Chinchillas! What, Where, and How

The video explores chinchillas, detailing their classification, origins, and adaptations in the Andes. It discusses their history with humans, focusing on the fur trade and domestication. The video also provides guidance on caring for chinchillas in captivity, emphasizing diet, habitat, and social needs.

Which family do chinchillas belong to?

• Rodentia

• Chinchillidae

• Sciuridae

• Mammalia

What is a key adaptation of chinchillas that helps them survive in the Andes Mountains?

• Thick fur

• Ability to swim

• Hibernation

• Camouflage

Why was chinchilla fur highly sought after historically?

• It was waterproof

• It was colorful

• It was the softest fur in the world

• It was easy to obtain

What is a major reason for the decline in wild chinchilla populations?

• Overhunting for fur

• Climate change

• Loss of habitat

• Predation by larger animals

What type of hay is recommended for a chinchilla's diet?

• Alfalfa hay

• Orchard grass

• Bermuda grass

• Timothy hay

Why should chinchillas not be kept in aquariums?

• They need to climb

• They prefer dark environments

• They require open wire enclosures for ventilation

• They need a lot of water

What is an important consideration when handling chinchillas?

• They prefer gentle handling and freedom to move

• They should be allowed to jump freely

• They enjoy being held tightly

• They should be handled only at night