Chinchillas
Attractive, sociable and highly active animals, Chinchillas
need plenty of space, time and attention. They originate from South America and can live for
more than 15 years - so choosing one as a pet is a long-term commitment. For
this reason they are considered an unsuitable choice as a child’s pet. They
need at least an hour of daily exercise outside their cage and are at their
most active during the evening and at night. Chinchillas can be kept singly but
are happiest in same-sex pairs or groups.
HOUSING
Chinchillas bred in captivity should be kept indoors as they can’t withstand
extremes of temperature. An ideal cage size for a pair of Chinchillas is
approximately 85 x 100 x 40cm. You may also consider adding a separate run in
the garden or allowing your pets some daily supervised exercise outside their
cage. Chinchillas love climbing, so place platforms, ramps, and perches at
different heights inside their cage.
Your Chinchilla’s home should be kept out of direct sunlight and away from
draughts.
A bed should be provided for sleeping and snoozing – a wooden box or a dark
tube filled with shredded paper is ideal. The cage should be cleaned once a
week - a small litter tray can be provided to help maintain a hygienic
environment for your Chinchillas.
FEEDING
Chinchillas are natural herbivores, surviving on fibrous, dry vegetation in
the wild. A specially prepared Chinchilla pellet food makes an ideal core diet
for your pet along with plenty of fresh hay. Very small quantities of fresh
vegetables may also be given as an occasional treat – be careful as they can
cause stomach upsets. The hay supply should be replenished each day and ensure
fresh drinking water is always available. Like all rodents, a Chinchilla’s
front teeth grow continuously, so provide them with something to gnaw on – a
fruit tree branch is ideal. Raisins or sultanas are perfect to offer as treats
to your Chinchilla.
EXERCISE AND ENTERTAINMENT
Most active during
the evening and night, Chinchillas like routine and should be given at least
one hour of daily exercise outside their cage. Evening is the ideal time for
this as your Chinchilla will be at its most active. They enjoy climbing and
playing with toys but ensure they are supervised – they like to explore
everything with their teeth first!
HANDLING
With patience, Chinchillas can become
very tame. Using raisins or sultanas as a treat, you can gently encourage your
pet to come closer. Stroking it under the chin will help it feel at ease
although do not try to catch it straightaway. You can pick up a Chinchilla by
supporting its body in your hand whilst gently restraining it at the base of
the tail. Never pick a Chinchilla up by the tail – this can cause serious
injury. If your Chinchilla sheds fur, this means you are handling it too
roughly.
TIPS
Chinchillas can be kept alone but
like most rodents, prefer the company of their own kind. Two or more
Chinchillas of the same sex should get on well. If males and females are mixed,
males should be neutered to prevent breeding. To introduce a new Chinchilla,
place them in separate cages within sight and smell of each other, placing
their beds at opposite ends (as far away as possible). Swap their sand baths
over daily so they get used to each other’s scent. Gradually move the cages and
beds closer together and after a week or so, they should be happy to share the
same cage.
HEALTH
A Chinchilla must be provided with a
sand bath for daily grooming. This is essential for keeping its dense,
luxurious fur in good condition. Chinchilla sand is available from most pet
shops and the bath should be about 25cm deep with plenty of room for the
Chinchilla to move around. The sand should be changed about once a week.
As with all pets, if you are worried about any aspect of your Chinchilla’s
health, seek veterinary advice. For a healthy life, your Chinchilla needs the
following:
need plenty of space, time and attention. They originate from South America and can live for
more than 15 years - so choosing one as a pet is a long-term commitment. For
this reason they are considered an unsuitable choice as a child’s pet. They
need at least an hour of daily exercise outside their cage and are at their
most active during the evening and at night. Chinchillas can be kept singly but
are happiest in same-sex pairs or groups.
HOUSING
Chinchillas bred in captivity should be kept indoors as they can’t withstand
extremes of temperature. An ideal cage size for a pair of Chinchillas is
approximately 85 x 100 x 40cm. You may also consider adding a separate run in
the garden or allowing your pets some daily supervised exercise outside their
cage. Chinchillas love climbing, so place platforms, ramps, and perches at
different heights inside their cage.
Your Chinchilla’s home should be kept out of direct sunlight and away from
draughts.
A bed should be provided for sleeping and snoozing – a wooden box or a dark
tube filled with shredded paper is ideal. The cage should be cleaned once a
week - a small litter tray can be provided to help maintain a hygienic
environment for your Chinchillas.
FEEDING
Chinchillas are natural herbivores, surviving on fibrous, dry vegetation in
the wild. A specially prepared Chinchilla pellet food makes an ideal core diet
for your pet along with plenty of fresh hay. Very small quantities of fresh
vegetables may also be given as an occasional treat – be careful as they can
cause stomach upsets. The hay supply should be replenished each day and ensure
fresh drinking water is always available. Like all rodents, a Chinchilla’s
front teeth grow continuously, so provide them with something to gnaw on – a
fruit tree branch is ideal. Raisins or sultanas are perfect to offer as treats
to your Chinchilla.
EXERCISE AND ENTERTAINMENT
Most active during
the evening and night, Chinchillas like routine and should be given at least
one hour of daily exercise outside their cage. Evening is the ideal time for
this as your Chinchilla will be at its most active. They enjoy climbing and
playing with toys but ensure they are supervised – they like to explore
everything with their teeth first!
HANDLING
With patience, Chinchillas can become
very tame. Using raisins or sultanas as a treat, you can gently encourage your
pet to come closer. Stroking it under the chin will help it feel at ease
although do not try to catch it straightaway. You can pick up a Chinchilla by
supporting its body in your hand whilst gently restraining it at the base of
the tail. Never pick a Chinchilla up by the tail – this can cause serious
injury. If your Chinchilla sheds fur, this means you are handling it too
roughly.
TIPS
Chinchillas can be kept alone but
like most rodents, prefer the company of their own kind. Two or more
Chinchillas of the same sex should get on well. If males and females are mixed,
males should be neutered to prevent breeding. To introduce a new Chinchilla,
place them in separate cages within sight and smell of each other, placing
their beds at opposite ends (as far away as possible). Swap their sand baths
over daily so they get used to each other’s scent. Gradually move the cages and
beds closer together and after a week or so, they should be happy to share the
same cage.
HEALTH
A Chinchilla must be provided with a
sand bath for daily grooming. This is essential for keeping its dense,
luxurious fur in good condition. Chinchilla sand is available from most pet
shops and the bath should be about 25cm deep with plenty of room for the
Chinchilla to move around. The sand should be changed about once a week.
As with all pets, if you are worried about any aspect of your Chinchilla’s
health, seek veterinary advice. For a healthy life, your Chinchilla needs the
following:
- A good balanced diet with no sudden changes
- Clean dry housing, cleaned once a week with a mild disinfectant
- No extreme or sudden changes in temperature
- Water bottle and feed bowls cleaned daily
- Gnawing block or fruit tree branch to help wear their continually growing
teeth
- Daily 20 minute sand bath
- At least one hour of daily exercise outside their cage