Breeding

With my very first chinchillas back in 1991. I chose two standard grey sisters. When I picked them up, after a holiday, they were just 6 months old and sharing a cage with their dad, I was a little surprised and when I got home I checked out my (then) books which said they were ready to breed from 8 months, so that was ok (?) and I thought no more about it.

As time went on I worried about Sparky, she was thin compared to Silver. Of course I should have realised Sparky wasn't thin it was Silver I needed to worry about.

Three months and 10 days after their arrival, I was busy studying when I heard the strangest noises coming from their cage. Investigations revealed a kit. By the time I had stopped ringing anyone and everyone Silver had given birth to a second kit. Sparky acted as midwife, auntie and calming influence.

I now know, females have been known to successfully mate as young as 10 weeks.

Silver 1990 - 1995 with Tiger age 6 weeks

Thankfully they all thrived, and I can't express the joy of watching those two kits grow up. I still remember their first drink from the water bottle, first bath and my overall memory is of Silver pinning down a complaining 3 month old Tiger, I was really worried until she started giving him a good groom.

My friend wanted the little girl, Samantha, while the boy, Tiger, wormed his way into my heart from the start. A little thief, he would steal tit bits from the girls and, even today despite living alone in his cage, any favourite feed is taken to the entrance of his tunnel where he eats while keeping an eye out lest anyone threaten to steal it.

Sadly Samantha passed away September 28th 2000 age nine years.