Is a Chinchilla Right for Me?
Pet Store vs. Breeder
Basic Care
Benefits of Owning Multiple Chinchillas
Thinking About Breeding?
Let's start by listing all the supplies you will need to care for your new fuzzy friend. First you need a large cage, suited to a chinchillas needs. They are very active and love to jump. A cage with multiple floors is a must, and the bigger the better! It will also save you a lot of hassle if you purchase a cage with a slide-out pan. Never use cedar for your bedding. Change the bedding every two weeks or every week if you have multiple chins. The cage itself needs to be broken down and washed about once a month. Cages need to be in a temperature-controlled environment away from heaters, as chinchillas enjoy a cool habitat.
It is also a good idea to purchase a playpen or chin-proof a room so they have somewhere to run outside the cage. Keep in mind that chins LOVE to chew on anything within their reach. Make sure all power cords are out of reach and that nothing is left on the floor. They can also squeeze into the smallest spaces! NEVER leave them unsupervised while outside the cage. They should be given time to exercise and be held at least once a day.
Chinchillas are very hardy and do not often get sick. They do not need to be taken to a vet for a regular check-up, but it is a good idea to have the number to a local vet who treats chinchillas in case of an emergency. The two main problems chins encounter involve genetics and malnutrition. If you purchase a chinchilla from a reputable breeder, and not a pet store, you should not see any problems genetically. Chinchillas do need a good quality pellet, especially made for chinchillas, to ensure they recieve all the nutrients they need. This should be given to them once a day, preferably in the evening as they are waking up. Leftovers need to be disposed of before every feeding and the bowl should be rinsed. Fresh water should always be available, along with hay. Treats can be given occasionally. These can include store bought "chinchilla treats" or a wide variety of dried fruits, such as banana chips and raisins.
Grooming a chinchilla is not very time-consuming. You will need to purchase chinchilla "dust" and a bathhouse. You can also build your own bathhouse by cutting the top half off of a cleaned milk jug. The dust can be purchased at most pet stores, though I recommend, if possible, purchasing a higher quality dust, which can be found online. Your chinchilla will need a bath every few days. NEVER bathe your chinchilla in water! If you notice the fur getting a little matted, you can take a small-toothed comb and gently run it thought the fur to get out the mats.
This may seem like a lot to do, but after the first few weeks you chinchilla-care will become routine and will take you only minutes a day, which will leave you a lot of time to play with your new friend!
I recommend picking up a good book on Chinchilla care and reading it through before getting a chinchilla. Also, make sure you have your cage and all the supplies BEFORE you go and get your chinchilla. For recommendations on food, hay, and dust brands, or for any further questions, feel free to E-Mail Us.