Chinchillas (Chinchilla laniger)

Chinchilla Facts

Chinchillas can live over 10 years, sexually mature as early as 8 months, gestation of just less than 4 months, and typically have litters of 2 babies. Spay and neutering is possible and can help prevent some medical and behavioral problems. The pet chinchillas in the United States today have originated from only a few that were imported in the early 1920’s, and chinchilla fur is some of the most luxurious in the world.

Chinchilla Housing

Chinchillas are very active and need lots of room to jump, climb, and roll around. The best type of cage for them is tall (at least 24 inches high) with small gage wire mesh and solid floor to give good ventilation and safety from leg injury. If you let them roam, all wires, chemicals, and expensive furniture should be protected. You can house multiple animals together but be cautious because the females can become aggressive. To help prevent this, increase the size of the cage and have a hide box for each individual animal. Chinchillas are some of the least tolerant of heat and humidity and will quickly succumb to heat stress if not kept in temperatures in the low 70’s. Be sure to always have appropriate chew items in the cage with them such as untreated wood and pumice stones. The bedding in the bottom of the cage does not need to be deep as chinchillas do not like to burrow in it.

Chinchilla Grooming

If given proper conditions, chinchillas will need little grooming. The most important thing in keeping your chinchillas clean and soft is making a proper dust bath available. It is best to buy commercially prepared chinchilla dust and place it in a container small enough to fit in the cage but deep enough for the chinchilla to roll around in. Offer the bathing material once daily but do not leave it in the cage so as to prevent soiling from feces and urine. By following these instructions your chinchillas coat will always remain clean, soft, and luxurious. Nail trims can be done as needed but always be cautious of the quick, or the living part of the nail and cut a few millimeters from its tip. If you notice any problems with the teeth or drooling take them to their veterinarian to have them examined.

Chinchilla Health Care

Chinchillas should be seen by their veterinarian at least twice yearly and anytime you suspect there is a health issue. Some recommendations that may be made are blood and urine analysis, fecal floats, dental work, radiographs and surgery to spay or neuter your pet. Never try treating your chinchilla yourself as improper medication can be fatal. Never post pone having your chinchilla examined because the sooner you bring your pet in the better the chance for success.

Chinchilla Diet

No single factor has more overall affect on keeping your pet healthy then feeding a proper diet. It is important to feed proper pellets formulated for chinchillas such as Jojo’s Best and free choice quality grass hay, preferably timothy hay. Obesity, urinary tract problems, breeding issues, and dental disease can all be limited if an appropriate diet is observed. As well as proper food, it is important that chinchillas have free choice clean water at all times.