Top C haracter S ketch Chinchillas are quite even tempered, not in the least vicious and usually can be handled by children. Few other animals are as friendly toward humans. Male and female live together amiably, and share equally the responsibilities of the family. For example, when the female goes to the feeder, the male stays with the kits to keep them warm. Even when frightened the female will not destroy her young as is usual with certain other fur bearing animals.
Chinchillas are nocturnal, sleeping during the day and very active at night.
Another interesting feature is that the chinchilla is a strict vegetarian. The gestation period of the chinchilla is 111 days and the female can bear as many as three litters in one year. While litters are born during every month of the year, the heaviest littering times seem to be during the early spring and summer. The average is two or three animals to the litter, but four is not uncommon. They are born with eyes open, a full set of teeth, and a complete coat of fur.