JAGS Chinchillas

Chinchilla Information

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   The Chinchilla is a breed of animal native to the Andes of South America.  The fine quality of the fur and the gentle nature of this animal are unique to this lovable creature to which this industry and our company are devoted.  This website has been prepared in an effort to stimulate thought, gain and educate additional ranchers and illustrate how and why the Chinchilla has come to hold the unique position in the industry that it does today.

History of Chinchilla

   In 1923, an American engineer named Chapman, received permission to trap 11 chinchillas and export them to the United States.  It was through his initial efforts that the animal has multiplied and progressed to be considered safe from extinction.

Facts About Raising Chinchillas

   The chinchilla has no parasites because they can't exist in its dense fur.  While other fur producing animals have a single hair growing from each follicle, Chinchillas have from 80 to 120.  Its fur is endowed with resilience and resists breakage (a common problem with other furs): a curious combination of soft and delicate, yet strong and durable.

   The chinchilla is an exceptionally clean animal.  They keep their fur clean by taking a dust bath as soon as it is placed in their cage.  Of all fur-bearing animals, this little animal does not emit any odor.  If the rancher is clean in his chinchilla house or room, a visitor will not detect an odor of any kind coming from the animal.  This is one reason for the chinchilla gaining such popularity for home ranching.

   Housing of chinchillas need not be complex.  Many new ranchers start in a garage, basement or spare room.  For the beginner who is converting a basement into a ranch, it is desirable to partition off an area so that the room is the most dry and coolest spot, with at least one window for ventilation.  Chinchillas are nocturnal.  They generally sleep during the day and feed at night.  They have a natural curiosity, frequently following the ranchers activity as he moves about the unit.

   Feeding costs for the animals is the lowest of any ranch-raised fur bearing animal because they are vegetarians.  A simple diet of commercial pellets, hay and water is all that is required.  Chinchillas are very inquisitive and will eat almost anything offered to them.

   The female will have her oestrum or heat period about every 28 days;  the gestation period is 111 days.  The young are born with their eyes open, fully furred and with teeth.  They may be seen climbing and running around the cage within 15 minutes after birth.

   Chinchillas have one to three litters a year, the average being two, and they will have between one and five babies in a litter.  Chinchilla females are good mothers and seldom need help in giving birth or raising their young.

   Breeding is not difficult, as Mother Nature plays the largest role in that.  The Chinchillas first litter is often produced before the animal is one year old.  Chinchillas will mate anytime after five months of age, however it is preferable to wait until they are at least eight months old. 

   Polygamous breeding is the accepted method today, with a male servicing from 6 to 10 females.  This is done by placing a collar around the females neck and making a slightly smaller hole in each females cage just large enough for the male to pass through.  Polygamous mating is the recommended way to improve quality since only the best males are used.  Chinchilla breeding is a most interesting and enjoyable occupation.