Chinchilla care

The essentials to ensure your chinchilla remains in good health. Always seek veterinary advice if you are concerned about your pet.

Chinchillas are clean and quiet pets. These shy rodents are more appropriate as a companion for adults, rather than children, as they can live between 10 to 20 years and are mostly nocturnal. It is advisable to keep their enclosure out of bedrooms as they may disturb you during the night.

Being social animals, Chinchillas are not happy alone, so pairing or same-sex groups should always be considered. Housing two same-sex Chinchillas from the same litter is the most common way to prevent upset, however, later bonding can be achieved.

Housing and bedding

Chinchillas should always be housed indoors, especially with our UK climate! They can survive in quite cold temperatures but if housed in draughty areas this can be dangerous for them so keep Chinchillas away from windows or any other draughty environments. As well as cold temperatures Chinchillas are also prone to heatstroke in warmer weather and conditions – the ideal temperature for Chinchillas is between 10-18 degrees.

Chinchillas are quite large compared to other small animals so will need plenty of space to explore and forage in. A minimum cage size of 2m x 2m x 1m will be suitable for a pair or trio of Chinchillas, with shelves and different heights for them to explore as well as a nest box for them to sleep in during the day. Wooden boxes are ideal for these as Chinchillas like to nibble!

Bedding materials such as shredded paper, towels and blankets should be used to bed the bottom of the cage as well as dust-extracted bedding. In nest areas and in baskets hay can also be used for bedding and hammock can be added between levels.

You will also need a suitable dust bath. Chinchillas take dust baths as a way of self-cleaning their coats. This not only cleans their coats, but it protects them by eliminating extra oils and moisture. They will flop, flip, and roll around in the dust to cover their coat and remove any unwanted dirt or oils.

Did you know? Chinchilla’s sleep in their nest boxes up to 12-16 hours a day!

Cleaning

Accommodation hygiene is very important not just to keep the space clean but also to not compromise the health of the Chinchillas. Whilst Chinchillas are quite hygienic, daily checks (spot-cleans) should be done regularly with any soiled bedding removed and replenished. A full clean of the accommodation should be carried out at least once a month, depending on cleanliness, and should be done using a safe disinfectant spray and fresh bedding supplies.

Diet

Chinchillas should be given a commercial Chinchilla food daily as a basis of their diet, but should also be given regular hay, fruits and veggies to help make sure they get all the vital nutrients they need. The dry mix can be either given in a stainless-steel bowl or scattered throughout the Chinchilla’s accommodation to help them express natural foraging behaviour. Chinchillas will also need a constant supply of fresh water which should be provided in a free-access water bottle fixed to the tank and not in bowls as the Chinchilla will likely tip them over.

Here is a list of some of the suitable vegetables, fruits and herbs chinchillas can consume and those you should avoid:

 

Safe to eat Occasional Avoid
Celery Fruit Wood Twigs Raisins
Orchard Grass Rose Hips Citrus Fruits
Sweet Potato Fresh Fruits Seeds
Oat Hay Blueberries Corn
Timothy Hay Apples Nuts
Blue Grass Hay Carrots  
Squash    
Pumpkin    

Handling

Handling a Chinchilla should be done after you have gained the rodent’s trust and be carried out in a calm and safe environment.

The best method for handling Chinchillas is the Scoop technique, place one hand under or around their chest area with your other hand lifting and supporting their hind legs. Hold the Chinchilla close to your body for security and always keep them upright to protect their delicate spine. After securing the Chinchilla you can then move to a seat or area where you can play or stroke them safely.

Basic health check

Health checking can be done daily and is easily categorised into major areas. These areas are listed below for a Chinchilla with a brief description of what to look for to make sure they are healthy.  

Breathing – Chinchilla is correctly breathing no discharge from nostrils.

Coat – Smooth and free of flakes no signs of hair loss.

Eyes – Chinchilla’s eyes are open all the way and clear no signs of swelling or discharge.

Ears – Ears are clean and upright with no signs of soreness from over bathing.

Skin and Body – No lumps, swelling or injuries can be found. Moving freely without any discomfort.

    If you have any questions about small animal care, you can email our team on smallanimals@gawa.org.uk