Types of chinchillas?

[lam]

Hi, I'm a new owner and I was wondering how many types of chinchillas are there and how can i tell the difference? I bought my chinchilla at the pet store and they aren't really sure about that... soo yah ~_~ I'm wondering how many types there are Thanks!

 

[cuddlycuddles]

Hi Iam and welcome to the forum.
What exactly do you mean by 'type'? Species?
There are two living species of chinchilla, Chinchilla brevicaudata and Chinchilla lanigera. I believe domestic chins come from the latter species. Someone please correct me if I am wrong.

Or do you mean fur colour? If so, please confirm.

 

[tati121]

If you mean colors, here is a website that has pictures of each of the different colors - compare your chin and find out what he is!
http://www.fortheloveofchinchillas.com/mutations.html

 

[ticklechin]

Brevicaudatas are larger animals, small ears, blunt nose and shorter tail.

Costinas are pointy looking, have big ears and long tails.

Lanigeras characteristics fall between the Brevicaudata and Costina.

 

[RDZCRanch]

brevicaudata, lanigera and costina are body types, not different species. Different species generally can't breed with each other and all three of the chinchilla "types" can interbreed.

 

[lam]

ah i see, lol sorry the wrong use of words... i'm not sure what to call it before other than using the word type >_> and thanks for the replies its really helpful =D