The CHINformative chinchillas live in a purpose-built unit that is affectionately known as Monty’s Manor. The unit has air conditioning, as well as temperature, and video monitoring, and a digital radio. The air conditioning can be activated remotely so that the chinchillas can be kept at an appropriate temperature in our warm, humid UK climate. The radio is also remotely accessed so that the chinchillas have some sound on all the time – this is especially useful during periods of active fireworks when the radio gets turned up a bit to reduce the risks of noise-related stress.

The chinchillas also have custom built cages so that pairs and individuals can be kept together or with a pop-hole separating both sides of the cage. Since chinchillas are herd animals, the chinchillas are kept in same sex pairs or individually, depending on their temperament; some chinchillas just don’t get on together but they can still have company with the chinchilla in the adjoining cage.

The CHINformative herd consists of pedigree breeding chinchillas as well as a few (not-for-breeding) rescues/rehomes. Claire has bred chinchillas for a number of years, however, stopped during COVID. The chinchillas in the CHINformative herd range in age from four to twenty years.
Credric is an ebony chinchilla who is the youngest in the herd at 4 years old. In contrast, Chavin is a little charcoal chinchilla who will reach the grand old age of 21 in August, 2026.

Other notable characters in the herd include Mr Mac, an ex-breeding 13 year old standard male, who is taking his retirement very seriously. In other words, he’s lazy and often refuses to get off his bed when his cage is being cleaned out. He always makes us smile. In fact, the photo below shows his favourite position – on his bed, fast asleep, tail and bottom only visible.

Then, there’s Maleficent (Mallie for short) who is a rescue black velvet female chinchilla. She is a real character who displays stress behaviour and chews her fur as a result. She likes being spoken to and approached in a calm, gentle manner. If she’s startled, she will often spray urine in an attempt to fend off whatever is coming into her cage (her territory).

One last CHINformative character to mention here is Figaro (Figgy). He is a teenage beige charcoal carrying male chinchilla who was hand reared when his mother sadly died three days after he was born. As a young kit, Figgy spent much of his time snuggled with Claire between hand feeds. You would think that being so close, Figgy would be a very friendly chinchilla who loves to be held, however, the truth is Figgy does not appreciate being held at all and will try to avoid being handled.