Read About Chinchilla Pet Care

Chinchilla pet care, and everything you need to know to take the best care of your pet is included in this article. Chinchillas are loving and playful pets.

Chinchilla pet care - Health

1. Inoculations:

   Chinchillas are not routinely vaccinated.

2. Vet Visits:

   Healthy chinchillas should see the vet once a year for a complete check-up.

3. Grooming:

   One of the ways chinchillas groom themselves in by rolling around in a dust bath. This is a heavy ceramic or glass bowl that is a little larger than the chinchilla and filled with fine sand especially intended for a dust bath.

4. Pet Proofing Your Home:

   Chinchillas are avid chewers! Be sure all electrical cords are protected and never leave your chinchilla unsupervised.

5. Environment:

   Chinchillas need plenty of room to move, so a wire cage that has at least 2 square feet of floor space is needed. Chinchillas climb, so the taller the cage, the better. Avoid plastic parts; chinchillas will very quickly destroy anything made of plastic.

6. Exercise:

   If introduced to them early, chinchillas enjoy exercise wheels and balls.

Chinchilla pet care - Food

1. Type:

   Chinchillas should be fed specially-formulated pellet food, along with some loose hay (be sure the hay is pesticide free).

2. Variety or Always the Same:

   Chinchillas usually do well on a consistent diet with an occasional treat.

3. Bowls -- Fancy or Plain:

   Food bowls must be heavy ceramic crocks, to prevent the chinchilla from tipping it. Hopper feeders that attach to the side of the cage work very well, too. Water bottles should be glass, since a chinchilla will eat through a plastic water bottle.

4. Treats:

   Chinchillas enjoy fruits like grapes or apples, or veggies such as carrots for treats.

Chinchilla pet care - Temperament

1. Pet Temperament:

   Chinchillas are playful and active; some like to held while others do not.

2. Pet Socialization:

   Some chinchillas get along very well with other pets such as cats and dogs. Be sure to take your time introducing your chinchilla to any other animal, including another chinchilla. Ferrets and snakes are natural enemies of the chinchilla and should never be introduced! Never leave your chinchilla unsupervised with children or other animals.

3. Playing With Your Pet:

   Chinchillas are playful animals, but keep in mind that they are naturally nocturnal. You may find your chinchilla isn't much interested in playing with you in the morning; try again in the evening and you'll likely get a better response.

4. Behavior Problems:

   Chinchillas can be very destructive chewers. Prevent this by providing them with toys and keeping them supervised.

5. Training:

   Chinchillas can be trained to come when called, perch on your arm, and return calmly to their cages. Training should start at a fairly young age, and is best done in the evening, when your nocturnal friend is already active.

Chinchilla pet care - Supplies

1. What You Need:

   In addition to a large cage, you will need a heavy-bottomed food bowl, glass water bottle, and large ceramic bowl for a dust bath (and specialized sand to fill it).

2. What You'll Want:

   Your chinchilla will enjoy toys, such as wooden blocks, ledges, and swings.