Knowing how to give a chinchilla the proper care is very important before purchasing chinchillas as pets. Chinchillas born in captivity can live as long as 25 years with the average lifespan being about 15 years. So be prepared to own your pet for a long time to come.
Chinchillas are very active with loads of energy so they need a nice spacious place to live. Let them out of their cages occasionally to play and give them attention or try to play with them daily. Doing this will give them much needed daily exercise.
Most chinchillas don’t like being held or pet, so if you want a pet to hold/pet or cuddle with then chinchillas are not the right choice. They can be very messy too. Cleaning around their cages is something you may be doing often.
Chinchillas cost more to keep than a hamster or rat too. You can't just go out and buy a $40 cage and think that's enough. Cages should be "big" and this can get expensive. They also need wood chips and chew toys.
Step 1: Chinchilla CagesYour chinchillas care is important. If you're keeping chinchillas as pets you need to have a cage of some sort. You can make your own cage, buy one online, or go to your local pet store. Make sure your cage is roomy and comfortable.
When it comes to picking chinchilla cages "bigger is better". They’re always running, jumping, and climbing around. Going with something that has several levels to the cage is ideal.
Since you want a cage that is taller than wide, a parrot or ferret cage is perfect for chinchillas. Parrot cages have many different accessories that allow chinchillas to jump around in. Some will have ramps too.
Ferret cages are even better because they are usually tall with many ramps and levels to them. They’re also designed to have bedding on the bottom. If you happen to have a cage with a wire bottom with holes or gaps you'll need to put something down. This will protect their feet from getting hurt or stuck.
Step 2: Cage Temperature and Position
Once a cage is picked out, finding a good spot is the next step. The cage shouldn't be near a door or window where temperatures could rise and fall. Chinchillas prefer temperatures below 80°F (25°C) and above 55°F.
Your pet can get heat stroke if you’re reaching 80°F or higher. You want temperatures at anywhere from 60°F to 75°F. Humidity should be 35% to 58%. If you see their ears getting red, this may be a sign your pet is overheating. It's important to keep the temperature and humidity comfortable for them.
Step 3: Chinchilla Bedding (Wood Chips
)Next is bedding for your chinchilla’s cage. It's absolutely essential you use the right bedding for them since some wood chips can be harmful. Bedding to steer clear of that can be harmful are conifer and citrus woods like cedar or orange.
Using non-treated woods like birch, willow, apple tree, Manzanita, aspen, or kiln-dried pine for chewing and bedding are best. The cage should be cleaned once a week with fresh bedding. You can also change the bedding where they do their business (recommended) daily.
Step 4: Cage Accessories
It’s good to have a large wheel for chinchilla's. Their daily exercise is important just like it is for us. As you may know chinchillas are nocturnal and are going to sleep during the day.
Since they sleep during the day they are going to want a den to sleep in. You can get these at most pet stores and are usually made of plastic. You can also make your own using some kind of container and just cut a hole in the side.
Chinchillas need plenty of chew toys, sticks and/or pumice stone. Chinchilla’s teeth are constantly growing and need to be worn down.Over time a chinchillas teeth will get too long. If this happens they won’t be able to eat their food. You'll need to attach a water bottle to the cage and make sure they have fresh water every day. You can also use a small dish for their water.
Step 5: Chinchilla Food
Chinchillas as pets can come with great bonuses too. You only need to feed them hay because chinchillas can't digest most green plants and food with protein or fat. All you need to give them is some hay pellets in a bowl and a small fresh supply of loose timothy hay daily.
Never mix their diets as this can cause them to have digestion problems. If you wish to give your pet the occasional treat, try a little leaf lettuce.
Step 6: Chinchilla Baths
Chinchilla baths hold dust so they can take baths. They may do this a few times per day, but usually only a few times per week.
Dust baths soak up the oils and dirt on their fur and skin. Since their fur is so thick you never have to wash or clean them with water. Combs are available to groom them if you want though.
Warning! Never get a chinchilla wet. Chinchilla fur is so thick it's impossible for them to air dry. Their fur can start growing fungus or it can start to rot. If your pet does get wet it should be dried off as soon as possible. Use some towels or a hair dryer with no heat.
That's about everything you need to know on caring for your chinchilla. Giving your chinchilla care, love, exercise and attention each day will give them a long and happy life.
Keeping chinchillas as pets can be fun, but know the responsibilities before going out and buying one. I personally find friendly adult chinchillas rather than buying chinchilla babies. Baby chinchillas can become aggressive in their adult lives.
Keep in mind that chinchillas are naturally skittish animals and don’t like being held. Finding one in the litter with a good personality and is least afraid are good choices. Good luck and best wishes to getting your new pet.
1. Ashes
2. Bandit
3. Barnaby
4. Chewy
5. Chicha
6. Chili
7. Chinchi
8. Dumbo
9. Dusty
10. Flint
11. Fluffy
12. Furby
13. Ghost
14. Gizmo
15. Grey
16. Kirby
17. Milo
18. Misty
19. Moonlight
20. Nibbles
21. Rocket
22. Silver
23. Smokey
24. Speedy
25. Stormy
2. Bandit
3. Barnaby
4. Chewy
5. Chicha
6. Chili
7. Chinchi
8. Dumbo
9. Dusty
10. Flint
11. Fluffy
12. Furby
13. Ghost
14. Gizmo
15. Grey
16. Kirby
17. Milo
18. Misty
19. Moonlight
20. Nibbles
21. Rocket
22. Silver
23. Smokey
24. Speedy
25. Stormy
