MEET THE CHINCHILLA
Chinchillas are rodents native to the Andes mountains in South America. They are crepuscular, meaning they are most active at dawn and dusk. They are high-energy and extremely sensitive animals. Chinchillas make great pets, but only for those who are willing to put in the time, interest, energy, and money to create the proper habitat and life for these special creatures.
Lifespan
15 - 20 years
Good With Kids
No
Space Requirement
Large
Time Needed Outside Cage
High
Potty Trainability
Low
Diet Difficulty
Medium
Care Difficulty
High
Cleanliness
Messy
Human Interaction Needs
Medium
Cuddliness
Low
ENCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS
MNPPR Recommends
Double Critter Nation
Critter Nation cages are easy to clean, customize, and move around. Plus, they come in both single and double sizes depending on how much room you have and how many chinchillas you want to keep.
Minimum Dimensions
One chinchilla: 6 cubic ft
Two chinchillas: 10 - 12 cubic ft
Three chinchillas: 15 - 24 cubic ft
Other Notes
Wire-sided cages are preferable because they provide plenty of ventilation and options for climbing.
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Bar spacing should be no more than 1” to prevent injuries or escape.
All cage floors, ramps, and levels should be solid or covered with fleece since standing on wire can cause injuries and bumblefoot.
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Anti-pill fleece blankets or liners are the safest options for chinchilla bedding since they may eat other types and get intestinal blockages. We like to use fleece to line the cage and cover any exposed wire floors.
ENRICHMENT REQUIREMENTS
Essentials
water bottle
food bowl
lots of chew toys (wood or lava)
at least one shelter/hide
Chinchiller (or similar stone slab)
dust bath
anti-pill fleece
Variety
*toilet paper tubes
fiddlesticks
tunnels
ladders
*cardboard
treat balls
puzzle toys
timothy hay products
Other Items
hammocks
pet bed
pet carrier
wood or lava ledges
Chewing
Chinchillas are known to be prolific chewers. Because of this, many owners choose not to allow any plastic at all in their environment. This is the best way to protect your pets from ingesting pieces of plastic that can cause an obstruction and make them ill. There are glass water bottles, ceramic or glass dishes, solid metal or wooden wheels, and wooden hides available on the market. Only use anti-pill fleece for cage liners and hammocks, and check them regularly for wear and tear.
*Some owners also choose not to have these items in their chinchilla's environment to prevent the possibility of any ingestion.
FEEDING REQUIREMENTS
Hay
Chinchillas’ digestive systems require a constant supply of hay to function properly. An unlimited supply of timothy hay, orchard grass, and/or meadow grass should be available for them to eat at all times. Adult chinchillas should not be given alfalfa since its calcium content is too high and can cause stones to form.
Pellets
Each chinchilla should be given 1/8 cup of timothy pellets a day. Seed mix food should not be used because they are often missing vital nutrients, and many chinchillas will only eat their favorite-tasting pieces, causing an unbalanced diet. At MNPPR, we prefer to use Oxbow brand pellets.
Safe Treats
alfalfa hay cubes
dandelions
dried rose hips
fruit tree twigs
parsley
orchard grass
meadow hay
Treats
Chinchillas have very sensitive digestive systems and should not be given more than a few very small treats a week to prevent serious health problems.
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**Carrots and raisins have a lot of sugar and are dangerous for chinchillas if they are given too much or too often. Many chinchilla pet parents choose to avoid these types of treats altogether.
Unsafe Treats
corn
dairy
fruit
meat
nuts
seeds
vegetables
DISCLAIMER
All information shared by MN Pocket Pet Rescue is researched, up to date, and accurate to the best of our ability. We are not a licensed veterinary organization and do not intend to present ourselves as such. All educational material contains our best recommendations for care specific to each species. However, all animals are different, and some may have unique needs. MN Pocket Pet Rescue does not assume any liability for the well-being of any animal not under our care. Always use your best judgment and follow veterinary recommendations whenever necessary. If you have any questions or find inaccurate information, please contact us.