Sexual differences in chinchillas. Female chinchillas are larger than males, so if an adult female weighs up to 800 grams, then males weigh no more than 700 grams. Chinchilla boys develop secondary sexual characteristics (testicles under the tail) at the age of 4-5 months. And at the age of about 7 months, the genitals are easily distinguishable and cannot be confused with a female. In terms of behavior, male chinchillas are usually suckers, i.e. more tame. An interesting fact is that if there is a male and a female in a cage, and if you take the male first in your arms, then the female may be offended by you, which will result in her turning her back to you.

Chinchillas were, and still are, the object of intensive hunting because of the valuable fur from which fur coats are made, which has led to a strong decrease in their numbers. Currently, chinchillas are listed in the Red Book of the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources.

Long-tailed chinchillas are farmed for their fur in many countries and are also common as pets.

Peculiarities of behavior of chinchillas

Chinchillas make very interesting sounds: when they don't like something, they make a sound similar to quacks or chirps. If you make them very angry, they begin to make sounds similar to growling or blowing their nose, and sometimes click their teeth very quickly. If they get hit hard or get very scared, they can squeak very loudly. But chinchillas are not defenseless - if threatened, they can attack. They attack in a rather funny way: they stand high on their hind legs, begin to “growl”, let out a stream of urine, and then grab them with their teeth.

Chinchillas in history

When the Spanish conquerors reached the shores of South America, the warm fur clothing of the local population aroused their admiration. The fur received the name “chinchilla” from the Spaniards in honor of the Chinchas Indian tribe. Intensive fishing for chinchilla fur began for delivery to Europe. This led to the virtual extermination of wild chinchillas. Many attempts to breed chinchillas in captivity have failed. Since the movement of chinchillas from the mountains to the valley ended in their death.

The first who was able to move chinchillas from the mountains, as well as transport them to North America, was M. Chapman. In 1923, he managed to bring 11 chinchillas (eight males and three females) to the United States, which can be considered as the ancestors of almost all animals living on farms today. He managed to get offspring from the first three females. After the success of M. Chapman, extensive development of the experience of breeding chinchillas in captivity began in North America and Canada, and later in Europe and South Africa. Much selection work by farmers from all over the world has led to the color mutation. Wilson white, beige, and black velvet were the first to be received. Currently, chinchillas have gained great popularity among lovers of exotic animals.

Types of chinchillas

There are two types of chinchillas: the small long-tailed or coastal chinchilla (lat. Chinchilla Lanigera) and the short-tailed or large chinchilla (lat. Chinchilla Brevicaudata).

The body length of the small long-tailed chinchilla is 22-38 cm, and its main difference from its other counterparts is its chic fluffy tail, 10 to 17 cm long, which resembles a squirrel’s. In addition, this animal is endowed with large black eyes, long mustaches and large rounded ears, adapted for nocturnal activity.

This type of chinchilla is endowed with short front and very powerful hind legs, and the body of such a chinchilla is framed by a small tail. The animal's neck is quite thick. The general color scheme of short-tailed chinchillas is grayish-blue, and the abdomen is painted white. The short-tailed chinchilla is distinguished by its larger size than the long-tailed chinchilla, its wide head and small bluish ears.

In addition to the main species, chinchillas have many mutational species that were produced over many years of work by crossing these animals, and differ mainly in the color scheme of their fur.

The color of the standard chinchilla, which is the main type raised on farms, is blue-gray on the vertebral part of the body (head, back, sides, thighs and tail) with a white ventral stripe. The "agouti" color pattern typical of the chinchilla is shared by all species in the suborder Caviomorpha (e.g. guinea pigs or viscachas), and its name comes from the Agouti species (Dasyprocta agouti - the South American golden hare, found in South America and the Antilles). . This pattern is based on the zonal color of the fur: dark - the top, light - the middle and dark - the parts of the base. The overall fur color effect that a dark top gives is called veiling. In the middle part of the hair the pigment is more or less diluted. In standard types, there are three types of color: dark, medium and light. They differ in the length of the colored part of the fur and the intensity of pigmentation.

Some types of chinchilla coloring

At home, chinchillas are mainly bred in the following colors: standard gray, black velvet, white, beige, homobeige, ebony, purple, sapphire. When crossing of these colors, more than 200 different combinations of hybrids arise among themselves, some of them have a complex genetic structure and are bred in several stages.

Standard gray– wild natural color, carrying two recessive genes – aa. Crossing parents of similar colors produces similar offspring. Among standard gray chinchillas, light standard, medium standard and dark standard are distinguished, since the color of the fur can vary from light gray to dark gray with a bluish tint on the back and sides and from white to bluish-white on the abdomen. On the curves of the body you can observe a play of tones, since the lower part of the hair is black or bluish, the middle part is white, and the upper part is black.

Black velvet. The color was first developed in 1960 in the USA.
Distinctive features of this color are black diagonal stripes on the front legs, black back and head, and white belly.

Chinchillas of this color cannot be crossed with each other, as they have a “lethal gene”, which negatively affects the quality of the offspring. Crossing with other colors produces the following main types of hybrids: white velvet (with Wilson's white); brown velvet (with heterobeige); purple velvet (with purple in two stages); sapphire velvet (with sapphire in two stages), etc.
Wilson's white, mosaic (or white velvet), silver. This color, first obtained in 1955 in the USA, is dominant and contains a “lethal gene”. The appearance of heterozygous individuals is different, the fur color ranges from snow-white to dark silver.

White chinchillas- carriers of a recessive “lethal gene” that appears as a result of crossing two white parents. Therefore, animals that are carriers of this gene are not crossed with each other.

Recessiveness is a form of relationship between two genes in which one of them has a less strong influence on the corresponding characteristics of an individual than the other.

In relation to the standard gray, the white gene is dominant, and as a result of crossing, both white and standard animals are born.

Color white velvet can be obtained by crossing black velvet and white Wilson. As a result, the individual receives white, black velvet and standard genes. White velvet, which has the effect of double dominance, is characterized by white fur, a dark “mask” on the head, and dark gray diagonal stripes on the front legs.
You should avoid crossing white velvet with animals of the following colors: white velvet, black velvet, brown velvet, purple velvet, sapphire velvet, as well as white, white-pink, white ebony. This is due to the fact that white velvet carries two “lethal genes”, characteristic of white Wilson and black velvet.

Beige color was first obtained in 1955. Animals in which beige is the dominant color have pink to dark red eyes and pink ears, sometimes with black dots. Fur color varies from light to dark beige.

Dominance is a form of relationship between paired genes, in which one of them has a stronger influence on the corresponding characteristics of an individual than the other.

Beige chinchillas are homozygous, so they interbreed well with others. The result is wonderful hybrids.

Beige homozygous. Animals of this color do not have the “lethal gene” and can be homozygous. Beige homozygous chinchillas are distinguished by light cream fur with a pinkish tint, pink ears, light pink pupils with a light blue or white circle around the pupil.

As a result of crossing a homobeige animal with a standard one, heterobeige puppies are born. When heterobeiges are crossed with each other - hetero- and homobeige individuals, the most successful pairs for which are white-pink, brown velvet, white velvet, velvet heteroebony, velvet homoebony.

Heterozygous beige. The combination of two heterozygous beige chinchillas produces 25% homozygous beige, 50% heterozygous beige, 25% gray animals.
Crossing a heterozygous beige and a standard gray will produce an equal number of heterozygous beige and standard gray chinchillas.

Brown velvet obtained by crossing the colors black velvet and beige. Hybrids of this species have a white belly and back - from light to dark shade. To prevent the number of cubs in the litter from decreasing, it is not recommended to crossbreed animals with the black velvet gene.

White-pink obtained by crossing beige and white chinchillas with beige, white and standard genes.

Due to double dominance, there is the possibility of the expression of beige and white genes. The ears of such animals are pink with black dots, the eyes are from pink to dark ruby, and the fur is white. The presence of brown spots of various shapes and locations is allowed.

Homoebony. Color has not yet been thoroughly studied. Chinchillas of this color are distinguished by a beautiful shine and particularly silky fur. However, breeding such animals is quite a difficult task, since homoebony grows slower and is smaller in size compared to other hybrids.

Heteroebony. The genotype of animals of this color contains standard and ebony genes. Obtaining a dark heteroebony chinchilla is possible by crossing a male of a similar color with a light standard female.

The resulting individuals can be light, medium, dark, very dark. Crossing with a beige animal results in the appearance of a pastel color. Heteroebony is the result of crossing homoebony and standard chinchilla, homoebony and heteroebony, heteroebony and standard, heteroebony with each other.

Velvet ebony. Velvet ebony are hybrids of black velvet, homoebony and heteroebony, having the genes of black velvet, standard and ebony.

The presence of the velvet gene in heteroebony is determined by the dark color of the back and the “mask” on the head. Velvet homoebony is distinguished by light fur on the sides and dark colored fur. The diagonal black stripes on the paws are not visible. The black coloration of the belly indicates the presence of the ebony gene.

Velvet heteroebony are obtained by crossing heteroebony with black velvet, velvet homoebony - by combining velvet heteroebony with homoebony or heteroebony. These individuals have shiny fur, close in decorativeness to the color of homoebony. However, it is undesirable to cross velvet chinchillas with each other due to the presence of a “lethal gene”.

Purple color, related to recessive mutations, appears only in the homozygous state. The result of crossing with standard chinchillas are standard animals that carry the purple gene, which is not manifested externally. The fur color of such animals varies from light to dark lilac. The abdomen is snow-white in color.

The purple color is quite rare, as purple chinchillas only begin to breed at 14–18 months. But despite the difficulties that fur farmers face when breeding, these hybrids occupy the second most popular place in European countries after animals carrying ebony genes.

Purple velvet. A hybrid of black velvet, homoviolet, having the gene for black velvet, standard and purple. The animal's fur is dark lilac, its belly is white, and diagonal dark stripes are located on its paws. The black velvet gene affects the base purple color, making it darker.

The hybrid is bred in two stages: by combining black velvet and purple chinchillas, animals with the black velvet genotype are obtained - a carrier of purple, which are then crossed with purple. The resulting puppies can have different colors, one of which is ultraviolet.

Sapphire. The sapphire color is recessive. When crossed with a standard chinchilla, puppies are obtained that are standard carriers of sapphire, which does not appear externally. The combination of two sapphires or one sapphire and a sapphire carrier results in sapphire animals. The color of the fur remains the same throughout the animal's life.

In 1967, the first purple chinchilla appeared in Zimbabwe. Her cubs were purchased in 1975 by a Californian fur breeder, who began breeding animals of this color.

Before buying a chinchilla, prepare a room for it that should be warm, dry, light and well ventilated. Proper placement and maintenance of chinchillas consists of the following necessary conditions: purchasing or manufacturing a cage or enclosure that meets the biological needs of animals, and care that will ensure them good, good health and longevity.

Before purchasing a cage, you should consider why you are keeping your chinchillas. If you want to get offspring from them, then you should consider the following - the cage should not be very high because very soon after birth they begin to climb the walls of the cage. So if breeding is one of your goals, make sure your cage is not too high so that the baby can climb to the top without hurting itself if it falls.

If you have several chinchillas: the cage should be as spacious as possible, but not less than 90x70 cm and a height of 50 cm. For one animal, a cage measuring 70x50 cm and a height of 50 cm is most preferable. Such cages will take up relatively little space even in a small room places. The cages are made of metal, galvanized mesh with a mesh size of 1.5x1.5 cm for the bottom and 1.9x1.9 for the side walls and roof. The cage cannot be painted, so pay attention to this when purchasing.

It is desirable that the cage have a retractable metal tray (made of sheet aluminum or iron), into which bedding of sawdust and small shavings should be poured. These animals are clean and have almost no odor, so the bedding can be changed about once a week.

The cage also contains wooden shelves approximately 15 cm wide, on which they willingly rest. You can install ladders and wooden tunnels in the cage so that the animals can hide in them if necessary. It is also necessary to install a house for the animals to rest and raise their offspring. It should be designed so that it is convenient to periodically replace the bedding on which the animals rest. The nesting house should remind the chinchillas of their natural refuge; twilight should be created there. The size of the house should be approximately 30 cm in length, 15 cm in depth and 15 cm in height. If a couple, husband and wife, live in a cage, then it is better to install two houses in the cage, so that if they quarrel, and chinchillas do, they could sit in different places. Almost like people :)

The feeder and drinker are installed on the front wall or on the door of the cage. This method is the most convenient, since the feeders, which are placed on the floor of the cage, can be turned over while your animals are playing, or turn into a toilet. The best option for parrot feeders is made of metal or ceramic with attachments to the cage. Currently, a variety of drinking bowls for rabbits and chinchillas are sold on the market and specialized stores. These are vacuum bottles with a metal rod 4-6 cm long, inside which a metal ball is placed.

The chinchilla's diet must contain hay, so it is necessary to install a separate feeder on the side of the cage - a hay nursery. You can install a hay feeder inside the cage, or you can put hay on the mesh roof of the cage above the shelf. It is advisable to remove any hay that falls on the bottom of the cage during the day.

In order for a chinchilla's fur to be in good condition, they need to take baths. The bath should have special “sand” - cialite (crushed volcanic stone). In nature, animals grind down their incisors, gnaw it, and then bathe in this dust. While bathing, they clean their fur. It is better not to use Polish “sand” - it is, in fact, ordinary river sand, which breaks the fur of chinchillas. However, one feature must be taken into account: cialit is a dust-like powder; it is not very convenient to use in an apartment. Therefore, it must be mixed with German-made bathing sand in equal proportions and poured into the bathing area in a two-centimeter layer. Once or twice a week it should be sifted through a sieve (slightly larger than for flour). Two packs are enough for six months. You can buy a ready-made bath or use small containers measuring 30x20x20 cm made of tin or plastic. The bath is set for 20–30 minutes. You should not leave the bath in the cage for a long time, because... the animal can relieve itself there and the sand will have to be thrown away. Also, with frequent bathing, the animal’s skin can become very dry, which is not desirable. Animals bathe with pleasure, noticeably transforming in the process. The fur becomes more fluffy and airy, and the animals’ mood and activity improves. It is very interesting to watch chinchillas bathe, and if there is such an opportunity, it is better to use transparent materials to make a bath, and if this is not possible, then an old saucepan or a three-liter jar will do. Packaged bathing sand is sold in markets and pet stores.

Since chinchillas are rodents, they have a natural instinct to constantly chew on something. Therefore, it is necessary to put a special hard stone in the cage to grind down the teeth. You can also put wooden pigs or wooden toys, a mineral or chalk block in the cage, in general, everything that can diversify the life of your pets.

In the room where the cages with chinchillas are installed, there should be fresh air, but without drafts, with a humidity preferably 50-70%, a temperature of 5 to 25°C, preferably 18-20°C. As already mentioned, prolonged exposure of animals to direct sunlight is undesirable, but at the same time, morning or evening sun is very useful for them and activates vital functions.

Important! Under no circumstances should you use hairspray, perfume or other substances that cause strong odors near the chinchilla’s cage.

Daily routine. Chinchillas lead a twilight lifestyle, and sleep during the day (during daylight hours), so it is necessary to create conditions for them to do this.

Important! Chinchillas are shy: very loud sounds of music, sudden switching on of bright lights or a very sharp clap can lead to stress and illness or even death of the animal, so near the cage, until it gets used to the atmosphere of the house, you should not make sudden movements, shout, or turn on bright lights .

Chinchillas are herbivores and are not picky about food. The basis of their diet consists of various herbaceous plants, mainly cereals, legumes, also seeds, mosses, lichens, shrubs, tree bark, small insects.

Feeding chinchillas is practically no different from feeding rabbits. There are quite a lot of different foods for chinchillas on the market and in pet stores. You can also offer your pets something more varied and tasty. In the summer, fruits, plant seeds, and dry crusts of bread can be given. In winter - hay, tree branches, dried fruits - apples, plums, dried apricots, raisins, nuts. Rosehip and barberry fruits are very useful. However, when feeding greens to chinchillas in the summer, you must adhere to some rules; you need to start with servings of 1-2 well-dried dandelion leaves per day. Clover and legume stems are always wilted or used dry to prevent bloating. You should not get carried away with root vegetables - beets and potatoes; carrots must be given well washed.

Hay should also be present in the animal’s diet. The hay should consist of forbs. Well-dried hay is green and smells good. Its nutritional value depends on the content of different types of herbs. Do not feed animals wet and moldy hay.

The chinchilla must be constantly provided with water.

Important! You should not give chinchillas chlorinated water (from the tap), because... this can lead to the death of the animal. Artesian or mineral water is used, but without gas. You can also use boiled or purified water.

To grind down the front incisors, you need to put dry ingots or tree branches into the cage. Trees you can use are apple, pear, willow, acacia, birch, willow, linden, and hazelnut. It is undesirable to give branches of coniferous trees with a high content of resins, citrus fruits, walnuts, cherries, plums and oaks. You can also purchase special stones made of pumice or chalk for the same purposes. Chalk is also necessary for chinchillas as a mineral supplement.

However, when feeding chinchillas, you should not get carried away with large amounts of sweets and high-calorie foods. This can lead to obesity, which negatively affects their ability to reproduce.

Squirrels - building material.

Functions of proteins:
- participate in the production of antibodies, thereby protecting the body from viruses and various microbes;
- control energy balance;
— ensure the full development of the body, especially the nervous system, regulate irritability and reactions to external stimuli;
- are components of hormones, muscles and other tissues;
- are biological catalysts of processes - enzymes (in connection with vitamins and microelements);
- form thinking.

Proteins are found in large quantities in milk, legumes, cereals, corn and nuts.

Fats – are a solvent for vitamins, and regulate the water balance of cells, are responsible for the supply of salts, amino acids and sugar to them, and provide a feeling of fullness during meals. In addition, fats are a source of energy.

Excessive consumption of fat is very harmful to the health of a chinchilla!

The richest sources of fat are nuts, sunflower seeds, and other oilseeds.

Carbohydrates – the main source of energy in the body.

Perform the following functions:
- participate in the synthesis of nucleic acids, non-essential amino acids, and plastic processes;
- are part of cells, tissues and interstitial fluids, blood;
- replenish blood glucose levels;
- Help the body metabolize fats.

Vitamin A (retinol) - necessary for chinchillas to maintain good vision. A component of the photosensitive substance of the retina. Responsible for the normal condition of the mucous membranes of the body (respiratory system, gastrointestinal tract, etc.) and skin. Plays an important role in regulating immune processes.

Vitamin A is found in rose hips, red carrots (more when raw), pumpkin, bananas, spinach and lettuce, as well as in milk and corn.

B vitamins necessary for metabolism. They ensure normal growth and development, promote wound healing and participate in blood formation processes.

Legumes and cereals (especially their cell membranes), milk, lettuce, and spinach are rich in B vitamins.

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) - one of the most important vitamins necessary for maintaining and promoting health.

Functions of vitamin C:
- is part of organs and tissues;
— participates in redox processes;
— ensures normal metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and fats;
— enriches organs with glucose;
- regulates the permeability of vascular walls;
- has a beneficial effect on the functions of the pancreas and liver;
- regulates blood clotting;
- helps the body resist infectious diseases;
- participates in the production of antibodies;
- affects immunobiological reactions.

The main source of vitamin C is vegetables, berries and fruits. It is found in large quantities in rose hips and sorrel.

Vitamin E necessary for strengthening muscles, it maintains healthy skin. It has a positive effect on the functioning of the gonads and some others, restores reproductive functions, and promotes fetal development during pregnancy. Vitamin E also prevents inflammatory processes. The best natural sources are wheat germ, soybeans, spinach, corn, almonds and walnuts.

The composition of body tissues, blood, tissue fluids, bones, enzymes and hormones includes minerals and trace elements.

Calcium is a building material for teeth and bones. Responsible for blood clotting, regulates the activity of internal organs, muscles, nerves, helps the heart to constantly work, to keep blood vessels flexible and strong. Plays a big role in the body's resistance to infections. It is found in large quantities in nuts (almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts), seeds, apples, wheat, raisins, dried apricots, soybeans and beans.

Potassium – an important element for the cells of the chinchilla’s body. It is necessary for the normal functioning of soft tissues. Endocrine glands, blood vessels, capillaries, nerve cells, kidneys, brain, liver, heart and other muscles cannot function normally without this element. Potassium is present in 50% of all fluids in the body. You can saturate your chinchilla's body with potassium by feeding it dried apricots, raisins, pine nuts, carrots, sunflower seeds, and dandelion leaves.

Zinc It is simply necessary in the chinchilla’s body to develop lasting immunity. Plays an important role in wound healing and supports the sense of taste and smell. Ensures normal development and functioning of the gonads. Contained in sprouted wheat grains, sunflower and pumpkin seeds, and legumes. Fruits, vegetables and berries contain very small amounts of zinc.

Iron in the body of both chinchillas and humans it is contained in very small quantities, but without it it is impossible to carry out many functions. Iron is primarily required for the production of red and white blood cells. Red cells (erythrocytes) contain hemoglobin, an oxygen carrier, and white cells (lymphocytes) are responsible for immunity. Thus, iron plays a major role in providing cells with oxygen and supporting immunity.
Contained in beans, peas, soybeans, wholemeal breadcrumbs, green leafy vegetables, rose hips.

Magnesium affects energy processes in all organs and tissues, primarily those that actively consume energy (nervous system, heart, working muscles). Participates in immune processes.
Sources of magnesium are nuts (peanuts, hazelnuts, almonds, walnuts), oatmeal, soybeans, beans, buckwheat. In winter, dried fruits, especially dried apricots, raisins and prunes, can be an additional source of magnesium.

Folic acid found in beans, wheat, vegetables, dried fruits, oatmeal. Participates in the formation of red blood cells, improves milk secretion in lactating females. Folic acid is necessary for normal cell division, which is why it is of great importance in the body of pregnant and injured chinchillas.

How to create a chinchilla family

In order to create a chinchilla family, you need to know several rules. The first is that chinchillas have a pronounced matriarchy, and therefore it is advisable to place a younger female with a male, on his territory. If you are faced with the need to place a male with a female on her territory, then for this you need to conduct a so-called acquaintance between them. To do this, you can place a carrying cage with a new resident next to the cage of the old resident for 2-3 days, so that they get used to each other. After this, try to place them together; if the experiment is unsuccessful, then you need to put the aggressor in a carrier for several hours. This can be continued until they get along with each other without quarrels. The introduction of a new resident should always take place under your supervision so that the animals do not injure each other.

Males, as a rule, reach sexual maturity at 7-9 months, females at 6-8. The duration of the reproductive cycle in females is 30-50 days, estrus is 2-4 days. In the female, the genitals are located quite close to the anus, and in the male there is a small gap between them where the testes are located, hidden under the peritoneum, so it is not difficult to distinguish a male from a female chinchilla. Pregnancy in chinchillas lasts on average from 105 to 115 days. During pregnancy, it is advisable to switch the female to enhanced nutrition, and it is also advisable to provide vitamins, especially if this is the first pregnancy. Usually 1-2 cubs are born, rarely 3 or more. Pregnancy does not interrupt the development of eggs, which quickly mature after childbirth. Therefore, if you do not want your female to become pregnant again, you should remove the male from her and it is advisable to move his cage to another room. If you decide not to remove the male, then he usually becomes a caring father, helping the female care for the puppies. After the second litter in a row, the male should still be removed and the female should be allowed to rest.

Chinchillas are born with hair, open eyes and capable of independent movement. The body weight of newborns ranges from 30 to 70 grams and depends on hereditary characteristics, mother's feeding and the size of the litter. If one or two cubs are born, there is no need to feed them. If three or more puppies were born, then they must be fed using a glass pipette. Boiled milk and infant formula are suitable for this. You can also give the female 1-2 raisins per day to increase lactation. After two months, the grown cubs need to be placed in a separate cage.

Chinchillas are naturally shy animals, so the golden rule for you should be the following: never rush to become good friends from the first minute of meeting them. Imposition your friendship will only frighten the chinchilla. Several days will pass when the animal has become accustomed to its new territory, and then you can begin to create trusting, friendly relationships.

Please note that a daily routine is very important for a chinchilla; set a time (preferably from 18.00-19.00) for feeding, as well as changing the water in the bottle and, of course, exercise.

First steps to friendship. Talk gently to your pet as you walk past the cage, repeating its name. Several times a day you can offer her a small piece of sweets (for example, raisins are a favorite treat for chinchillas). However, you should not give a whole raisin at once - half is enough, since too many raisins can cause diarrhea, but 1-2 raisins a day, for pleasure, are quite suitable.

First, you can offer her a treat through the cells of the cage, while talking to her. The main thing is not to scare your pet with sudden movements. Always move slowly when approaching the cage. Some make a certain sound when they approach the cage with a treat. It may seem silly, but over time, chinchillas associate this sound with a specific action (for example, bringing goodies) and begin to greet you joyfully.

Continue to build your relationship in this way for several days, observing the behavior of your animal. Over time, the chinchilla becomes braver and you can, armed with a twist, open the cage door very carefully, talking all the time with your pet, stick your hand with a treat to its nose. Most likely, the chinchilla will quickly take the treat from your hand and eat it directly on your hand or in a corner. As you continue to do these exercises with your pet, you will soon see how the chinchilla itself will strive to explore your hand. During this time, you can also try gentle tickling under the chin or behind the ears, as most chinchillas enjoy this and it is a good way to allow her to explore you, your scent, and associate you with the pleasure they get from being with you.

After some time, your chinchilla will be ready to explore more than just your hand. She may try to get close to your face or your shoulder, but the main thing is not to scare her off with sudden movements.
To walk around the apartment, you should place the cage in the place where the walk will take place, and the place needs to be prepared before this: close all places where the animal could hide from you (under a closet, bed, behind a heating radiator, etc.). Then carefully open the cage door, talking to your animal, inviting it to leave the cage. If the pet does not come out, you can always use the old bait - raisins, and reward the animal when it leaves its safety zone - the cage. At the end of your walk around the apartment, try not to resort to catching the animal with your hands, try to lure it into the cage with the help of treats or by placing a bathing tray with sand in the cage. If this does not work, try to take the animal by the base of its tail with one hand and use the other hand as a support, and thus escort it into the cage; do not squeeze the animal too much, as you can damage its delicate body.

Remember, a chinchilla, with all its charm, is not a creature that will hug all the time. They are too impatient to stay in one position. The time will come, as soon as your chinchilla gets used to you and understands that you are not harming him, and the animal will be happy to come up to you, climb on you, play with you, and allow you to pet him. You will be able to create a trusting relationship with your pet.

Chinchillas are truly wonderful and funny animals. All you have to do is spend time with your animal and be patient, and you will have a furry friend for many years to come.

Clumping of hair in the anus indicates that the animal has diarrhea, which may be of infectious origin or due to improper care and feeding.
Also, when choosing and purchasing a chinchilla, you need to understand for what purpose the animal is being purchased and also take into account your financial capabilities. The price of a chinchilla depends on age and color. Standard gray animals are cheaper than their colored counterparts.

Chinchillas almost never bite. There are animals that willingly go into the arms of their owner and examine clothes, hair, and jewelry. They can sit on a shoulder or head for a long time and thus move around the room with a person.

There are, however, individuals who cannot tolerate any hand touching themselves. The extreme degree of hostility of a chinchilla is an attempt to “shoot” a stream of urine at the offender. Typically, this behavior occurs in animals that grew up on large farms and have not had close contact with humans. But even such a bully can be rehabilitated if you allow him to feel attention to himself, and not be limited only by the desire to grab the animal and cuddle it like a kitten. After all, most chinchillas perceive this attitude as aggression.

When purchasing, you also need to decide whether you will buy one chinchilla or whether you subsequently intend not only to keep the animals at home, but also to get offspring from them. In this case, immediately purchase a pair of animals of different sexes. Do not forget that chinchillas live in small families; they are animals that need communication with their fellows. Therefore, lonely animals will be bored, and the owner will have to do more with them.

Chinchilla diseases

Gastrointestinal tract disorder. The reason for this is inappropriate feeding. Its symptoms are diarrhea, constipation, and bloating. This disease occurs as a result of feeding moldy food, poor quality food, or poor quality water. The cause of this disease may also be an incorrect diet: feeding large quantities of succulent or dry food. Diarrhea also occurs as a result of a sudden change in diet, or feeding foods poor in fiber and rich in proteins and fats. This can lead to stomach colic, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, etc.; upset stomach - bloating, diarrhea, constipation; inflammation of the intestines - bloody diarrhea, mucous diarrhea. Each of these symptoms can lead to deviations from the norm. A change in the flora of the stomach or the water regime can lead to the proliferation of microbes, which can lead to poisoning and death of the animal.

Fatty liver degeneration. This is a liver disease that causes macro- and microscopic histological changes in the organ. The reason for this is the feeding of granulated products to the animals, which were stored for a long time, and as a result, the fats became bitter and carotene was not digestible if it was in excess in the food. Cases of liver dystrophy should be a signal to review the diet and feed foods that protect the liver. It is recommended to include in the diet substances that have a protective effect and substances that cleanse the liver: these include the homeopathic medicine Epatral, metionin, cholin and Vitamin E.

Food poisoning. May be caused by Clostridium perfingens entorotoxin, which was present in the animals' food. A case of such poisoning was described by Novakovsky in (1991): the proliferation of this type of anaerobic bacteria occurred in granulated feed, which included soy hydrolysate and powdered milk, which provided an excellent environment for bacteria during the storage period of the product. Symptoms of poisoning included diarrhea, bloating, and prolapse of the anus. A 20% mortality rate of animals was registered. A detailed examination revealed inflammation of the gastric mucosa in the pyloric area, inflamed, bleeding intestines with bloating, as well as an enlarged liver.

Urolithiasis. This disease leads to bleeding inflammation of the bladder. This disease is most often observed in adult males. As a result of the unusual functioning of the urinary function, crystallization of various compounds occurs and crystals fall out in the renal ducts and accumulate in the bladder. If it is in small quantities, then natural removal occurs in the urine; as a result of excess, accumulation occurs - stones are formed that irritate the mucous membrane of the bladder, causing inflammatory processes, often accompanied by bleeding, resulting in urinary retention and uremia. Successful treatment can begin after the type of stones has been established (urine tests can determine whether they are carbonate stones or others). Ultrasonography can determine their presence in the bladder. Sand can be removed, but larger stones can be removed surgically or by cutting into the bladder.

Sunstroke. This is a specific disease caused by overheating of the body. This happens when the room for chinchillas is maintained for a long time above 26 degrees Celsius, with high relative humidity. Excess sunlight and lack of ventilation have a negative impact. Symptoms of sunstroke are: elevated temperature, constant lying position of the animal, short and frequent breathing (in order to increase heat exchange), stale air (heavy breathing), and sometimes there is loss of consciousness and fainting. First aid is a water bath, or cooling the animal’s body with a damp towel and lowering the air temperature on the farm. Sometimes a consultation with a veterinarian is mandatory. Treatment is based on the use of drugs that stimulate blood circulation and breathing.

Conjunctivitis. There are a lot of reasons that cause this disease, and in origin these reasons can be mechanical (various foreign bodies, dust), chemical (disinfectants, gases, smoke) or bacteriological. There are cataracts and conjunctivitis. Treatment can only be effective if the cause of the disease is eliminated, most often it is a dirty, uncleaned cage, uncleaned litter with waste and urine, which releases ammonia, irritating the mucous membrane of the eye. Treatment is based on washing the eyes with a 3% solution of boric acid or chamomile decoction. Antibiotic eye drops are used to treat conjunctivitis.

Catarrh of the nose. This disease most often occurs when the weather changes: late autumn and spring, when there are significant temperature fluctuations and high humidity. Additional factors are drafts and heavy dust in the room. The nostrils of sick animals are wet, mucus flows from them, the eyes are watery, and discharge is visible in the corners of the eyes, first white and then yellow. As a rule, there is a loss of appetite, the animal looks drowsy, stands on the rack, rapid breathing, and elevated temperature. Sick animals should be isolated in a dry room with a low temperature, their eyes and nose should be washed with boric acid solution, and food rich in vitamin C should be fed. In more complex situations, consultation with a veterinarian is necessary.

Wounds. These are skin tears caused by mechanical stress. Most often, wounds are the result of battles between animals, although sometimes they can occur as a result of contact with sharp protrusions of a cage or shelf. Skin abrasions and wounds heal very quickly and sometimes without outside help. The most dangerous are deep wounds, the healing of which is slower and, as a rule, only superficial, while an inflammatory process develops in the depth of the wound. Fresh, large wounds need to be stitched, while simple, superficial wounds only need to be washed. The hair around each wound must be trimmed.

Inflammation of the uterus and vagina. Most often, diseases are the result of infection by microbes. Their manifestation is bloody, mucous discharge with the smell of rot. May occur as a result of injury, stillbirth, or retained placenta.

Abortion (premature removal of an unripe, lifeless fetus). This happens quite often in chinchillas. The causes of abortion can be divided into internal (on the part of the fetus: example, genetic defects as a result of inbreeding, or on the part of the female: example, reaction to stress, poisoning, infectious diseases) and external (inappropriate diet, injuries, poor hygiene, disinfection and other). If decomposition of the dead fetus in the uterus does not occur, then the fetus is removed without any help. If the fetus decomposes, then inflammation of the uterus occurs and putrefactive discharge appears. In order to exclude abortions, it is necessary to handle the female carefully, do not grab her, do not feel her, separate her from the male, and avoid dust baths.

Occurrence near the fetal membrane (afterbirth). Failure to remove the membranes around the fetus after lambing causes its decomposition, and the resulting toxins enter the bloodstream, causing severe poisoning and even death of the animal. If it is located near the fetal membrane, the intervention of a veterinarian is necessary, who uses means to remove the placenta, and in case of decomposition, uses antibiotics, anti-stress drugs and drugs that improve blood circulation.

Postpartum tetany. Manifests itself in the form of spasms, convulsions, and sometimes loss of consciousness. The reason for this is a lack of calcium and phosphorus in the body, often a clear lack of vitamin B1. A preventive measure for this disease is to provide females with an appropriate diet, the presence of mineral supplements and vitamins in the diet during the animal’s pregnancy. In the last months of pregnancy, it is necessary to slightly limit calcium supplements to avoid metabolic disorders in the body. Excessive amounts of calcium in the diet lead to insufficient release of parahormones, which ensure the removal of calcium from the bone and thereby control the deficiency of this element in the body. After lambing, the diet must be enriched with calcium and phosphorus, in order to increase their consumption. A common mistake is to increase the dose of these elements during pregnancy, which paradoxically affects their deficiency in the postpartum period and the manifestation of tetany is observed. Treatment is based on the injection of elements containing calcium and phosphorus.

Inflammation of the mammary gland. Most of all, this is the result of injury to the female’s nipples by young animals, accumulation of milk in the mammary gland, inflammatory or other processes after infectious diseases. In case of milk retention, you can try milking using massage. The presence of inflammatory processes requires treatment with antibiotics. The inflammatory condition of the nipples manifests itself in their swelling, redness, and increased temperature. Often this inflammatory process is a consequence of a disorder of the gastrointestinal tract.

Dental diseases. It has been established that as animals age, they develop dental problems, especially tooth growth and periodontal disease. Excessive growth of fangs, caused by the inability to grind them down on a hard surface, leads to gum wounds, which makes eating difficult. Chinchillas' teeth have open roots, which allows them to grow throughout the animal's life. In the natural environment, there is a balance between tooth growth and wear. At home, if there is a lack of vitamins A and D in the diet, as well as calcium and phosphorus compounds, their strong growth is observed. It is very likely that the age of the animal in this case also plays a role. Teeth correction can be done using scissors, small sharp forceps and a file.

Well, that's all, I wish you and your chinchilla good health, as well as a pleasant time with this excellent beautiful animal!

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