ANSC 1676 1st Edition Lecture 9 Outline of Last LectureI. Being a Responsible Pet OwnerOutline of Current LectureI. Chinchillas* Named after native people in Andes Mountains (Peru)* In the 19th century, chinchillas were almost killed to extinction; still at risk * Mathias Chapman brought a dozen chinchillas to North America in 1923; all chinchillas here stem from these original twelve* Used for coats & audiology- 100-150 pelts = Waist length coat- 250 pelts = Full length coatWild Chinchillas- Prefer a cold & dry climate- Monogamous- Roll in volcanic ash to take care of their coat (fur)- Can jump up to 5 feet high- Live in burrows, caves, and crevices of the Andes mountains- Diet: plants, fruits & seeds- Defense: spray urine & fur release- Predators: hawks, foxes, & snakesCare - Long tail (large) versus Short tail (small)- Light to dark grey with a white underbody - Mostly nocturnal; active at night – need exercise- Heat sensitive- Weigh approximately 1-2lbs- Live for about 8-10 years- Sexually mature: 4-5 months- Gestation: 111 days- Litter Size: 1-4 offspring; 3 litters a year- Pellet chinchilla food ONLY; raisins occasionally - Need hay and wood for bedding- Dust baths necessary- Perch for jumping; cage size of 36L x 30W x 21D)- Fresh water- Compatibility issuesColor Variations- Standard Grey- Pink White- Beige- Homo Beige (Light Champagne)- Black Velvet- Brown Velvet- Silver Mosaic- Ebony Mosaic- Lethal Genes: White & VelvetHealth- GI tract problems = constipation, diarrhea & enteritis- Malocclusion = improper alignment of front and/or back incisors- Heat stroke = dense fur coat & do not sweat- Hairballs- Fungal infections = ringworm, can affect nose & ears- Bacteria infections = stress & unsanitary conditions- Fur chewing = stress