Chinchillas are a type of rodent that originate from the Andes Mountains in South America. They have soft fur, large bodies, and squirrel-like tails. Chinchillas can grow up to 9 inches long and have small ears like a cat. They eat dry kibbles and enjoy toys, straw bedding, and living on the floor of their cages. Chinchillas are agile jumpers known for having the softest fur in the world, which is 30 times softer than human hair.

1. Chinchillas Gabby Lohse Mrs. Reed Physical science period 6 Spring 2010 http://www.chinchillas.com/newsletter/images/royalpersianpressrelease/Royal-Persian-Angora-Chinch.jpg

2. What is a chinchilla Chinchillas are basically a type of rodent. They come from south America in the Andes mountains. Baby chinchillas are called kits. http://www.chinchillaplace.com/Portals/1675/images/Haze1.jpg http://www.chinchillaplace.com/Portals/1675/images%5C/IMG_0090.JPG http://www.chinchillaplace.com/Portals/1675/images//Cheeko-resized-530.JPG

3. What do chinchillas look like Chinchillas can be up to 9 inches in length Chinchillas usually have a larger body with a bunny looking face and squirrel like tail. Their ears are fairly small and look like a cat’s ear without it being pointed at the end. They also have whiskers. Chinchillas are known for their very soft fur. The chinchilla has long whiskers and small ears. http://www.chinchillaplace.com/Portals/1675/images/DSC00841.JPG A chinchilla with its large body and soft fur http://www.chinchillaplace.com/Portals/1675/images%5C/MATILDA!!!%20013.jpg ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

4. Where do chinchillas come from Chinchillas come from South Africa. They originated from the Andes mountains. They were discovered by explores in the 1500’s They were named after the chincha Indians. http://www.suncape.com/graphics/map-of-south-africa-large.png

5. How to care for a chinchilla Some chinchillas like to be held more often than other. They enjoy being petted and will show their appreciation be nibbling on your hand. They eat dry kibbles and often like to live in an environment with toys and straw on the ground. They do not like to be in high places so set their food and water on the floor of their cage. http://chinchillacages.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/chinchillacage.jpg

6. Chinchilla facts Chinchillas are agile jumpers. Chinchilla fur is considered the softest in the world. Chinchilla fur is 30 times softer than human hair. They do not have dander, so they are great for people who have pet allergies. http://www.chinchillaplanet.com/images/flattened-chinchilla.jpg http://www.stevemercier.com/images/Dulcinea1.jpg

7. Bibliography http://www.huggablepets.com/huggablepets/chininfo.shtml#top http://www.cheekychinchillas.com/faq.html http://www.chinchillaplanet.com/chinchilla-facts/ http://www.stevemercier.com/chinchilla.html