what are chinchilas...........?

Question

i know they're an animal ... like a rat! my son really wants one really bad what are they all about? cuz if they go for 1,000 dollars then they have to be special in some way ... right?

Answer 1

They're a rodent, about the size of a guinea pig or small rabbit. They have a bushy, squirrel-like tail and large, mouse-like ears. They're native to the Andes Mountains and are nocturnal animals.

Part of the reason why they are so expensive is because their fur is very popular when it comes to making fur coats (they have the softest fur out there). So, to prevent people from buying large quantities for the purpose of turning them into fur coats, they're priced rather high. Also, they're an 'exotic' pet, and most exotics do run higher in price. The standard grey ones usually run around $100. It's the special colored ones that run higher. The price depends on how rare their color is, I think violet is the rarest (but I could be wrong on that) and therefore the most expensive. Even to get a chinchilla that isn't actually violet itself, just a violet carrier, costs a lot.

Depending on how old your son is, a chinchilla might not be right for him. They're not a good pet for younger children, if he's older it might work out. The high energy level of young children can sometimes stress a chinchilla out. Also, chinchillas are the kind of pet that's meant to be observed, not really handled, and most little kids want to hold and carry their pets around. Some do like to be cuddled, but for the most part they're rather shy and don't like to be cuddled. With that said, they are actually a very neat pet to have. They're quite comical to watch as they rip around the room and bounce off the walls. And, even though they are rather shy, they are capable of bonding with their owners, just don't expect them to let you carry them around without putting up a bit of a struggle.

Answer 2

Chinchillas are a neat pet but kind of skittish... my friend had 2 and they were pretty easily spooked (like a guinea pig). They are extremely soft and cute in an odd sort of way! They take 'baths' in shimmery dust and eat foods like a rabbit would. I wouldn't pay $1,000 bucks for one, that is ridiculous! The only reason for that is they are considered rare in most places so they figure they can charge a ton. They like to scurry around and hide from people in dark places... they aren't going to be playful like a cat or dog. You can get one of those big plastic balls like they sell for hamsters to let one run in. They are neat as I said but more of a 'watch from the cage' kind of pet. My friend ended up giving his away, the novelty wore off I suppose. I'd suggest a mini rex or mini lop rabbit instead... similar characteristics but they are more playful and easier to be handled. GL!

Answer 3

I don't know where you are from but they only cost $89.99 for the gray ones and $159.00 for the other colors.

They are not good animals for kids! They are very skiddish animals and they do not like to be handled a lot. Plus if you handle them a lot their hair tents to get oily and possibly falls out.

Their bones are sensitive, so you have to be very gentle with them, and when you go to pick them up it is very hard to be gentle when the animal is hyper acting.

They are good animals to have if you have time and patients, but I do not recommend them for kids under the age of 16!

Answer 4

Most people have them to raise for there fur. It is very soft, and you pay high dollars for chinchila merchandise, the same as mink.

Answer 5

Chinchillas are rabbit-sized, crepuscular rodents native to the Andes mountains in South America. Along with their relatives, viscachas, they belong to the family Chinchillidae

Answer 6

well, i was looking at one once and they arent as special as any other guinea pig or anything. Its expensive because its kind of exotic and no one has one so i guess thats for the price. If you have that money to spend, go for it... :}