Chinchilla Breeders offer a breed of animal that makes for a good pet. Here's everything you need to know about these breeders.

Chinchilla Breeders - Breeder Facts

1. Professional Affiliations:

   The Empress Chinchilla Breeders Cooperative (ECBC) and Mutation Chinchilla Breeders Association (MCBA) are the main organizations that promote the chinchillas and breeders.

2. Why Use a Breeder:

   A chinchilla breeder will give you assurances that the chinchilla is well-bred and healthy, since you will know its' history and lineage. A good breeder will have the knowledge about the breed to educate any potential adopter.

3. How to Find:

   Chinchilla breeders can be found in the telephone book or online, through the ECBC or MCBA, or you can ask your vet or attend a pet show.

4. What to Expect:

   A breeder will assess your needs, whether you are buying chinchillas for pets, or if you are planning on becoming a breeder.

5. Breeder's Surroundings:

   A good chinchilla breeder will have clean cages, food dishes and water bottles. There should be plenty of places to climb, items to chew on, and a wheel for exercise. If a breeder will not allow you to see the habitats they keep the chinchillas in, it would be advisable to find another breeder.

Chinchilla Breeders - Newborn Facts

1. Average Number of Newborns Delivered at Birth:

   Chinchilla litters can number between one and six; the average number of kits in a litter is two.

2. Age To Be Sold:

   A chinchilla can be sold when it is between 4-8 months old.

3. What to Look For in a Newborn:

   A newborn chinchilla will be alert, and have bright, clear eyes and dry fur below the chin.

4. Registry:

   The Empress Chinchilla Breeders Cooperative and Mutation Chinchilla Breeders Association both maintain registries.

5. ECBC Recognized Characteristics:

   Show-quality chinchillas are recognized in the following colors: Standard (agouti), beige, black velvet, white mosaic, pink white, and violet.

6. Expense to Purchase Newborn:

   A 4-8 month old chinchilla will cost between $75-$200, depending on conformation, veiling, color hue, size and fur quality.

7. Dam and Sire Information of your Newborn:

   A reputable breeder will give you the information about the chinchilla's breeding line.

Chinchilla Breeders - Breeder Concerns

1. Breeder Reputation:

   Many chinchillas are still bred for their pelts, rather than appreciation for the breed.

2. Pet Health:

   Some common health problems of chinchillas are intestinal problems (diarrhea, constipation, intestinal prolapse), bloating, seizures, mites, and fur biting.

3. Assurances:

   A reputable chinchilla breeder will provide you with a guarantee.