Like every other pet, chinchillas have their own needs, personalities, and characteristics. There is a lot to love about these charming little pets. They are not only super cute, they are very fun and personable. They’re also quiet, fairly inexpensive to feed, and don’t need much room. A local Middletown, DE vet offers some insight about caring for these little guys below.

Is A Chinchilla Easy To Take Care Of?

Chinchillas aren’t exactly high maintenance. As with many pocket pets, you’ll only have a few daily tasks, such as providing fresh food and water and removing waste. However, there are a lot of do’s and don’ts with these guys. So, while they don’t need an excessive amount of care, they do need the right care.  

What Are Some Chinchilla Care Mistakes?

There are some definite don’ts when it comes to chinchilla care. Some of these would apply to all animals, while others are quite specific.

Here are our top ones:

Don’t Keep Just One Chinchilla

Chinchillas are very amiable, and just aren’t really well suited to being alone. Your pet will be much happier with roommates. Of course, you’ll want to be careful here. As one may expect, if you put a boy and girl chinchilla together, you’ll probably end up with more furballs than you bargained for. Putting more than one male in a single habitat is also asking for trouble, as your pets may fight. Put girls and/or neutered males together.

What Kind Of Toys Do Chinchillas Need?

Chincillas are very curious and playful. They also chew a lot. Like many pocket pets, they have open=rooted teeth, which never stop growing. You’ll need to provide lots of fun toys.

Branches are almost always a hit. Chinchillas love to climb, so branches are almost always sure to hit. Just be sure to  stick to safe woods, like pear, apple, hazelnut, or willow. Don’t give your chinny pine or cedar: these are toxic to small animals, because of the oils.

Here are some other options:

• Tunnels
• Cardboard Toys
• Wooden Blocks 
• Ladders
• Toilet Paper Tubes 

What Sort Of Cage Do Chinchillas Need?

While there are many things you can do to customize a chinchilla cage, there are a few basic rules that you will need to keep in mind. 

Here are a few tips:

• Chinchillas are great climbers, so you’ll want a cage that offers more vertical than horizontal space. 
• The cage should have a solid bottom. Wire floors won’t contain substrate. Plus, they can actually cause injuries to those tiny legs and feet.
• Make sure the cage bars are spaced a half inch or less apart.
• For substrate, you can use aspen. Avoid  pine or cedar substrates, as they are toxic to small animals.
• Get a dust bath! Chinchillas bath in dust, which soaks up dirt and oil from that soft fur.
• Don’t skip accessories, like hammocks and (solid) wheels. You’ll also need to provide some sort of hide for your pet.
• Dishes and water bottles are also necessary. We would recommend getting a glass bottle, instead of plastic, just in ase our pet tries to chew it. 

Where Do I Put My Chinchilla Cage?

This is more important than you think. Chinchillas are quite timid, and may be frightened if they are exposed to too much noise or commotion. A corner spot in a quiet room is ideal. You don’t want to isolate your pets too much, though: they should be able to see and hear you.

You’ll also need to consider the temperature. Chinchillas can overheat very easily, and are in danger any time it gets over about 80 °F. Your pet should be in a room that always stays around 68°F. 

Humidity is another thing to keep in mind. Chinchillas can be prone to developing fungal infections in damp conditions. If there is too much humidity, you may need a dehumidifier. 

What Do I Feed My Chinchilla?

The bulk of your pet’s diet—or the larger portion of the chinchilla food pyramid—should be based on fresh grass hay, such as Timothy hay. They can also have commercial food, such as pellet food, for breakfast and dinner. 

Your vet may also recommend providing a cuttlebone for your pets to chew on. They may also recommend supplements, such as vitamin C. Fresh water is a must, of course. 

It’s also important to know what isn’t safe. That list includes asparagus, avocados, peas, broccoli, cabbage, corn, lettuce, spinach, rhubarb, bananas, citrus fruits, and many nuts and seeds. Ask your vet for more information.

What Kind Of Treats Can I Give A Guinea Pig? 

Like any other pet, chinchillas love treats! There’s nothing wrong with offering something special. Just stick with things you know are safe. 

Here are some suggestions: 

• Dried Fruit
• Dandelion Leaves
• Hibiscus
• Dried Rose Hips
• Certain herbs
• Berry Leaves

Ask your vet for more information, including serving sizes, more snack suggestions, and safe and unsafe foods. 

What Is A Chinchilla’s Temperament?

These cute little pets tend to be much more comfortable with other chinchillas than they are with humans. You can probably expect them to be rather shy. Proper socialization goes a long way here. Gently offering treats, letting your pets sniff you, petting them carefully, and talking to them can all help your pet feel calmer and safe. Be careful not to force things. If your chinchilla gets scared, they may become wary of you.

What Are Some Common Illnesses In Chinchillas? 

Like any other pet, chinchillas are prone to developing some specific issues. Gastrointestinal problems are fairly common with them. Chinchillas can also be prone to dental issues. Other common problems include heat stroke, respiratory tract infection, fur issues, ringworm, bloating, parasites, bone fracture, reproductive issues, cardiovascular disease, fungal infections, infectious diseases … the list goes on. 

You’ll want to watch for warning signs that something isn’t right. Here are some of the key ones:

• Weight Loss
• Depression
• Fur Slip
• Dull or Unkempt Coat
• Changes in Droppings
• Feces in fur
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Bloat
• Drooling 
• Respiratory Issues
• Sneezing 
• Nasal Discharge   
• Discharge from Eyes
• Skin trouble (Crusting, scaling, redness, itching) 

How Do You Groom Your Chinchilla? 

Chinchillas have soft, unique fur, which keeps them warm in cold climates. In fact, they originated in the dry, arid Andes mountains. Their water isn’t really well suited to getting wet. They clean themselves using dust, which soaks up the oils and dirt in your pet’s fur. You’ll need to provide your pet with a dust bath a few times a week. 

What Do I Bathe My Chinchillas In?

Your chinny will need a little spa. You can find ceramic or plastic ones, or use a bowl or dish that is the right shape and size. It should be big enough to fit your pet and some dust. It’s best if you get something that is self-contained, as otherwise you may find dust everywhere. 

What Sort Of Dust Do I Get My Chinchillas?

You’ll need chinchilla dust. This is a specific type of dust, which contains or mimics volcanic dust, which is what wild chinchillas would use in the wild. Many pet stores carry it, but you can also order it online. Don’t use sand or any other products unless you check with your Middletown, DE vet.

How Often Do I Bathe A Chinchilla?

Your chinchilla will probably only need about five or ten minutes to bathe. Most chins do well with about two baths a week. Put the bathhouse away between uses, as your pet may try to use it as a litterbox.

Make An Appointment At Our Middletown, DE Pet Hospital

Do you have questions about chinchilla care? Please feel free to contact us at any time. As your local Middletown, DE pet hospital, we are here to help!