Chinchillas are some of the most charming and unique pets you can welcome into your home—but their story began high in the rugged peaks of the Andes Mountains in Chile. In
this cold, arid region, chinchillas evolved with thick, dense fur to survive harsh weather conditions. In fact, they have the densest fur of any land mammal, with more than 50 hairs growing from each follicle. While this helped them survive in the wild, it also made them targets of the fur trade.
By the early 20th century, chinchillas were being hunted to the brink of extinction due to the high demand for their incredibly soft pelts. Fortunately, in 1923, a turning point came when Mathias Chapman, an American mining engineer working in South America, received permission from the Chilean government to bring a small number of chinchillas to the United States. He successfully transported 11 chinchillas back to California and began what would become the foundation of the domestic chinchilla population in North America.
From that original colony, chinchillas began to gain popularity—not just for fur farming, but eventually as pets. By the 1950s, breeding chinchillas had become a trendy hobby and potential business opportunity. Thousands of chinchilla ranches popped up across the U.S. as people saw the potential to profit from their fur. But there was one catch—chinchillas are incredibly cute and social animals, and many people who started breeding them couldn’t bring themselves to "harvest" them.
As public attitudes shifted and more people became interested in keeping chinchillas as loving pets, the industry evolved. Today, chinchillas are cherished for their playful personalities, cleanliness, and long lifespan—they can live 10 to 20 years when properly cared for.
At Exotic Nutrition, we’re proud to support this new chapter in the chinchilla story by offering the supplies and guidance pet owners need to give their animals a happy, healthy life. Whether you're just getting started or have years of experience, we’ve got you covered.
The Chinchilla Cage & Starter Pack is a perfect choice for new owners. It includes a new home, premium food and tasty treats to make the transition as smooth as possible.
Looking for more? We also carry a full line of chinchilla accessories—from Signature Chews to Chinchilla Dust—that mimic their natural behaviors and help keep them mentally and physically healthy.
Chinchillas have come a long way from the Andes Mountains to become beloved companions in homes across the world. Understanding their incredible history helps us better appreciate their needs and their place in our lives today.
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Notice: Exotic Nutrition cannot provide specific care guidelines on an individual basis. Please consult a veterinarian or experienced breeder.
Exotic Nutrition is proud to serve hundreds of universities, zoological parks, veterinarians, research centers and other institutions seeking to advance the health and well-being of exotics worldwide. See a full list of institutions using our products here.
Exotic Nutrition has a heart for animals in need. Through regular donations to rescues, rehabilitators, and special fundraiser events, Exotic Nutrition is making a significant impact in the lives of animals. See a full list of our charitable donations here.
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