4 Things I Bet You Didn't Know About Chinchillas

Chinchillas are amazing and interesting animals! Here are 4 things I bet you didn't know about chinchillas.

Chinchillas are some of the most adorable animals in the world. Their cute little faces along with their super soft fur makes them a beloved family pet for people all over the world. Here are some unique and fascinating characteristics that you may not know that make chinchillas extra special animals.

1. Chinchillas can't take baths


Well, sort of. They actually take dust baths! Chinchillas have super dense fur. They have 80-100 hairs per hair follicle (that is the hole that hair grows out of), where humans only have 1-2. In fact, their fur is so dense that a flea would suffocate if it tried to live in it! Because of the denseness of their hair, chinchillas can't get wet because their hair would never properly dry. So, they take regular dust baths in finely ground volcanic ash. Also, it happens to be the cutest thing you have ever seen.

2. Chinchillas have similar ears to humans


The make up a chinchilla's ear is very close to that of a human ear. They also have a very similar range of hearing making them the perfect animals for hearing research. Because of this similar makeup, chinchillas have provided researchers with a better understanding of how hearing loss and ear infections affect humans.

3. Chinchillas can jump really high


Not only are chinchillas fast runners, but they can also leap up to 6 feet in the air. This is a great skill to have when evading predators in the wild. To put this height in perspective, the vertical jump record for a player in the NBA is 46.5 inches (just under 4 feet high) held by Jason Richardson.

4. Chinchillas love cold temperatures


Remember how I said that chinchillas have super dense fur? One of the reasons why their fur is so thick is so they can endure the cold temperatures of their native home in the Andes Mountain range where it is often much cooler than in Texas. The ideal temperature for chinchillas is about 60-75 degrees. Living in Austin where it is often a lot warmer than that, we take extra care to make sure our chinchillas stay cool!

If you are getting a chinchilla for a pet

If you are considering a chinchilla for a pet it is always best to do ample research before making a purchase. These animals require a unique level of care and attention to make sure they are happy and healthy. For more information on chinchillas, visit our Chinchilla Facts page! Not quite ready for the responsibility of a pet chinchilla? Meet one during Virtual Animal Hangout!

More posts

An Ode to Johnson's Backyard Garden

An Ode to Johnson's Backyard Garden

A poem of gratitude for our veggie partner Johnson's Backyard Garden by Ina Garden, the Furry-Foot Contessa.
Read More
An Ode to Johnson's Backyard Garden
Bunny Post
Keeping Your Tiny Tails Event Safe during COVID-19

Keeping Your Tiny Tails Event Safe during COVID-19

We have good news! We have opened our in-person petting zoos with precautions in place to maximize the fun while minimizing the risk.
Read More
Bunny Post
Virtual Holiday Parties with Tiny Tails To You

Virtual Holiday Parties with Tiny Tails To You

Break out the Santa hats, ugly sweaters, and cocoa and have some virtual holiday fun with at Tiny Tails to You Holiday Party!
Read More
Bunny Post

Meet our friends

Our animals are a zany and fun bunch of guys and gals. Get to know some of our wild hedgehogs, playful bunnies, ridiculous miniature chickens, and goofy guinea pigs!
Our Animals
Butters
Butters
Anything’s a toy if you play with it!
Origin
South America
Favorite food
Everything and everyone
Birthday
Aug 25
Quillie Nelson
Quillie Nelson
Just can't wait to get on the wheel again.
Origin
North Africa
Favorite food
Worms and live music
Birthday
May 13
Chikadee
Chikadee
Tweet me!
Origin
An egg
Favorite food
Pranks and silliness
Birthday
May 22
Irwin
Irwin
CRIKEY!
Origin
Australia
Favorite food
Animal conservation
Birthday
Jun 4
Happy birthday bunny
Illustration of a skink

"Hoppy" Hour

Adults, college students, and businesses across Central Texas have seen how a Tiny Tails to You “Hoppy” Hour is a great way to unwind and relax with some cute and snuggly bunnies and their friends.
For Grownups
Illustration of a hedgehog

Local delivery

We love socializing our animals with friends! Leave the work to us. We make it easy to schedule and get to meet some animals! Our in-person events are exclusive to Central Texas.
Petting Zoos
Two tiny tails to you staff members

Monthly Newsletter

Sign up to hear the latest goss on Quilly and his friends! You also get cute animal photos, special discounts, news, and more!

Success! You are signed up!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Illustration of a guinea pig.

Did you know?

Guinea pigs are herd animals. Imagine how adorable a herd of guinea pigs would be! Book a virtual or in-person experience to meet our guinea pigs!
Get Started