Chinchillas: Owning

What do I need to know about chinchillas? 

Photo courtesy of Dr. Gregory Rich, DVMThe chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera) is a rodent closely related to the guinea pig. Chinchillas originate in South America, where they live in the Andes Mountains. They generally live about 15 to 20 years. Females are slightly larger than males. They are nocturnal animals, which means they are most active at night and prefer to sleep during the day. Like guinea pigs, chinchillas are born with eyes open, fully furred, and active.

Do chinchillas make good pets?

Chinchillas can make fun, enjoyable pets. They are quiet, shy animals that rarely bite. Because they are fast and agile, they love to climb and jump.  They require room to exercise, including a large cage. A properly sized wheel with a smooth, solid running surface can also help them stay active.

Chinchillas can exhibit “fur slip,” which is the release of large clumps of fur if they are handled roughly or their fur is grasped too tightly. This is a defense mechanism that helps them escape predators. Handle your chinchilla gently and never pick them up by the fur. Chinchillas may make a barking sound when they are scared or being aggressive towards another chinchilla.

What daily care does a chinchilla need?

Food: Chinchillas have a digestive tract specialized for digesting large amounts of fiber (like other rodents and rabbits). Provide fresh grass hay every day, along with an appropriate amount of commercial chinchilla pellets and fresh water. Like all rodents, their teeth grow continuously throughout life. Dental problems are common and require timely attention from an experienced small mammal veterinarian. Chewing hay helps wear down their teeth.

Housing: Chinchillas need a cool, dry living area out of direct sunlight. They are susceptible to heatstroke at temperatures above 80°F (27°C).

Grooming: Chinchillas need (and love) regular dust baths to help keep down the oil in their coats and keep them clean. Offer chinchilla bathing dust in a separate container and remove it after the bath so it does not become soiled. Ask your veterinarian how often to offer a bath.

How do I choose a pet chinchilla?

Chinchillas may be available from pet stores or breeders, or for adoption from shelters and rescues. As with any pet purchase, avoid chinchillas that seem too quiet or ill. 

• Chinchillas should be bright and alert and move quickly when startled. 
• Avoid pets with closed eyes or discharge from the eyes or nose. 
• Check the ears for redness or excess wax, which might indicate an infection. 
• If possible, examine the front teeth and make sure they are not overgrown. 
• The chinchilla should feel neither fat nor thin. You should be able to feel the ribs with just a small amount of fat over them.
• Check the anal area for diarrhea or wetness, which may indicate illness.

What veterinary care does my chinchilla need?

All pets, including chinchillas, need regular health examinations. Arrange an examination with a veterinarian experienced with chinchillas soon after purchase or adoption. If your chinchilla comes with a health guarantee, check whether it requires a veterinary examination within a few days, often 48 hours. This first exam can help detect signs of disease and give you a chance to review your chinchilla’s diet, housing, and daily care. 

The first visit will include a weight check and a thorough physical examination to look for abnormalities. Your chinchilla will be examined for signs of dehydration and malnutrition. Your veterinarian may recommend a fecal test for internal parasites or blood testing if a problem is suspected. The veterinarian can also determine the sex of your pet.

At every visit, your veterinarian should examine the front teeth (incisors) and the cheek teeth. Male chinchillas should be examined yearly for penile hair rings—loose fur that becomes trapped around the penis. Chinchillas should be examined at least once yearly, and their feces checked for intestinal parasites at least once yearly. Pet chinchillas do not routinely require vaccinations.