Chinchilla Care Guide

LIFE SPAN

Approximately 10 years

 

AVERAGE SIZE

10-12 inches and around 1-2 pounds as an adult

 

NORMAL BEHAVIOR & INTERACTION

Chinchillas are very active and playful animals that require ample exercise. They are very social and will easily bond with their owners or other Chinchillas.

 

CAGE TEMPERATURE

Normal room temperatures not to exceed 80°F. Chinchillas cannot handle heat and prefer cooler temperatures.

 

FEEDING

Chinchillas are strict herbivores. 70% of their diet should be made up of grasses and hay, 20% commercially prepared Chinchilla pellets and 10% fresh leafy greens.

 

WATER

Clean, fresh and chlorine-free water must always be available. Change it daily.

 

HOUSING & ENVIRONMENT

A Chinchilla cage with a solid bottom and multiple vertical levels should be provided. The bigger the better for your active Chinchilla. Whatever cage you choose, make sure it is secure. Providing at least one hiding space is important as it not only offers your pet a shelter, but a feeling of protection.

 

BEDDING

We recommend an aspen bedding or soft recycled newspaper bedding.

 

TOYS

Several types of toys must be available to Chinchillas. Chewing toys made of wood, hay or paper and hide houses are all good options.

 

GROOMING & HYGIENE

Chinchillas have a very dense coat of fur and naturally oily skin that requires a dust bath to maintain opposed to water. They should never be given a water bath as this can cause health complications for your pet. A dust bath made up of a commercially available Chinchilla dust, should be offered twice a week for a few hours to allow your Chinchilla to groom himself/herself.

 

HABITAT MAINTENANCE

Daily maintenance should consist of spot cleaning by removing soiled substrate, cleaning water bowls and bottles thoroughly and wiping surfaces clean. The entire cage should be cleaned thoroughly at least once every week.

 

RECOMMENDED SUPPLIES

• Large vertical metal cage with solid
• bottom & multiple levels
• Litter pan
• Aspen or paper bedding
• Large perches
• Several toys & chews
• 1-2 hide houses
• Water bottle or bowl
• Food bowl
• Hay manger
• Timothy or grassy hay
• Chinchilla food pellets
• Chinchilla dust & dust bath house

 

 

 

Vet Approved

Our Care Guides are designed to assist in general knowledge and requirements for the care of your new family member. We strongly encourage further research and consultation with your veterinarian on the complete and proper care of any new pet.

For more information visit petsuppliesplus.com, cdc.gov/healthypets or contact your veterinarian.

Always wash your hands before and after handling your pet or cleaning its habitat, and remember that any pet can scratch, bite or transmit disease to humans.

For pregnant women, persons with compromised immune systems, or if you have children under the age of 5, we strongly recommend contacting your physician prior to purchasing or caring for a new pet.

Please see the Centers for Disease Control website at www.cdc.gov/healthypets for more information.