Chinchilla Breeders
Where To Look For Chinchilla Breeders
Whether you just want a pet, or are thinking of raising chinchillas on your own, knowing where to find chinchilla breeders is your first step. As more and more people became interested in raising chinchillas for fun and/or profit, the number of breeders supplying the animals has more or less kept pace. Breeding chinchillas is not quite the same as breeding rabbits. The gestation period is much longer, and the female typically gives birth to only one or two kits at a time. Therefore, the number of chinchillas that might be available to you can vary quite a bit, depending upon your location.
Unless you already know of a chinchilla breeder close to where you live, a good place to start is to do a search on the Internet for chinchilla breeders directories. This is quicker than just doing a search for breeders, as you'll get an immediate picture of where breeders are located. You'll find chinchilla breeders in at least a dozen countries, including the USA and Canada, several European countries, and Hong Kong. There are breeders in most states of the USA, and in several Canadian provinces, stretching from British Columbia to Newfoundland. There are nearly 200 chinchilla breeders in the United States, about 20% of whom offer shipping. If you find a breeder you particularly like who does not offer shipping, a road trip may be in order.
Most of these businesses breed their chinchillas with fur quality and color, size, and health, in mind. Some, especially the smaller businesses, may focus on a particular breed or color. There are quite a number of different colors available, including the Standard Gray, Black Velvet, Brown Velvet, Sapphire, Pink White, and shades of Beige, to mention a few. Many of the chinchilla breeders breed for show. There is certainly nothing wrong with having a show champion as a pet, but breeders take great satisfaction in promoting and maintaining the species, and its many and varied breeds.
When you locate a breeder in a directory, chances are good that they will have their own web site, featuring photographs of their chinchillas, and providing information on what is available. To get a specific breed or color you might find yourself on a waiting list. Many of the chinchilla breeders provide both rescue and adoption services. Adopted pets are usually adults, and of course it's only fair to ask the breeder about the history of any animal you are considering adopting. You can even sponsor a chinchilla, which is a way of helping the breeder meet expenses in their rescue and adoption programs.
The breeders community is large and far-flung. Many belong to the Mutation Chinchilla Breeders Association (MCBA), the Empress Chinchilla Breeders Cooperative (ECBC), or both. These organizations sponsor shows, conventions, support chapters, and are excellent sources of information for breeders and individual pet owners alike. You can subscribe to educational magazines, get show schedules (there is a national chinchilla show held every year), and communicate with the various breeders as a member of their community.
There isn't necessarily anything wrong with buying a chinchilla from a pet store if you are only thinking in terms of having one for a pet. If the chinchilla is healthy, things will probably work out just fine, and you can enjoy your pet for many years. If you are thinking of breeding chinchillas however, it would be best to get in touch with one or more breeders, to see what is available, and to make a good choice. You'll not only be almost guaranteed to get a top-of-the-line animal, but will at the same time be introduced to the wide and wonderful world of chinchilla breeders and owners.