Chinchilla Care Information
The following recommendations work well for our farm. We accept zero responsibility for the wellbeing of anyone’s animals when these recommendations have been followed. We suggest finding a veterinarian to help you work on a care plan using their expert advice.
Preparing for your new pet
Diet
Chinchillas have simple diets and are usually happiest being fed in the evening. Feed your chinchilla about 2 tablespoons of a plain timothy-based chinchilla pellet diet per day. Avoid alfalfa-based diets and diets that include dried fruits/treats. Many chinchillas will eat only the treats mixed in and not the pellets and will become unhealthy. They should also be given free access to timothy hay, usually a handful every day or two is enough. Approximately 1/2 cup to 1 cup of fresh vegetables should be offered daily as well.
Chinchillas should always have access to water (water bottles are the best option for chinchillas).
Bonding
Chinchillas can form a very special bond with their caretaker, sometimes it takes time and you have to interact with them constantly and make handle them often so that they are used to it and begin to trust you. You want to make sure your chinchilla is also very happy and healthy this is very important. Purchasing from an experienced licensed breeder almost always ensures this.
Good ways to bond include:
Dust Baths
Do not ever bathe your chinchilla with water. Chinchillas keep themselves very clean and should not ever need a water bath. They bathe themselves by rolling and flipping around in volcanic dust that is similar to their natural environment. This powder soaks up the oils from their fur and leaves them sparkly clean and dry. You should provide an enclosed bathhouse (or a bowl if you don’t mind a powdery mess), with about 1/4 inch of dust in the bottom, two or three times per week for about 15 minutes. Chinchilla dust baths can be purchased at almost any pet store or online. Your chinchilla may also enjoy being brushed with a very soft brush. No need to clip their nails, as they are human-like and won't scratch you.
Habitat
A cooler and quiet area of your home is the best place for the enclosure. Chinchillas are covered in thick fur for a reason to protect them from elements such as harsh winters. This makes them susceptible to overheating so be careful when considering where to locate your enclosure in the house.
Chinchillas cages ideally are a good size and have multiple levels to the home like platforms and ramps. Some say the larger the cage the better but this is at your discretion on what's ideal for your home. Plastic cages are NOT ideal because the chinchillas can easily chew through plastic and get out of the enclosure. The tray at the bottom should be lined with pine shavings, newspaper, or liners. Some people get wire bottom cages because it is easier to clean but this is hard on chinchilla's feet so I recommend against those.
Temperature
Chinchillas must be kept cool at all times. They have thick, warm fur and can overheat easily. Keep your chinchilla in a room that is around 75 degrees or cooler, ideally 60- 70 degrees. Never let your chinchilla be in temperatures of 80 degrees or more for a prolonged period of time. They are naturally found in very cold regions.
If you live in an area that gets warm, I highly recommend putting some small slabs of granite on the bottom of their cage. When your chinchillas get too warm, they love to curl up on these slabs to cool down.
Toys & Enrichment
Because they are rodents chinchillas' teeth grow continuously so they must wear them down by chewing. Chinchillas really like to chew on things and run and jump and play, this means they need a very good variety of toys. This will keep them active and busy. You will also want to get chew toys that are good for keeping their incisor teeth filed and in good condition. Blocks of wood and tree branches that are free from pesticides make good chew toys. Wheels can provide really good exercise, You would want one with a solid running surface and at least 15 inches. Wire wheels are NOT recommended because they can damage their feet and tails.
Chinchilla FAQs
- Wire cage - Ideally 2 stories with ramps and shelves, no plastic. As chinchillas poop a lot, you may want to look for a cage with side guards or a pull-out bottom. You’ll need to remove waste and uneaten food from your pets’ cage daily.
- Cage cleaner - Dish soap, vinegar
- Food bowl - not plastic
- Chinchilla food
- Water bottle
- Hay & Hay holder
- Solid large wheel
- Bedding - Pine shavings, newspaper, liners, no cedar
- Dust bath powder
- Dust bathhouse
- Hiding place - Wild chinchillas are very active in the evening. However, pet chinchillas adapt readily to humans’ schedules. Pets should be provided with some quiet time during daylight hours and a hideaway to sleep if they choose.
- Toys and accessories
Diet
Chinchillas have simple diets and are usually happiest being fed in the evening. Feed your chinchilla about 2 tablespoons of a plain timothy-based chinchilla pellet diet per day. Avoid alfalfa-based diets and diets that include dried fruits/treats. Many chinchillas will eat only the treats mixed in and not the pellets and will become unhealthy. They should also be given free access to timothy hay, usually a handful every day or two is enough. Approximately 1/2 cup to 1 cup of fresh vegetables should be offered daily as well.
- carrots, kale, dandelion greens, and leafy green lettuce.
- Dried fruit treats such as banana chips, papaya, and raisins are some of their favorites!
- Nuts and seeds, fresh fruits, and fresh vegetables should be fed very sparingly.
- Dairy and animal products should be avoided.
Chinchillas should always have access to water (water bottles are the best option for chinchillas).
Bonding
Chinchillas can form a very special bond with their caretaker, sometimes it takes time and you have to interact with them constantly and make handle them often so that they are used to it and begin to trust you. You want to make sure your chinchilla is also very happy and healthy this is very important. Purchasing from an experienced licensed breeder almost always ensures this.
Good ways to bond include:
- Allowing them to eat treats from your hand
- Give them something that smells like you to sleep with
- Let them come to you, don't chase them
- Give them lots of love and attention!
Dust Baths
Do not ever bathe your chinchilla with water. Chinchillas keep themselves very clean and should not ever need a water bath. They bathe themselves by rolling and flipping around in volcanic dust that is similar to their natural environment. This powder soaks up the oils from their fur and leaves them sparkly clean and dry. You should provide an enclosed bathhouse (or a bowl if you don’t mind a powdery mess), with about 1/4 inch of dust in the bottom, two or three times per week for about 15 minutes. Chinchilla dust baths can be purchased at almost any pet store or online. Your chinchilla may also enjoy being brushed with a very soft brush. No need to clip their nails, as they are human-like and won't scratch you.
Habitat
A cooler and quiet area of your home is the best place for the enclosure. Chinchillas are covered in thick fur for a reason to protect them from elements such as harsh winters. This makes them susceptible to overheating so be careful when considering where to locate your enclosure in the house.
Chinchillas cages ideally are a good size and have multiple levels to the home like platforms and ramps. Some say the larger the cage the better but this is at your discretion on what's ideal for your home. Plastic cages are NOT ideal because the chinchillas can easily chew through plastic and get out of the enclosure. The tray at the bottom should be lined with pine shavings, newspaper, or liners. Some people get wire bottom cages because it is easier to clean but this is hard on chinchilla's feet so I recommend against those.
Temperature
Chinchillas must be kept cool at all times. They have thick, warm fur and can overheat easily. Keep your chinchilla in a room that is around 75 degrees or cooler, ideally 60- 70 degrees. Never let your chinchilla be in temperatures of 80 degrees or more for a prolonged period of time. They are naturally found in very cold regions.
If you live in an area that gets warm, I highly recommend putting some small slabs of granite on the bottom of their cage. When your chinchillas get too warm, they love to curl up on these slabs to cool down.
Toys & Enrichment
Because they are rodents chinchillas' teeth grow continuously so they must wear them down by chewing. Chinchillas really like to chew on things and run and jump and play, this means they need a very good variety of toys. This will keep them active and busy. You will also want to get chew toys that are good for keeping their incisor teeth filed and in good condition. Blocks of wood and tree branches that are free from pesticides make good chew toys. Wheels can provide really good exercise, You would want one with a solid running surface and at least 15 inches. Wire wheels are NOT recommended because they can damage their feet and tails.
Chinchilla FAQs
- Do they have scent glands or a smell? Chinchillas are clean, quiet, odorless, and attractive rodents. They do not have scent glands and do a very good job and keeping their fur groomed and cared for.
- Should I get more than one chinchilla? Yes! Chinchillas are social animals and we definitely recommend getting more than one.
- Do they require any vaccinations? Chinchillas do not require vaccines, the chance of a Chinchilla getting rabies is extremely low. A rabies vaccine is not recommended for Chinchillas it has not been approved.
- How are they with other pets? Chinchillas are prey animals and keeping them in a house with predator animals that can hunt like cats or dogs can be a danger to them. Even if they are playing around it could be too rough and they could get injured. Chinchillas are very social and can sometimes live in colonies of more than 100 chinchillas so other chinchillas are ideal.
- Can I take my Chinchilla outside? It is not recommended to bring your Chinchilla outside too often, they are very sensitive to heat because of their thick fur. Before considering bringing the Chinchilla out make sure it is not too hot. You also have to be very careful about them escaping. They are fast and they are wiggly, some people use harnesses but be very cautious and make sure it is all put on correctly so the chinchilla does not get harmed. Always keep an eye out for predators when your Chinchilla is out and be wary of any yard areas that were treated with chemicals.
- Will my Chinchillas bond only to one person? Chinchillas are not going to be as affectionate as a dog or a cat but when they are raised by you this forms a very special bond. Interacting with them on a daily basis is important and keeping your Chinchilla stimulated and encouraging a very trusting relationship can form a heavy bond. They can bond with many different people but usually will be extra close to their caretaker.
- Are Chinchillas legal to own where I live? Since every state, city, country, and even certain homeowner associations all have different laws and guidelines for owning pets there is no way for us to know the laws in your area. It is our responsibility to find out if you need a permit or if they are allowed to have them as a pet in your home.
- Can I use a harness on my chinchilla? No. Chinchillas should not wear a harness. They have fragile rib cages, making a harness dangerous.
- Can you litter train chinchillas? Chinchillas will not constantly or reliably use a litter box.