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Chinchilla Care Sheet |
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General |
Chinchillas make appealing pets for all ages. They sleep most of the day and become active in the evening. Chinchillas are natural acrobats and some find it hard to sit still, others love to be held and petted. It's best to keep two same-sex chinchillas as companions, as they are very social. With good care chinchillas can live over 10 years.
Avoid sudden movements and loud noises, so your chinchillas will trust you and let you handle them easily. They are naturally inquisitive and may sniff or gently nibble your fingers. Children should always be supervised when holding chinchillas, to prevent accidental falls and injuries. Daily exercise outside the cage, in a chinchilla-safe room, is vital to good health, and a daily bath in Chinchilla Dust is recommended.
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Housing |
Chinchillas need room to exercise, so choose the largest cage you can afford. Those with wire floors are easy to keep clean but you shoud cover at least half of the floor with a smooth surface to avoid serious injuries to the chinchillas' feet. Your chinchillas will enjoy multi-level cages, or shelves, as well as a hideaway house and a variety of safe wooden toys.
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Diet |
A healthy diet is based on specially formulated chinchilla pellets and good quality hay, available at all times. Adults may be offered one or two raisins occasionally as a treat and fresh water should always be available in a clean bottle.
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Cleaning |
Clean soiled areas daily. Food dishes, water bottles and the cage bottom need washing weekly, prefereably with an animal safe antiseptic. Always rinse and dry the cage well before putting your animal back.
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Fertility |
Male chinchillas become sexually mature at around four months of age. To avoid health risks and unwanted babies, it's important to accurately sex and separate chinchillas no later than four months old.
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Health |
Be alert and consult a vet if you notice signs of illness or injury such as: lack of appetite; drooling; changes in droppings; bald spots; discharge from eyes or nose; wheezing or noisy breathing. |
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Warnings |
Open wire exercise wheels can cause serious injuries and should never be used for chinchillas. Solid galvanised wheels can be purchased from specialist suppliers. |
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More Info |
There are many resources of good animal care on the internet, try http://www.chincare.com or the National Pet Information Service offered by the Blue Cross |
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