Chinchilla Care Guide

Chinchillas (Chinchilla lanigera) are rodents native to the Andes mountains, known for their extremely dense, soft fur and crepuscular/nocturnal activity. They are active, require specific care regarding diet and temperature, and need regular dust baths to maintain their coat health. Chinchillas are highly susceptible to heatstroke; maintaining a cool environment is critical. They have a long lifespan, often 10-15+ years.

Habitat & Enclosure

A large, multi-level cage with solid surfaces and proper ventilation is needed.

• Cage Type: Multi-level wire cages are essential to accommodate their love of jumping and climbing. **Avoid cages with wire mesh floors or shelves**, as these can cause foot injuries (bumblefoot). Shelves and floors should be solid.
• Size: Tall and spacious. Minimum size for a single chinchilla is often cited as 24″x24″x36″ high, but **larger is significantly better**, especially for pairs.
• Material: Ensure the cage is made of wire, not plastic, as chinchillas will chew plastic, which can cause blockages if ingested. Bar spacing should be no more than 1″ x 0.5″ to prevent escapes or injury.
• Shelves & Ledges: Provide multiple wooden shelves or ledges at different heights for climbing and resting. Arrange them safely to prevent long falls.
• Bedding: Use paper-based bedding (like Carefresh or Kaytee Clean & Cozy) or aspen shavings in the bottom tray. Avoid cedar or untreated pine shavings. Fleece liners can also be used for shelves and trays but require frequent washing.
• Hide House: Provide a wooden or ceramic hide house for daytime sleeping and security. Avoid plastic hides.
• Food & Water: Use heavy ceramic bowls for food (or a hopper feeder) and a glass sipper water bottle. Check the sipper daily for function.
• Chew Toys: Absolutely essential for dental health. Provide a constant supply of safe wood chews (untreated pine, aspen, apple wood), pumice stones, or loofah toys.
• Location: Place the cage in a cool, quiet area away from direct sunlight, drafts, and excessive noise.

Temperature & Environment

Chinchillas MUST be kept cool.

• Temperature: CRITICAL. Ideal temperature range is **60-70°F (15-21°C)**. Temperatures above 75°F (24°C) increase the risk of potentially fatal heatstroke. Temperatures above 80°F (27°C) are extremely dangerous.
• Cooling Measures: If your home gets warm, you MUST have ways to cool the chinchilla’s environment, such as air conditioning or placing granite/marble cooling slabs in the cage. Fans primarily circulate air and don’t cool chinchillas effectively due to their dense fur.
• Humidity: Prefer low humidity. High humidity can contribute to fur problems and overheating.
• Lighting: They are crepuscular/nocturnal. Avoid bright lights directly on the cage. Normal ambient room light is fine. Provide a dark hide for daytime sleep.

Diet & Nutrition

A high-fiber diet based on hay is essential for digestive health.

• Hay: **The most important part of the diet.** Unlimited access to high-quality grass hay (Timothy hay, orchard grass, oat hay) must be provided at all times. Hay promotes healthy digestion and wears down their constantly growing teeth. Avoid alfalfa hay as a primary source for adults (too high in calcium/protein) but it can be given sparingly as a treat or to young/nursing chins.
• Pellets: Offer a limited amount (1-2 tablespoons per day per chinchilla) of high-quality, plain chinchilla pellets. Look for Timothy hay-based pellets without added seeds, nuts, corn, or colored pieces.
• Treats: **Extremely limited.** Chinchillas have sensitive digestive systems. Safe treats given very sparingly (1-2 times per week maximum, tiny amounts) include plain shredded wheat, rose hips, dried herbs (dandelion, hibiscus), or a small piece of safe wood. Avoid sugary fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and commercial “treat sticks” (often high in sugar/fat).
• Water: Fresh, clean water must always be available via a sipper bottle. Check nozzle daily.

Dust Baths

Essential for maintaining fur health and cleanliness.

• Requirement: Chinchillas have incredibly dense fur that cannot get wet. They clean themselves by rolling in fine volcanic ash/dust.
• Dust Type: Use commercially available chinchilla dust specifically made for this purpose. Do *not* use sand or regular dirt.
• Frequency & Duration: Offer a dust bath 2-4 times per week for 10-15 minutes at a time. Do not leave the dust bath in the cage permanently, as overuse can dry out skin and eyes.
• Container: Provide the dust in a heavy, stable container (ceramic or metal) large enough for the chinchilla to roll in comfortably without tipping it over easily. A high-sided container helps minimize mess.

Handling & Socialization

Chinchillas can be socialized but require gentle handling.

• Approach: Approach calmly and speak softly. Let the chinchilla come to you or gently scoop them up, supporting their body fully (one hand under chest, one under hindquarters). Never grab by the tail base or fur (risk of “fur slip”).
• Temperament: Can be skittish initially. With patience and regular interaction, many become quite tame and interactive. They are active and curious.
• Handling Sessions: Keep initial sessions short. Handle in a safe, enclosed area, as they are fast and can jump surprisingly high.
• Social Needs: Can be kept singly if given enough attention, but often do well in same-sex pairs or groups if introduced carefully and properly.
• Out-of-Cage Playtime: Essential for exercise and mental stimulation. Provide playtime daily in a **chinchilla-proofed** room (no exposed wires, toxic plants, small spaces to get stuck in). Supervise closely at all times.

Health & Cleaning

Dental and digestive issues are common concerns.

• Common Issues: Heatstroke, dental problems (malocclusion – overgrown teeth, often linked to insufficient hay), gastrointestinal stasis (GI stasis – slowed digestion, requires immediate vet care), bloat, respiratory infections, bumblefoot, fur slip (releasing patches of fur when handled roughly or stressed), fungal infections (ringworm).
• Veterinary Care: Find an exotic vet experienced with chinchillas *before* needed. Regular checkups are advised. Be vigilant for signs of illness (lethargy, lack of appetite, teeth grinding, drooling, changes in droppings).
• Grooming: Dust baths handle most grooming. Fur should never get wet. Check teeth regularly for proper alignment and length (if possible, or have vet check).
• Daily Cleaning: Clean food/water containers. Check hay supply. Spot clean bedding/liners.
• Weekly Cleaning: Replace soiled bedding or wash liners. Wipe down cage surfaces and shelves. Clean dust bath house.
• Deep Cleaning (Monthly): Thoroughly wash and disinfect the cage and accessories.