Chinchillas are odorless, clean, and appealing rodents. They have a lifespan of 10-20 years and are bred and farmed for their soft, dense fur. They are very shy and are best suited as pets for adults and older children.
Chinchillas are soft-furred rodents with strong hind legs, huge ears, and a tail that is about one-third the length of their body.
As Pet/ In Captivity
Temperament and behavior
Chinchillas are primarily nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night. They are sometimes referred to as “crepuscular,” because their activity peaks at dawn and dusk. In any event, during the day, they should be kept in a somewhat quiet environment. While they are generally calm creatures, their midnight movements may keep some people awake if their habitat is near your bed. Pet chinchillas rarely bite, especially when handled from a young age.
Chinchillas require a high-fiber diet.
“Chinchilla food should be pellet-only, with no added ‘extras’ like sunflower seeds, dried vegetables, and so on,” explains Dee Bunk-Hatch, owner of Humble Acres Ranch and President of the Empress Chinchilla Breeders Cooperative’s Northern Atlantic Branch. “The extras will lead the chinchilla to select only those treats while ignoring their pellets, which contain the most nutrients.”
Chinchillas should also be given high-quality grass hay, either Timothy hay or orchard grass, which acts as a source of fiber and aids in dental health. In conjunction with specialists, we investigated the best chinchilla feeds, aiming for full nutrition, homogeneous pellets (to prevent selective eating), and high-quality ingredients.
Housing
Chinchillas are highly energetic rodents; therefore, they require a place that allows them to perform acrobatics as well as play with their toys. They also enjoy chewing, so the best cage for your chinchilla should be constructed of metal, preferably wire, though chinchillas prefer a firm floor because their feet are delicate and can acquire disorders such as bumble foot. Because chinchillas are social creatures, having enough space for a partner or mate should be a top consideration.
Exercise
Chinchillas require a lot of movement to keep them cognitively and physically occupied, preventing health problems like obesity. This means you’ll need a range of chinchilla toys to keep them entertained and active. You’ll also need safe chewing things to wear down their constantly growing teeth. Aside from toys designed expressly for chinchillas, various wooden parrot toys, as well as willow balls and rings commonly found for rabbits, are also suitable. Make certain that the toys do not have any small or plastic elements that could be eaten.
Pricing/Purchasing
Chinchillas can be found in a variety of pet retailers. However, it is usually preferable to get one from a reputable breeder or rescue group. They frequently know more about the animal’s health, history, and disposition. On average, expect to pay between $50 and $200, though this might vary based on factors like the age of the animal.
The Benefits and Drawbacks of Keeping a Chinchilla as a Pet
Chinchillas are fascinating pets that can be both entertaining and sociable if properly socialized. They’re also relatively quiet and take up little room. However, many chinchillas require a great deal of patience and work to tame. And because they sleep during the day, they aren’t an ideal companion for someone who wants to connect with a pet throughout the day.
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