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Furry and fun, Chinchillas are known for their soft, dense fur and quiet demeanor. These playful pets are entertaining and can form a close bond with their pet parents. However, they are not too cuddly and do not enjoy being held like other pets. Their friendly nature and high intelligence make them great companions. Though chinchillas are exotic pets, caring for them can be challenging despite their small size.
Before adopting a Chinchilla, it’s important to learn about their care. This article covers the basics, so keep reading if you are considering getting one as a pet!
Origin & Characteristics
The soft and adorable Chinchillas originate from the mountainous areas of Chile, South America. These furry rodents were brought to the US in the 1920s. Only 13 of these Chilean rodents were brought and bred for their unusually dense and luxuriously soft coat. These exotic pets have now become popular among adults and older children. However, they are a long-term, serious responsibility, as Chinchillas can live for 10-20 years in captivity, provided they are cared for appropriately.
Let’s learn about some of their characteristics!
Color: Pearl, bluish/brownish gray; yellowish-white fur on the stomach. Dark orange teeth.
Size: 9–14-inch bodies with 3–6-inch tails
Weight: Males weigh up to 1 pound, Females weigh up to 1.76 pounds
Note: Chinchillas are considered endangered.
Behavior
The long-tailed chinchillas are curious creatures that are full of energy. Usually, it is fun to watch them play. However, these bouts of energy come at nightfall while they sleep most of the day. This peculiar sleep schedule can be a nuisance for some people, so consider this fact before you commit to caring for a pet Chinchilla! Their nocturnal sleep pattern means they need a quiet environment during the day for undisturbed sleep, making them unsuitable for homes with young children.
Chinchillas are also social and friendly and enjoy being with other chinchillas. Make sure all the rodent companions are well-socialized and tamed before welcoming them home. Your pet chinchilla will also love being around you, though they are not too fond of being handled. Even if your Chilean rodent is trained for handling, hold them close to the ground so they do not fall or hurt themselves by jumping.
These adorable pets are known to be great chewers, so keep an eye out before your furniture is damaged. Offering them chew sticks, toys, or pumice stones can help satisfy their urge for chewing while keeping their teeth trimmed.
Remember to be patient and gentle with your chinchilla, as they are intelligent animals who can understand when they are being punished. They are also sensitive to loud noises and get scared easily. This makes their environment and housing key aspects of caring for them.
Caring for Your Chinchilla
As exotic pets, chinchillas have unique requirements to thrive, which makes having them an adventurous journey. With the information in this article about their environmental, dietary, and other care essentials, you will better decide if you can keep a chinchilla as a pet.
Housing
Creating a homely space for your chinchilla is a paramount factor influencing your pet’s health and happiness. These creatures come from a cold and dry climate, so maintaining a cooler temperature, about 50-64 F, in their environment is important. Their enclosures need to be spacious, as they are athletic and active, requiring movement and physical exercise. An ideal cage should be at least 3 feet high, with resting branches no more than about 23 inches apart to avoid injury.
Chinchillas are avid chewers; including wooden, rope, or pumice chew toys is a great way to keep them stimulated. Make sure you set up a separate tray in their enclosure for sand baths, which is beneficial in maintaining hygiene and is also enjoyable for them. Chinchillas can easily get over-stimulated or scared, so keeping nests in their cage allows them to take a break and rest.
Keep their bedding comfortable and use good-quality hay, which is safe to eat and excellent for their teeth. Avoid materials like cotton wool as they are unsafe for your chinchilla. Most importantly, create a calm environment and place their enclosure in a quiet spot. These Chilean rodents are prone to fear and stress. If you have other pets, like a dog or cat, keep your chinchilla at a safe distance, as the presence of predators can trigger these pets.
Note: Wire-mesh floors can cause injury to chinchillas. Keep cages with solid wooden floors.
Grooming & Hygiene
If you thought the housing needs of these furry explorers are the most challenging part, think again! Maintaining your chinchilla’s hygiene is important, though they do not require the usual water and soap bath. To keep their dense, luscious coats clean and soft, these rodents need dust or sand baths, which absorb excess oil and keep their fur as gorgeous as ever.
Make sure your chinchilla gets a dust bath 2-3 times a week. Replace the sand or sieve it after every use to keep it clean. Also, regularly clean your pet’s cage to avoid the risk of infections.
Diet
In the wild, chinchillas are omnivores, thriving on vegetation and sometimes eggs and insects. In captivity, these fluffy rodents need a fiber-rich diet. Feeding chinchillas specially formulated pellets and hay fulfills their nutritional needs, keeping them healthy. Offering 1-2 tablespoons of pellets daily is enough for these small pets.
Here’s a list of treats chinchillas cat eat in moderation:
- Dried rose hips
- Dried dandelion roots or leaves
- Dried rosemary
- Dried hibiscus
- Dried parsley
- Dried strawberry and blackberry leaves
- Dried apple, banana, and papaya
- Raisins and dried cranberries
Keep in mind that chinchillas should have a low sugar intake, and these snacks should only be given occasionally, not making up more than 10% of their daily diet.
Never feed your chinchilla:
- Commercial chinchilla treats as they contain preservatives and are rich in sugar and fats.
- Citrus fruits. Chinchillas have low tolerance towards high-acid foods.
- Watermelon. The high water content can cause diarrhea.
- Chocolate. Harmful to the digestive and nervous systems.
- Dairy. Toxic for chinchillas and can be fatal.
- Nuts and seeds. These can cause liver damage.
Health Issues
Like most pets, chinchillas are also prone to pain and ailments. However, it is more difficult to realize if your pet is suffering, as they are asleep during the day. Being more vigilant about changes in their behavior can help detect problems. Regularly visit your vet to ensure your chinchilla’s health, and immediately contact your vet if you observe the following symptoms. These signs indicate that your pet is in pain or is unwell:
- Sore feet
- Moist fur around the eyes or mouth
- Loss of fur
When stressed, bored, or hurt, chinchillas tend to become aggressive or hide. If you are concerned about your pet’s behavior, watch out for these signs and contact your vet:
- Becomes noisy (growling, barking, whistling)
- Hiding
- Self-destructive behavior. Chews its own fur or of other chinchillas
- Excessive hair loss
- Changes in feeding habits or urination
- Consuming too much water
- Being lazy and immobile
- Repetitive movements like running back and forth in the cage
Chinchillas can be delightful pets, provided you are committed to offering them specialized care for a long time. These soft and charming rodents will bring positive vibes with their friendly approach and unwavering curiosity. With patience and love, you will find yourself and your chinchilla warming up to each other, making the challenges seem worthwhile!
