The ultimate of furs - chinchilla Q & A with Douglas Frank Gillingham
The Ultimate of Furs - chinchilla Q & A with Douglas Frank Gillingham
June 10th, 1966
Rhodesian Farmer
IN VIEW of the many queries and tremendous interest aroused by our recent article on Chinchillas, Rhodesian Farmer again interviewed Mr. Gillingham in order to give new and potential producers more details on the production of and possibilities for "the ultimate of furs."
First of all, Mr. Gillingham, how does one start?
I would say that one must make a complete assessment of one's own circumstances and especially one's own capabilities in respect of raising livestock. A genuine liking for the animal is essential plus a certain amount of knowledge of general livestock breeding and animal husbandry. One would require a basic understanding of the various characteristics which make for fur quality. Certainly without the foregoing one could hardly be in a position to evaluate any animal, especially so if a purchase of stock is being considered.
It is therefore imperative that one should visit as many chinchilla ranches as possible, whatever their size, ask questions and write down everything you can. Obtain literature, and above all look at the animals, really look at them and ask for specific quality details, good and bad, of those in question. Seek out the experienced breeders-the Association will help you-and discuss your entry into the chinchilla industry. An investment in this industry requires the same careful investigation as any other business venture. When you are convinced, go ahead!
What is a chinchilla?
It is a rodent (Simplicidentate) belonging to the Miptricmorphous group of the numerous and diverse rodents. They are lesbians, nocturnal in habit and have teeth which continually grow to compensate wear. The chinchilla has a magnificent coat of true fur, with a tricolour shaft. This fur has everything a designer could wish for, giving him scope for extravagant garment design.
Is there more than one kind of chinchilla?
Yes, there are several types, but only two have been successful in giving fur good enough for making this fur ranching proposition successful.
Can chinchillas produce any sort of "throwback," not a chinchilla?
No, it is a distinct specie, it is not a cross nor hybrid and will only produce chinchilla babies.
Is the Rhodesian climate suitable for them?
Yes, it certainly is. Rhodesia's latitude is almost identical to that of their original habitat in Peru, Bolivia, Chile.
Are they a clean animal?
Chinchillas are just about the cleanest animal in the world and take a bath daily in fine sand and talc. They are also very hardy and healthy.
Are they unpleasant to handle?
Quite the contrary. Their soft silkiness, cleanliness, good health and playful, almost elfin-like disposition, make them a pleasant experience to handle.
When do chinchillas breed, and how often?
They may breed any time of the year, but two heavy litter seasons are usually noticeable per year. Average litter per year per female is two.
How many babies are there in a litter?
Normally 1-2, it varies from 1-4. There have been cases of litters numbering 5-6 and 7 but these are rare. Some Rhodesian breeders regularly average between 3 to 4.5 babies per year per breeding female which is among the world's highest production figures.
How long is the gestation period?
It is 111 days. Oestrum usually occurs about once per month, although the number of times per year is indefinite. Chinchillas are known as "Polyoestreus". Babies are born fully furred, eyes open, have a full set of teeth, ready equipped to meet the world, and are immediately very active.
Do these animals make good parents?
Exceptionally so. The mother suckles her babies.
At what age are chinchillas mated?
Usually between six to eight months of age. Many chinchillas produce young before they are one year old.
Are chinchillas mated monogamously or polygamously?
The polygamous set-up is the most superior for many reasons, one of which is that a top quality sire can be used with many females. It is the most expedient way for herd improvement. Artificial insemination studies are being carried out.
What is the birth weight of a chinchilla and when are they weaned?
Average weight about 11 oz. Weaning takes place between 40 and 54 days.
At what age are they fully grown and their weight?
About 18 months, but weight could vary from 18 oz. to 34 oz. depending on the blood-lines.
What feeds do chinchillas eat and the cost?
Hays made from legumes and grasses, with scientifi- cally prepared pellets plus water is all that is required. They love fibrous hay and relish a wooden block to gnaw to pieces. This helps to keep their teeth in trim. Cost per year per animal is approximately 14s., but this varies from ranch to ranch.
How do you identify chinchillas when running hundreds?
By a painless, non-injurious indelible method of ear- tattooing. Inside the ears are marked, ranch brand, year and number of the animal. No two animals are marked the same.
Do these animals thrive in pens?
Yes they do indeed. Whilst there are numerous kinds of pens chinchillas will thrive in practically all, provided of course their housing quarters are free from damp and draught.
Do they harbour fleas, etc.?
No they do not. The fur is so dense and retains a certain amount of the dusting powder that no air could be available for the breathing of any type of vermin.
What diseases do they suffer from?
Chinchillas are subject to pneumonia if left in damp, cold quarters or draughts-especially so are the young stock. This applies to humans also or any other type of animal not used to these conditions. There are dietary problems but mainly caused by faulty feeding of mouldy hay! Diseases in Rhodesia are not a problem.
What are the sources of income from chinchilla ranching?
The principal source is from pelt production, although live animal sales in these early years will no doubt also be a good source of income provided the quality is there.
What price could one get for pelts?
This varies greatly and a poor price received could be either poor quality or the pelt being taken at the wrong time. Many good pelts are spoiled by this, and many poorer quality pelts have fetched a good price because they were taken at the right time and pelted properly. To an experienced breeder the following could apply:
Top quality £9 14s. or more on occasion
Average to good £7 9s.
Average £5-£7
How much does it cost to produce a pelt and sell overseas
This also varies with the number of pelts produced by each rancher, but a fair figure would be almost £3 which includes the dressing fee and selling commission.
What is meant by a pelt being prime?
A pelt is prime when the fur has reached its maximum lustre, length, density, colour and smooth finish and without blemish. The art of detecting full prime can only be obtained by experience.
How old is a chinchilla before it becomes prime?
It can become prime at the age of 6 months under certain conditions, and can prime out in yearly cycles if allowed to live to an old age. For a yearly crop basis however it is essential to obtain the prime during the animal's first year of life and is usually achieved at about 8-11 months. Latter part of the year litters will prime out in the due pelting season and the middle year litters the following season.
How much time does one have to give to his chinchillas and is the ranching difficult?
To deal with the first part of your question-not a great deal at all when experience has been gained. Just about all the chinchilla ranchers in the world started their ranches whilst still in other employment. One can easily look after 150 animals in spare time and more than 800 when doing it full time. Working with one of the world's most beautiful and graceful creatures of the animal kingdom is a satisfying, pleasurable and exciting occupation.
As to whether it is difficult, no it isn't. So long as one has the necessary starting capital, patience and genuine liking for chinchillas and can adopt a professional attitude approach to ranching chinchillas, much success can be had. Many persons are successfully raising these animals with guidance from breeders. It is the breeder who has the technical knowledge, and then the specialist who is the really knowledgeable person who deals with the art of the three tools of the established breeder. These are outcrossing, inbreeding and selective breeding. Physiology, pathology, biology, etc., etc., would be subjects covered by a specialist.
Finally, Mr. Gillingham, can you tell us something of the world demand and also what you think of the future of this industry in Rhodesia?
The demand today for the fur is so great and supply so small that it genuinely seems that the demand will never be satisfied, even for the standard colour pelt. Mutation pelts are unobtainable. Sales of pelts in 1965 reached almost 150,000-an insignificant number when you consider that it is suggested that world demand could absorb some 10 million standard pelts. With mutation pelts-which could be a reality in 8-10 years, this figure could double.
With regard to Rhodesia, the Chinchilla Industry has most certainly a great and prosperous future. There are many well-established breeders and a hard-working Chinchilla Association active throughout the country.
I would say that Rhodesia needs at least 3,000 ranchers each producing 1,000 pelts per year, and even this quantity of pelts is like a "drop in the bath tub" when considered in the light of world demand. I doubt whether we will ever over-produce this most-wanted, beautiful and ultimate of furs.
