Chinchillas: Feeding

What do chinchillas eat in the wild?

Chinchillas are native to the Andes Mountains in South America. In the wild, they primarily eat grass, hay, wild berries, nuts, roots, twigs, stems, and tree bark. 

What should I feed my chinchilla?

Chinchillas require a high-fiber diet and should be offered low-calcium grass hay, such as Timothy hay, orchard grass, botanical hay, oat hay, or meadow hay. Hay should be available 24 hours a day and should be the main component of your chinchilla’s diet. 

While alfalfa may be offered occasionally, it should only be given in small amounts, as it is too high in calcium for chinchillas and could lead to kidney problems or calcium-containing bladder stones.

Replace hay daily with fresh hay to prevent bacterial and mold growth. Offer hay in a hay rack or holder attached to the cage, as chinchillas can be messy and may urinate on hay left on the cage floor.

In addition to hay, chinchillas can be fed a small amount of a commercial, pelleted diet formulated specifically for chinchillas (1 to 2 tbsp/day). Chinchillas have sensitive digestive tracts, so any necessary diet changes should be made slowly, over several days, to minimize gastrointestinal problems. Never feed chinchillas seeds, nuts, and grains.

Does my chinchilla need vitamins?

Chinchillas do not require additional vitamins if they are fed a complete and balanced diet.

Can I give my chinchilla treats?

Chinchillas do not require treats, although you can occasionally offer them fresh, low-calcium green vegetables or a piece of high-fiber fruit (e.g., apple slice). Do not offer any people food without consulting your veterinarian first. Do not feed your chinchilla dehydrated fruits and vegetables, as they can cause severe digestive system disturbance. Clean, dried, thin applewood sticks make great treats for chinchillas. These sticks also help chinchillas keep their teeth trimmed.

How much water does my chinchilla need?

Fresh, clean water should be available 24 hours a day. Depending on the quality of your tap water, you may consider bottled water. Most owners choose to offer water through a sipper bottle hung in the cage, as water bowls are easily soiled and spilled. Clean all food bowls, water bowls, and water sippers every day with soap and water and rinse well. Check to ensure the sipper tube is not clogged with food or algae. Change the water at least daily, even if there is still water available, as bacteria and yeast can accumulate if water is not changed.