Chinchillas: General Information

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Chinchillas come from mountainous parts of Latin America, and their pelts were worn by Inca rulers. The chinchilla population was decimated by heavy trapping after the Spaniards arrived, and they are now a protected species. Captive chinchillas have been bred for their fur, which is soft and dense. Chinchillas have become popular as pets because they are clean, amusing and inquisitive animals. They are quite shy, and need to be handled carefully. They are more suitable for older children or adults, since young children may frighten them. They are nocturnal, and come out in the evening. They can live for between 10 and 20 years, so they involve more commitment than pets with shorter lives, like hamsters and guinea pigs.

Housing

Chinchillas are active animals that like to climb and need to chew, so they need large cages made from strong wire mesh with tree branches or platforms inside, and a cuttlebone for chewing. If you use a pull-out tray below the mesh floor, you can clean the cage more easily. You can put in objects such as cardboard boxes to amuse your pet, and a wooden sleeping box with hay. Chinchillas like to sleep in the daytime so the sleeping box gives them a safe space away from the light, and keeps out draughts. Chinchillas come from cool, semi-arid regions, so do not like it to be too hot or damp, though their thick fur protects them from dry cold. They should always have access to water in a bottle, or heavy dish that they cannot knock over. Chinchillas also like to have sand baths a few times a week, and you can buy special sand for them. Give them a deep-sided container, a deep cake-tin will do, and keep clear, or you could get a face full of sand!

You can let chinchillas explore your living room, though excursions need to be supervised, because they can get up to all sorts of mischief, like nibbling wallpaper and furniture. Chinchillas can live happily in groups, or can be kept alone. You'll need to entertain them a bit more if they're alone, making sure they have plenty of toys in their cages, and letting them out in the evening, so that they don't get bored.

Feeding

You can buy special high protein chinchilla pellets, and they also like raisins and other dried fruit, as well as a little greenstuff. They will also eat their hay bedding. Peanuts and sunflower seeds are best avoided.

Chinchillas are more likely to stay healthy if they are kept in the right conditions and are not stressed by clumsy handling. They tend to be free of fleas and other parasites because their coats are so dense. Find a vet with experience of chinchilla characteristics and ailments in case your chinchilla does become off-colour.

Handling

Let your chinchilla get used to being near you before you start handling it. Talk softly to it and then try putting your hand in the cage until it isn't frightened by your presence. Chinchillas do not usually bite people, but they are nervous, and need firm, gentle handling. They should be well supported when you pick them up. Start handling your chinchilla for very short periods until it gets used to being held. The chinchilla should respond over time, and become more confident, eventually accepting treats from you.

Breeding

Gestation is some four months, and there are usually only around two babies in the litter. They can be taken from their mother when they are two months old. Start getting them used to you while they are young, and they will be easier to handle as adults.

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See also:
Books on rodents, including chinchillas
News and Research, rabbits and rodents