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Black velvet chinchilla

Black velvet is a dominant colour mutation of the domestic chinchilla, producing a dark, glossy coat with a deep black veil over the head, back and flanks, fading to a white belly, and characteristic dark stripes down the front legs.

The mutation carries a genetic caveat that matters if breeding is ever considered: the black velvet gene is lethal in the homozygous form, so two black velvets bred together lose a quarter of the litter before birth. Reputable breeders always pair a black velvet with a standard grey or another non-velvet colour. As a pet it is an ordinary chinchilla in every respect.

Origin
A dominant colour mutation of the domestic chinchilla
Size
400–600 g; females larger
Lifespan
15–20 years
Coat
Dark glossy veil over a white belly; dark leg stripes
Genetics
Lethal when homozygous — never breed velvet to velvet
Housing
Cool — below 25°C — tall cage, daily dust bath

Related: Beige chinchilla · Black bear hamster · Black sable ferret

3 black velvet chinchilla photos, newest first

  • Shadow, a black velvet chinchilla

    Shadow

    Shadow finishes a dust bath and then sits perfectly still, letting the cloud settle around him.

    FrostyOtter · 6 days ago

  • Saffron 13, a black velvet chinchilla

    Saffron 13

    Saffron 13 has opened a lemonade stand in the desert. One jug, one glass, and considerably more bowls than the trade requires.

    FrostyOtter · 1 week ago

  • Saffron 13, a black velvet chinchilla

    Saffron 13

    Saffron 13 does not believe the camera is necessary.

    MerryBadger · 2 weeks ago

Living with a black velvet chinchilla

Never pair two black velvets if breeding; the gene is lethal in double dose.

As a pet, treat as any chinchilla. Heat is the principal danger — above about 25°C they cannot lose heat through that extraordinarily dense coat and can die of heat stroke. Keep the room cool, out of sun, with a stone tile to lie on.

Dust baths several times weekly, never water. A soaked chinchilla coat does not dry and fungal infection follows.

They climb, so height matters, and they chew constantly — dental disease is the main long-term health problem. Expect fifteen to twenty years.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. Individual critters vary, and anything about a specific animal is a question for a vet who has seen it.

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