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1/1/09 | 220
views |

Chin to chinchilla

Pet develops into part-time business

Michael Kirby

Michael Kirby/Colfax
Record

Danny Miller holds one of
his favorite chinchillas in the barn on his Colfax
property. What started as a hobby has grown into a
part-time business for Miller and his wife. They
have more than 90 chinchillas, which they raise
for pets and show.

What started as the adoption of a unique pet has turned
into a unique part-time business for Danny Miller.

Eight years ago, the Colfax resident and his wife, Robin,
adopted a pet chinchilla from a friend who could no longer
keep the furry little animal.

It seemed natural for Miller, who had raised hamsters,
rabbits and mice throughout his life.

“I was a huge hamster breeder in grammar school,” said
Miller.

He had moved on to other interests, but thought having a
chinchilla would be interesting.

“I didn’t really want to get back into it (breeding), but
when we got the chinchilla I kind of fell in love with it
again,” Miller continued.

Chinchillas are part of the rodent family, he
explained.

“Some people say they are like the mix of a mouse and a
rabbit or a small rabbit with a long tail and shorter ears,”
said Miller.

The animals are native to South America, living in the high
desert regions of the Andes Mountains. Trapped for their soft
fur, they were first introduced in America for fur production
in the 1920s.

“Chinchillas have the softest fur in the world,” Miller
said.

They weigh between one and two pounds, are active, almost
odorless and can live 10 to 15 years. Chinchillas make great
pets because they keep clean by bathing in crushed volcanic
rock, are parasite and dander free. They are also gentle,
curious, and easy to feed.

Though that first pet chinchilla died soon after they
brought it home, Miller’s interest in raising animals was
rekindled. He purchased a breeding pair at a pet expo.

Since chinchillas can have between 1 and 4 babies in each
litter, Miller now has 91 chinchillas — about the limit for
the barn he built to house them.

Chinchillas like cooler temperatures, so the barn is kept
at 80 degrees or lower with the help of an air conditioner
during the summer months.

Miller said he raises his chinchillas strictly for pets and
for show. He markets his animals through a few pet stores,
shows, and local advertising.

“Generally a pet will start at about $75 depending on the
color. Some animals have been known to sell for $1,500 or
$2,000,” said Miller.

When shown, chinchillas are judged by fur quality, color
and their genetic breeding capabilities.

Born and raised in Auburn, Miller attended Alta Vista and
E.V. Cain, graduating in 1992 from Placer High School.

He works as a small engine service technician at Sierra
Saw, a local business that his parents once owned.

“There are a couple of the chinchillas that are special and
have become family pets, but I try not to give them names.
It’s hard to part with them,” he said.

For more information about chinchillas, visit Miller’s Web
site: www.chinchillavilla .com.

Keywords

chinchillas,
Danny
Miller

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