Page 20 - Inspire Health Magazine | May - June 2017

pets

FROM PELTS

TO PETS
Chinchillas

as Companions

By Liz Genest Smith

rom micro-pigs to may bite if handled roughly. esteem as cats and dogs,
esteem as cats and dogs,
making them off-limits to
marmosets, the Active and playful, they’re making them off-limits to
furriers. In that respect, riers. In that respect,
exotic pet trend often compared to squirrels, fur
shows no signs meaning they need a good- perhaps w
perhaps we can consider e can consider
Fof slowing down. sized habitat with plenty of them to be adorable little able little
them to be ador
People who find common room to play and things to ambassadors for their s for their
ambassador
household pets a little ho- gnaw on. Originally from the species in addition to
species in addition to
hum are often looking for mountains of South Amer- great pets.
an unusual new option. Both ica, they are a bit tempera-
boutique and large chain pet ture-sensitive and do best in
stores have started carrying 60-70 degrees. As for food,
a critter that fits the bill. It there is specially formulat-
looks like a giant, velvety ed chinchilla chow on the
mouse with enormous, market, and you can supple-
cartoonishly cute round ears. ment with Timothy Hay and
Would you believe it’s a occasional treats.
chinchilla? Most people have As with most animals, to
never seen one, much less ensure health and pleasant
know anything about them -- temperament, experts rec-
so, do they make good pets? ommend that you buy them
We’ve done some research from a reputable breeder,
to help you decide. such as members of The
Adult female chinchillas Chinchilla Club. Their direc-
weigh about a pound-and- tory can be found at www.
a-half, while males are a chinchillaclub.com/breeder.
bit smaller. They’re most Despite the objections of
commonly silvery-gray, but many animal lovers, the fur
they also come in white, industry is still thriving. And
beige, ebony and sapphire. even though chinchillas are
They can live 12 to 20 years, farm-raised for their pelts,
so make no mistake -- this people continue to hunt
is a committed relationship. them illegally, making them an
It’s recommended that they endangered species. Maybe if
live in households with older they grow more popular as
children because, though pets, more people will come
they are usually friendly, they to hold them in the same

20 INSPIRE HEALTH May § June 2017