Chin Weights and Age

[Gabby88]

I just got a gram scale, and I weighed both of my chins. They both, oddly enough, weigh the exact same at 430 grams. They're a little less than 5 months old, and they're both females.

Is this a decent weight? How long do chins continue to grow usually?

I want to show them at the Wisconsin show in October so I can meet people, learn about showing, and experience what a chinchilla show is like. How big are the chins that usually do well in shows? (I know size isn't the only thing the judges look for though.)

I'm just very curious since I'm still very new to all of this. I want to make sure I'm educated about what to expect from the show and from the weight and age of chinchillas in general.

 

[xcdnchinx]

If they judge on cuteness im sure your girls would win!! haha

 

[starleomach]

chinchillas usually keep growing until 9 months to a year. weight doesn't always indicate size you wont know how big they will get until they stop growing

 

[Gabby88]

If they judge on cuteness im sure your girls would win!! haha

Hahaha! Thank you!

They'd also do well if they judged on sweetness and personality.

 

[Gabby88]

chinchillas usually keep growing until 9 months to a year. weight doesn't always indicate size you wont know how big they will get until they stop growing

Ok, thanks! They've gotten a lot bigger since I got them, but I don't know how much weight they've gained since I just bought the scale. For as fat and chubby as they are, I thought they weighed more. lol

I'm also curious, what other features do the judges look for besides fur quality, color, size, etc.?

(In all honesty, I'm not expecting them to do that great. I just want to have fun and learn.)

 

[Brittany]

I just got a gram scale, and I weighed both of my chins. They both, oddly enough, weigh the exact same at 430 grams. They're a little less than 5 months old, and they're both females.

Is this a decent weight? How long do chins continue to grow usually?

I want to show them at the Wisconsin show in October so I can meet people, learn about showing, and experience what a chinchilla show is like. How big are the chins that usually do well in shows? (I know size isn't the only thing the judges look for though.)

I'm just very curious since I'm still very new to all of this. I want to make sure I'm educated about what to expect from the show and from the weight and age of chinchillas in general.

Like humans each chin is different, there really is no age/weight chart. With that being said 430 is in the ball park. The important thing is that they aren't skinny/boney feeling no matter what their age/weight is. Chins usually grow until around a year.

 

[Gabby88]

They're definitely not skinny, that's for sure. Haha! I was just curious what a good show quality chin usually weighs as a minimum. I would assume a lot more than 430 grams. I'm not expecting them to take a first or anything.

I'm just more curious than anything else. Here's my fatty fat Yuki in her 430g glory.

 

[rem]

So cute, good luck at the show!

 

[Stackie]

Usually it's just the fur that makes them look fat...not actual rolls of fat. Since the fur is so plush it can create the "fat roll" looking effect when they are bent the right way.

As long as you can not feel their bones it is not much of a cause for concern.

In my experience good fur quality usually takes precedence at shows, but they can sometimes be bumped down to a second place if the size if concerning. Judges also take age into account occasionally. If they see potential in the animal sometimes they will give them a good placing.

 

[Gabby88]

It's good to know that fur quality takes precedence at shows over size, although I'm not quite sure how great their fur quality is either. But I guess I'll find out at the show!

I know the "rolls" are mainly just fur, but she has a pretty big gut, too. I can feel it when I pick her up. Haha! She's definitely not boney, that's for sure.

 

[Stackie]

I guess I shouldn't say that it always takes precedence. Just in my observation of attending shows. Obviously it depends on the judge..each one has their own style of judging.