Chinchillas as Pets

Chinchillas are generally nocturnal (up at night time), this is something to remember when wanting a Chinchilla. Chinchillas as Pets can make great pets with the proper care. Though for young children they do not make for a good pet. Chinchillas as pets can be skittish, don’t like really like to be held, though they do like to jump on you, if your sitting still, and they like their ears and chin rubbed. Chinchillas as pets have delicate bones, that can break very easy, Females seem to be more territorial than males.  We like to see chinchillas going in pairs, they will be healthier, happier, and live longer.  (imagine! you  all by your self for the rest of your life, Chins like to live in colonies or small groups).  Males seem to do better together than females, as said they are more territorial. though it can be done.

Chinchillas as pets are very intelligent, they can be taught to come out on your hand, arms or shoulder, with patience and practice.  By putting your hand in their cage, let them come to you, be very still, and call their name. Don’t try to rush this, it will only scary them and it will take longer for them to trust you and to learn. Keep you hand in the cage, once chinchillas as pets put their hand on yours they will slowly walk up your arm,  there you can take them out of the cage. If they try to run by you to get out, push them back softly, and put your hand back out. should they try to run out again, close the cage door, and come back in 10 to 15 minutes. and try all over again, once they learn this, that they know if they go on your hand, arm or shoulder, they can get out of their cage, or get a treat..  Remember each chin is different, they have their own personality and temperament.  Don’t try to chase your chin when there in their cage or out, this can really scare them, and cause then to be fearfully of you. if your chinchillas as pets gets out of their cage, and you need to get them back in their cage, either put their dust bath out, most of the time they will came running for it. Then pick up the dust bath with them in it and put them back in the cage. Or as a last resort, get a sheet, and throw it over them and then scoop them up in the sheet and put them back in the cage, chinchillas as pets wont see you and they will be back in their cage, thinking what just happened.

Chinchillas as pets can live up to 20 years ( this is another thing to remember when thinking of getting a Chinchilla, will they be able to move were you move.)  Depending were you live and the conditions and diet you give your Chinchilla, normal its 10 to 15 years. I believe for a pet chinchilla, that their cage be as large as your budget allows, with many ledges, boxes (homes) and perches. Plenty of room for them to jump and bounce around.  NO wire ledges or latter’s, if your cage come with wire ledges, ramps or latter’s. Take them out. and replace with wood.  Their feet, arms and toes, can get caught in the wire and could cause broken bones. Exercise wheels are wonderful for chinchillas as pets, Note, get the size 15″ or larger, if its to small, they could hurt their backs and legs, solid metal is the best. No wire wheels. I have found for cages and wheels, go to Chinchillas as pets and  the chin spin is a great wheel to have,  it will last a life time for a chin or more.

Chinchillas as pets can get hot very fast. Which is very dangerous. They can not sweat, which makes them prone to overheating.  A very warm chinchilla can show signs of having very warm to hot feet, visible veins in ears, and lethargy (not moving) this could lead to death very fast.  If you See signs of this, cool down  the room, put a frozen water bottle raped in a towel or paper towel and place it by your chin,  put a few drops of cool water on their lips this may make them lick their lips.  Place a cold piece of marble or granite and lay your chin on this. You need to do these things quickly to get your chins temperature back down.  Keep the air circulating in the room. but not directly on them.  No drafts from windows or fans or heating and cooling vents. This can cause colds or respiratory problems.   Do not place your chinchillas as pets cage in front of a window where direct sunlight can hit them, door ways or heating and cooling vents.  Temperature should between 60 to 75 Degrees, try not to let it get any higher than that, if your house or room does get hotter, place the marble and frozen bottles in their cage, to keep them cool.   Marble and Granite you can get a Home Depot or any other store like this. Never use a BALL with a chinchilla, the temperature can go up another 10 to 20 degrees high than room temperature.