What are chinchillas?

When chinchillas were first brought to the United States, they were used only as pelt producers. But now they are also owned as pets almost all over the world. Chins have a beautiful soft coat and a bushy tail. They are considered to be in the same family as rodents.

The original chinchillas that were brought over from South America were standard grey. There are now many different color mutations available. Some examples are white, black velvet, brown velvet, beige, and violet.

Chinchillas are strictly vegetarian. They live on hay, water and pellets made mostly out of wheat germ, alfalfa, oats, molasses, corn, vitamins and minerals.