Chinchilla Basics
Housing
Ideally chinchillas should be kept in a wire mesh (which should have a mesh no larger than 15mm x 15mm) that extends across the floor wire mesh (which should have a mesh no larger than 15mm x 15mm) that extends around all 6 sides including the floor. Having mesh on the floor allows urine and faeces to pass under the cage to help keep your chinchilla clean, however, places like wooden shelves should be placed to allow access away from the mesh floor so conditions like bumble foot do not occur. 90cm x 60cm x 45cm is the minimum sized cage for a single chinchilla but remember, bigger is always better. The cage should be placed in a draft free, dry environment with access to natural light but not direct sunlight.
Chinchillas like a dark place to sleep so place a wooden box for them to sleep in, the box should be able to easily accommodate all chinchillas within the enclosure.
Chinchillas also, unlike many other small furries, like to take a bath, not in water but in sand. You should provide them with a sand bath several times a week for 10-20 minutes at a time. Chinchilla sand is available from most pet shops, never use normal sand as this can harm your chinchilla. Never leave it in as they may use it as a toilet area.
Feeding
Like rabbits, chinchillas require a large amount of fibre in their diet so always provide them with a constant supply of hay. Chinchillas also require a complete food so that they have a balanced diet. A non-selective pellet is the best type of complete food to feed, as a muesli type food allows for them to pick out their favourite bits leaving the rest, this can lead to dietary deficiencies.
Chinchillas love to eat fruit and vegetables but too much or the wrong type can be harmful so limit how much they have each day.
Some GOOD fruit and vegetables are apple, blueberry, carrot, celery, grape, orange, potato, pumpkin, squash, sweet potato and raisins.
Some BAD fruit and vegetables are asparagus, peas, cabbage, corn, lettuce, broccoli, rhubarb & rhubarb leaves, and spinach.
Some common plants that are harmful to chinchillas are: foxglove, lily, rose periwinkle, all nightshades, aloe vera, boxwood, amaryllis, apple leaf, cherry laurel, gaultheria, poppy, tulip, fern, all ivy, tomato plant, hyacinth, primrose, daffodil, autumn crocus, mistletoe, all olives, delphinium, geranium, holly, chrysanthemum, clematis, forget-me-not, lavender and hydrangea macrophylla.
Fresh water should be provided at all times.
Pairing
Chinchillas are largely nocturnal, but become active during the evening and throughout the night – perfect for when owners get back from work or school. Very young children and chinchillas, however, aren’t always a good partnership because the animals are very sensitive to rough handling and are not particularly good at sitting still to be petted.
Chinchillas like the company of other chinchillas so a pair or group is best.
Same and mixed sexed pair and groups can be kept together but remember if you’re getting a mixed sex group or pair to get them neutered.
Neutering
When keeping an all male group or pair it may be necessary to neuter all of the individuals. Leaving one or more un-neutered can still lead to aggression problems.
When keeping an all female group or pair it is usually not necessary to neuter them.
When keeping a mixed group or pair it will be necessary to neuter the male(s) in the group or pair to avoid unwanted pregnancies.
The males are usually the ones to be neutered as the procedure is much less invasive and the anaesthetic time is much shorter, minimising the risks.
Unfortunately, just like all small animals, chinchillas are more susceptible to problems whilst under anaesthesia so strong considerations should be made before having your chinchilla neutered.
