Breeding

FACTS

Sexing chinchillas is easy, once you have the practice. The anogenital distance is the best way to determine sex. Females have a very short distance between their anus and the urinary and reproductive openings, while males have a large gap. The testicles of the male are tucked up into the abdominal cavity most of the time, but in adult males, can be palpated from the outside.

Sexual maturity occurs anywhere from 5-10 months of age, however females should ideally not be bred until 8-10 months of age because they themselves are still growing and developing.

The estrus cycle may vary from 28-50 days with an average 33 days, but many females have irregular cycles. Breeding can occur all year long however most matings take place over the cold season.

The gestation period is 111 days on average. Most of the fetal development occurs during the last trimester. Most births occur in the early morning with a litter size ranging from 1-5 with an average of 2. Females rarely need help during the birthing process, however difficulties can occur if a fetus is very large or if there is a problem with uterine contractility. Oxytocin @ 1 IU/kg can be given or a Caesarian section can be performed if necessary.

Ideally, the male should be removed from the cage for the first week after parturition because the female will be ready to breed again a few days after the litter is born. It is very stressful on the female's body to be carrying multiple developing fetuses and also nursing multiple young.

YOUNG CHINCHILLAS

The young are born precocious and can begin to eat small amounts of solid food in 5 days. They will continue to nurse from the doe for 4-6 weeks as well.

Weaning can occur anywhere from 4-8 weeks. The young are usually very receptive to others when they are weaned and can get along well with others of similar age. As they grow older, they should be separated or placed into breeding pairs.