The Handling and Care Of

Continuing Education

The Handling and Care of

Sabrina Timperman,the DVM Chinchillas (“chins”)Chinchilla are generally gentle The average gestation for a chinchilla is 4 animals with playful and loving personali- months, but the gestation of the most com- ties, and their popularity as pets is growing mon species, Chinchilla langier, is 105 to This program was reviewed and approved by the steadily. They have a very dense, soft coat 118 days. On average, there are 2 (1 to 6) AAVSB RACE program for 1 hour of continuing education in jurisdictions which recognize AAVSB that made them very popular in the fur trade kits per litter. When the kits are born, they RACE approval. Please contact the AAVSB RACE for years, and they were often hunted for are precocious with their eyes open, have program if you have any comments/concerns their coats. The chinchilla’s natural habitat fur and look very much like miniature adults. regarding this program’s validity or relevancy to the veterinary profession. is in South America high up in the Andes They are able to move around immediately. Mountains. For a variety of reasons, including This is in contrast to another group of ro- diminished natural habitat and over-hunting, dents, myomorphs, which consist of rats and the number of wild chinchillas are diminishing mice. Myomorphs breed very rapidly and in spite of efforts to protect them.1 have a shorter pregnancy of 20 to 22 days; their offspring are altricious (entirely depen- Chinchillas are rodents, and like guinea dent on the parent) and are born naked.1 pigs, belong to a rodent group known as caviomorphs. Caviomorphs have small There are two species of chinchillas, but all litters born after a relatively long gestation. domesticated chinchillas are believed to be

Publication of the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America 41 Continuing Education

Chinchilla, continued

descendents of the Chinchilla lanigera, the a penis. However, the anogenital distance In terms of substrate, there is a wide rang- long-tailed chinchilla.1 from the urinary papilla to the anus is closer ing opinion on what makes the best floor in the female than the male. A consider- covering. Each has its advantages and dis- Physical characteristics able amount of skin separates the penis advantages. Many suggest bedding should Chinchillas are the size of a large squirrel and anus in the male, leading to a larger consist of soft wood shavings or recycled and have small, compact bodies, bright anogenital distance allowing for accurate paper bedding. Inappropriate beddings, eyes and large broad ears that are used to sexing.4 Adult females also tend to be larger including cedar wood chips (which can help the animal stay cool in warm weather. at 400-600 grams than their male counter- contain potentially dangerous resins), saw They also have veins that are very close parts with adult weights of 400-500 grams.4 dust (which is too fine leading to sneezing to the surface of the ears which allow for and eye irritation) and newspaper (which cooling of the blood, helping to prevent Behavior can contain poisonous chemicals) should overheating. They have a long, bushy tail Chinchillas are nocturnal and crepuscular be avoided.1 that helps to balance them while jumping, (active at twilight or just before sunrise). hopping and running. Chinchillas’ strong Because they are prey animals, they As mentioned earlier, a dust bath is hind legs allow them to be very agile, and are constantly on guard and can eas- required to allow the chinchilla to properly they are known for their acrobatic and lively ily be frightened or alarmed. Chinchillas care for its coat. Daily dust bathing pre- antics, especially when they are young. love to move about and are usually good vents the fur from becoming matted with Their front limbs are shorter and have five climbers, jumpers and leapers. However, oily secretions. Too much time in a dust digits each with a blunt claw. They use their traumatic fractures often occur when they bath, however, can result in dry skin and digits much like fingers and hold on to their are startled, improperly grabbed by the conjunctivitis. Chinchillas should be placed food while balancing on their hind feet. leg or if their leg gets caught in the cage in a dust bath daily or several times a week bars. It is not uncommon for a chinchilla to but should not have free access all the Like other rodents, chinchillas have strong, be presented to the veterinary clinic with a time. Commercial chinchilla dust is available open-rooted teeth that grow continu- broken tibia.4 at many pet stores, and the dust should be ously throughout their lives. This can cause placed in a shallow pan at a depth of 1-2 problems when the teeth are not properly Environment issues inches, allowing enough room for the chin- aligned and their natural wear is disrupted. Many of the problems seen in chinchillas chilla to easily move and roll around. A chinchilla is born with its teeth, which stem from inadequate or improper care; so, start off white. As they age, the color of the a basic understanding of a chinchilla’s hus- Nutrition and Feeding teeth changes from white to yellow.2 White bandry requirements is helpful in diagnosis Chinchillas are herbivores and are classi- teeth in an adult chin are abnormal and and treatment. The first thing a chinchilla fied as hindgut fermenters, like rabbits and is evidence of a calcium deficiency.3 Due needs is adequate housing. It’s enclosure horses. The specific nutritional require- to their constant gnawing and chewing, should be large enough to allow for plenty of ments of the chinchilla are not completely healthy teeth are crucial for the health and jumping and climbing. Due to their nervous known, but they thrive best when eating a vitality of the chinchilla, and dental prob- nature, chinchillas do best when their hous- high fiber diet. Commercial pelleted diets lems are one of the most common reasons ing is not approachable on all four sides. Put- are available and the accepted formula for a chinchilla is taken to the veterinarian. ting the enclosure in a corner alleviates this chinchilla pellets are 16-20% protein, 2-5 problem and acts to diminish their level of % fat and 15-35% fiber.4 Pellets should be Its plush fur coat is one of the chinchilla’s stress, so that they are less likely to attempt formulated primarily from timothy hay. Hay most appealing features. Its density is due sudden escapes with resulting traumatic is also another essential component of the to the fact that each hair follicle has 50 injuries. The enclosure should always be put diet because it helps to provide a high level hairs (humans have one hair per follicle.)3 in a cool, draft-free room. Chinchillas are very of fiber. Hay helps to wear down the teeth As a result of this dense coat, chinchillas susceptible to heat stroke and can easily and provides roughage to regulate stool. aren’t prone to ectoparasites like fleas, become overheated, making a cool environ- Fiber helps to propel food through the ticks, and mites, but they require dust baths ment crucial to their health. Solid floor cag- digestive tract. Inadequate levels of fiber to keep their coats healthy.3 ing is best as their feet can get caught and can lead to gastrointestinal disturbances injured in a wire mesh floor. They can also such as constipation. Small quantities of Chinchillas can be sexed by examining the develop hair loss and sores on their feet due fresh foods such as greens, dried fruits, anogenital distance. The large urinary pa- to wire meshing.1,2,3,4 A tile can be used for sunflower seeds and raisins can be given pilla of a female can often be confused for cooling purposes and to protect their feet. as well. Excessive feeding of fresh greens,

42 The NAVTA Journal | Jan. / Feb. 2012 Continuing Education

hay that is too young and wet and damp Table 1 Venipuncture Hints 4,6,7 hay that can contain molds can lead to diarrhea and a disturbance in the bacteria that Site Needle Syringe normally populate the GI tract. Sudden diet Jugular vein 22-25 gauge 1-3 ml changes can also predispose chinchillas to diarrhea. Clean, room-temperature water Vein is very superficial and skin thinner than guinea pig. Can take larger sample. provided in a water bottle should always be Restraint may stress the animal. If stressed, stop procedure. Can do under anesthesia. available.1,2,3,4 Lateral saphenous vein 25-27 gauge Insulin or tuberculin

Clinical Techniques Shave fur from the area and wet with alcohol. Venipuncture from several sites Handling and Restraint to collect enough blood may be necessary. When a chinchilla is brought into a clinic, it Cephalic vein 25-27 gauge Insulin or tuberculin is very important to avoid creating an injury or worsening an existing one, so proper Shave fur from the area and wet with alcohol. Venipuncture from several sites handling and restraint is a must. Never lift to collect enough blood may be necessary. a chinchilla up by its tail or ears, and be Cranial vena cava 22-25 gauge 1-3 ml syringe aware that a chinchilla can lose a patch of fur if it is roughly grabbed. This is called fur slip and is a defense mechanism present Risk of subsequent traumatic bleeding into thoracic cavity or pericardial sac. in chinchillas to protect against predators. Following fur slip, the hair regrowth may Femoral Vein 22-27 gauge 1-3 ml syringe take as long as several months and may grow in a slightly different color. Chinchillas Located on medial side of the leg so more difficult to access. are skittish, so talking in a soothing voice can be helpful. Moving in a direct, confident Tail vein 25-27 gauge 1 ml syringe manner is advised. When attempting to Bleeder holds tail and inserts needle directly on the ventral midline one-third remove a chinchilla from its cage, place one to halfway down the tail. Advances needle at 30-40 degree angle. Vasodilate by applying warm compress to tail. hand under the chinchilla’s body or around the scruff on its neck to support it and use the other hand to grasp the base of the tail. examine the patient, starting at one end indication of a problem, and an examination To carry the chinchilla while you are walking, and moving down the body, checking each of the teeth is crucial because chinchillas support it against your chest, holding the body system. Record all vital signs, includ- often develop tooth abnormalities. Do the base of the tail with one hand to prevent ing weight, temperature, heart rate and oral exam last because this tends to stress jumping. The other hand should be used to respiratory rate. the animal, and stress can affect your physi- support the abdomen.4 cal exam findings.4 Again, teeth should be A sick chinchilla may be quiet, listless, dull yellow (because of iron deposition) and Physical Exam or hunched in a corner. Usually, it avoids properly aligned. To better visualize the If possible, examining the chin from a dis- contact with people. It may have hair loss, cheek teeth, use a speculum or otoscope tance before taking it out of its enclosure is weight loss or a loss of interest in its sur- while an assistant restrains the animal by important to assess not only its demeanor, roundings. Sneezing, wheezing, coughing supporting its weight in one hand and hold- but also its ability to sit and walk normally. and nasal and ocular discharge are abnor- ing both forearms.4 When doing a physical exam on a chinchil- mal findings, just like in feline and canine la, you must recognize what is normal and patients. Check for strong odors, sores or Anesthesia what is abnormal. A healthy chinchilla has pain on abdominal palpation. Auscultate the Many diagnostic procedures and treat- bright eyes. It is alert, inquisitive, interested heart and lungs. Examine the feces. Normal ments are more easily performed under in its surroundings and does not appear fecal pellets are elongated, firm and just general anesthesia. Premedication with overly groggy or sleep excessively. Its tail barely moist. Look for evidence of diarrhea, sedatives can decrease the amount of an- is curled and carried high. Looking at all such as smeared feces around the anus, esthetic agents used and shorten recovery aspects of the animal is important. Develop or a lack of bowel movements indicat- time. It also helps to reduce stress and a routine or check list in your head as you ing constipation. Drooling can also be an anxiety caused by anesthetic induction.

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Interesting Facts about Following premedication, induction can in sternal recumbency, extending the front 1,2,3,4 Chinchillas be accomplished with inhalant anesthet- limbs over the edge of table and the head 1. Chinchillas are virtually odorless ics given via mask or induction chamber. and neck toward the ceiling, you can better most of the time. Intubation is difficult in rodents but is visualize the vein.4 Blood can also be drawn 2. Chinchillas have 20 teeth and are indicated in procedures involving thora- from the ventral tail vein. The chinchilla can born with their teeth. cotomy and those disrupting respiratory be restrained by holding its back up against 3. Chinchillas can’t vomit. neuromuscular signaling. It is also ideal the restrainer’s belly with its ventrum toward 4. Chinchillas produce two types of feces. for oral/dental procedures. Pre-anesthetic the person taking blood. The person taking 5. Healthy chinchillas pass more than 200 fecal pellets a day. fasting is not required because chinchillas blood holds the tail with one hand and, 6. Chinchillas’ incisors grow 5 to 7.5 cm cannot vomit. However, a fast of 1-2 hours midway up the tail from the tip of the tail to (2-3 inches) per year. may be necessary to minimize the risk of its base, inserts a small needle at a 30- 7. Chinchillas primarily eat and excrete food being left in the mouth and carried into 40 degree angle directly at midline. The feces at night. the trachea during intubation.5 The inhalant sample is collected gently, with the plunger 8. Chinchillas have two cervices anesthetics, isoflurane and sevoflurane, are drawn back slowly.6 Table 1 lists some of and three pairs of mammary glands. the preferred agents for induction because the equipment needed to collect blood. 9. Chinchillas are seasonally polyestrous they allow rapid induction, recovery and in the wild like the cat. control of anesthetic depth.4,6 However, Other tests 10. Chinchillas have an auditory sensitivity similar to humans and large tympanic parenteral anesthesia can also be used to Cystocentesis, similar to the small animal bullae so they are often used in hearing induce anesthesia.4 Various combinations technique, can be performed to collect research. of drugs, such as ketamine and diazepam a urine sample. This also is more easily or ketamine and xylazine or ketamine and done when the animal is under anesthesia . 2,3,4,7 Physiologic Values acepromazine, may be used. Normal chinchilla urine has a pH of 8.5 and Average Life Span as Pet:10 years may contain some calcium carbonate crys- Weight: Males 400-500 g Blood Collection tals and squamous epithelial cells.7 Urine Females 400-600 g Once the physical exam is performed, does not often contain casts, bacteria, Heart Rate: 200-350 bpm samples can be collected to help to evalu- erythrocytes and leukocytes unless there is Respiratory: Rate : 45-80/min ate health or narrow down the differential a problem. Temperature: 37-38 C (98.6 – 100.4 F) list. Blood collection from a chinchilla can Sexual Maturity: 8 months be challenging. One of the most important If abnormalities are suspected, radiographs Weaning Age: 6-8 weeks facts to keep in mind is how much you can taken under anesthesia are another useful Dental Formula: 2(I1/1 C0/0 P1/1 M3/3) safely take from a chinchilla without hurting diagnostic tool. GI Transit Time: 12-15 hours the animal. An adult chinchilla has a total blood volume of 27-48 ml (or 7 mL/100 g). Common Diseases Affecting Chinchilla Taxonomy2 Approximately 7 – 10 % of blood volume Chinchillas Kingdom: Animalia can be safely collected from a healthy Trichobezars (Hair balls) Phylum: Chordata chinchilla, making a maximum single sample Just like in cats and rabbits, chinchillas Subphylum: Vertebrat volume of approximately 3 – 5 mls (or can acquire a mass of hair in its stomach Class: Mammalia 0.5-0.7mL/100g) acceptable.4,6 and intestinal tract, called a trichobezar. Subclass: Eutheria Trichobezars are common in animals that Order: Rodentia Small samples of blood can be collected are fur-chewing and often can be associ- Suborder: Caviomorpha or Hystricognathi from the cephalic and lateral saphenous ated with a low-fiber diet. Clinical signs Superfamily: Chinchilloidea veins, but due to their small size and ease include lethargy, anorexia, and abdominal Family: Chinchillidae of collapse, this approach can be difficult. pain that causes a reluctance to move. The Subfamily: Chinchillinae If these sites are to be used, it is best to treatment protocol may consist of IV or SC Genus: Chinchilla use an insulin or tuberculin syringe and a fluids, gastric motility stimulants and force Species: langier and brevicaudata narrow-gauge, short needle.4 The jugular feedings of a high fiber diet.4 vein is the preferred site for collection of a larger sample. Jugular venipuncture is best Constipation performed under anesthesia to minimize Inappropriate diet is one of the most com- stress to the animal. By placing the patient mon and important causes of gastrointes-

44 The NAVTA Journal | Jan. / Feb. 2012 Continuing Education

tinal disturbances in chinchillas. Feeding a and/or culture. Treatment includes sup- example, keeping chinchillas in a humid diet with too many pellets and not enough portive care with fluids, electrolytes, a quiet environment or not providing access to a fiber is one of the leading culprits. Obesity, stress-free environment, an analgesic for dust bath can contribute to the develop- inadequate fluid consumption and lack of pain management and perhaps a probiotic. ment of matted fur. In addition, keeping a exercise can also contribute to the develop- Additional treatment depends on the cause chinchilla housed in an improper enclosure, ment of constipation. If the constipation is and includes appropriate use of antibiotics, in a stressful environment (such as around not properly treated, it can ultimately lead antiparasitics and antiprotozoals.4,7,8 loud noises), housing too many chins in one to rectal prolapse. Signs include straining enclosure, or keeping two chins together to defecate, with abnormal feces that are Malocclusion who are not compatible can lead to fur small, hard and possibly blood tinged, with Malocclusion resulting from uneven wear of chewing. A chinchilla can chew at its own fewer pellets actually being passed. Treat- continuously growing teeth is another com- fur or its companion causing a coat that ment involves increasing dietary fiber by mon disease of chinchillas. Incisors, molars appears moth-eaten. Although there may adding fresh fruits (such as apples), fresh and premolars can all be affected by abnor- be other reasons for this common cause of vegetables (such as carrots) and hay. If mal tooth elongation. Causes include ge- fur damage, the belief that fur chewing is a dietary change alone does not resolve the netics, infections, poor husbandry, improper behavior disorder, due to different kinds of constipation, over-the-counter feline hairball diet and trauma. The chinchilla can present stress, is the prevailing and most popular remedies can be used to lubricate the with anorexia, ptyalism (slobbering), pawing theory. Since the causes of stress can be feces, allowing them to pass more easily. at the mouth, changed food preferences, multifaceted, treatment varies and most Also, motility enhancers such as cisapride dysphagia, weight loss, starvation and often is centered on reducing or eliminating may be recommended if intestinal blockade death. To properly diagnose malocclusions, the instigating stress.1,4,7 is ruled out. Weight reduction by increasing radiographs or other imaging modalities the chinchilla’s level of exercise and elimi- such as CT scan should be implemented.4 Another less common dermatologic condi- nating snacks can also be beneficial.1,2,4,6,7 Treatment involves correcting the diet, teeth tion that chinchillas acquire is dermatophy- trimmings, filing down of the spikes and tosis. Although the disease is uncommon, Gastroenteritis reducing crown height of the teeth. it has zoonotic potential, so monitoring is This is a serious inflammatory condition important. Dermatophytosis is also known of the gastrointestinal tract that can have Skin Diseases as ringworm and is caused by a fungus. both infectious and noninfectious causes. Bite wounds, fur chewing, matted fur, It can be introduced to the chinchilla via The gastrointestinal tract of the chinchilla is alopecia and other skin issues can all contaminated hay or bedding. Trichophyton normally colonized by a number of benefi- be caused by improper husbandry. For mentagrophytes is the dermatophyte that cial gram-positive bacterial species that are crucial to the normal functioning of the digestive tract. If this delicate bacterial environment is upset, or the normal flora and fauna of the GI tract is altered, then harmful or pathogenic bacteria can overgrow, leading to gastroenteritis. Noninfectious causes include improper diet and inappropriate or extended use of antibiotics. This leads to an overgrowth of harmful bacteria (such as Escherichia, Clostridium, and Salmonella). In- fectious causes include protozoa, bacteria or parasites. The disease can present in acute or chronic form and can be difficult to treat. Animals may present with diarrhea, anorexia, bloating, lethargy, weight loss, abdominal pain and death, which can be sudden. Due to the complexity of the etiology, determin- ing the exact cause can be challenging. Diagnostics may include fecal flotation

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4 3. Pavia A. Chinchillas. Neptune City, NJ: T.F.H. most often causes ringworm in chinchillas. subcutaneous injections can be put under Publications Inc.; 2009 Dermatophytosis produces scaly circular the skin in the neck and flank area. Intra- areas of hair loss, seen most commonly on muscular injections can be given in the 4. Quesenberry KE, Carpenter JW. Ferrets, Robbits, and Rodents Clinical Medicine and feet, face and ears. To diagnose, a fungal lumbar muscles. For both subcutaneous Surgery. 2nd ed. St. Louis, MO: Saunders; culture is required. Trichophyton mentagro- and intramuscular injections, it is best to 2004 7 phytes does not fluoresce under ultraviolet use a 23 to 25 gauge needle. If fluids are 5. Bennett A. Small Mammal Anesthesia—Rab- light so a Wood’s lamp is not appropriate required, they may be given subcutaneously bits and Rodents. Paper presented at: Atlantic for diagnosis. Topical treatment involves in the neck region or intravenously though a Coast Veterinary Conference 2009; Urbana, antifungal shampoos and rinses. Systemic catheter in a peripheral vein. Catheterization IL. http://www.vin.com/Members/Proceedings/ Proceedings.plx?CID=acvc2009&PID=pr532 antifungal medication, such as itraconazole, of peripheral veins is often easier to accom- 31&O=VIN. Accessed September 21, 2011. ketoconazole and terbinafine, may also be plish when the animal is under anesthesia. 4 6. Harkness JE, Turner PV, Woude SV, Wheler prescribed by the veterinarian. These veins are small and hard to access. CL. Biology and Medicine of Rabbits and As a result, sometimes it is necessary to Rodents. 5th ed. Ames, IA: Blackwell Publish- Heat Stroke perform a jugular cut- down for an indwell- ing; 2010 Since their natural habitat is high in the ing catheter. 7. Ballard B, Cheek R. Exotic Animal Medicine mountains, chinchillas are very susceptible For The Veterinary Technician. 2nd ed. Ames, to high temperatures and high humidity. Force-feeding a critical care formula or soft- IA: Blackwell Publishing; 2010 The ideal environment depends on both the ened guinea pig pellets is sometimes nec- 8. Kennedy AH. Chinchilla Diseases and Ail- temperature and the humidity. As a general essary, especially if the animal is anorectic. ments. Toronto, Canada: Fur Trade Journal of rule, the environment is too warm if the 4,6,7 This, as well as other supportive care, is Canada; 1952 Fahrenheit temperature plus the humidity is a crucial component of the treatment plan. greater than 150. For example, a tem- Eliminating stress and providing the proper Acknowledgements perature of 85 degrees Fahrenheit + 70 % husbandry and proper nutrition can go a Laurie Buell, MS, LVT humidity = 155, indicating the environment long way in helping the patient to recover. is dangerously warm.4 Chinchillas are for the most part comfortable in a tempera- At times euthanasia may be necessary, and ture range of 63 to 77 Fahrenheit with a the preferred method is lethal injection. About the Author humidity of 30 to 50 percent.2 If exposed to Masking the patient down with an inhal- elevated heat and humidity, a chinchilla may ant anesthetic prior to the intravenous or Sabrina Timperman, DVM, graduated with develop heat stroke. Signs of heat stroke intracardiac injection of euthanasia solution a B.A. in Biology from Wagner College and attended Louisiana State University School include weakness, labored rapid breaths, is recommended.7 of Veterinary Medicine, where she graduated bright red mucous membranes, dehydra- in 2005. tion, swollen ear veins and reddened ears.4 Conclusion: The animal can become unresponsive, Although chinchillas require very specific Currently, she is an assistant professor at comatose or present dead. Treatment care and maintenance, owning a chinchilla Mercy College. involves cooling the animal down safely by can be a rewarding experience. Each immersing the chinchilla in tepid water while chinchilla has its own unique making sure to keep its head above water.2 personality, and the bond that Giving fluids can also be beneficial; IV flu- can formed through interacting ids are essential if the animal is in shock. and caring for these animals can last for years. Treatment Techniques Medications can be given by several dif- References ferent routes, including oral, intramuscular, subcutaneous and intravascular. Hiding 1. Alderton D. Animal Planet Chinchillas. Neptune City, NJ: T.F.H. medication in a raisin or other tasty treat Publication Inc.; 2009 is one simple way of getting chinchillas 2. Vanderlip SL. The Chinchilla to ingest medication. Liquid medication Handbook. Hauppauge, NY: Bar- can also be squirted easily into the corner ron’s Education Series, Inc.; 2006 of the mouth behind the incisors, while

46 The NAVTA Journal | Jan. / Feb. 2012 Continuing Education

Chinchilla Quiz

1. The chinchilla diet is best 7. Chinchillas are very prone to: 10. The following chinchilla disease described as: a. Hypothermia is zoonotic: a. Herbivore b. Heatstroke a. Fur slip b. Carnivore c. Metabolic bone disease b. Mites c. Omnivore d. Mites c. Trichobezoars d. Insectivore d. Dermatophytosis 8. The best place to collect a larger 2. The adult chinchilla should have blood sample from the chinchilla is what color teeth: a. Cephalic Vein a. White b. Lateral Saphenous Vein This article is worth one continuing b. Yellow c. Jugular Vein education credit and will be accepted c. Gray d. Ear Vein for grading until December 31, 2012. d. Brown To receive credit, please complete the 9. The prevailing theory on the quiz online at www.VetMedTeam.com. 3. Chinchillas are from which order: cause of fur chewing is: a. Carnivora a. Parasitic b. Rodentia b. Infectious *Due to updates and changes authorized by c. Lagomorphia c. Behavior Disorder NAVTA, the online quiz may not be the same as the printed exam within the NAVTA Journal. d. Perissodactyla d. Endocrine Disorder Read each question thoroughly and answer it as it appears in the online exam. Please do 4. The average life span of a not simply copy your answers from the printed pet chinchilla is: version. a. 2 years b. 6 years c. 10 years d. 12 years

5. A wild chinchilla is considered: a. Monoestrus b. Diestrous c. Polyestrous d. Seasonally Polyestrous

6. A female chinchilla: a. Has a larger anogenital distance then the male b. Has a gestation of 20-25 days c. Gives birth to precocious young d. Gives birth to altricious young

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