Chinchillas
Two species: long-tailed chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera) short-tailed chinchilla (Chinchilla chinchilla)
Chinchillas are native to Chile and Peru. In the wild they live in groups and make their home in burrows and natural outcroppings and crevices.
These small, cute rodents have plush, soft coats of fur. They weigh around 1 to 1.5 pounds and can be up to a foot long. They have rounded ears and eyes on either side of a broad head. Their fur is very dense, soft, and pleasant to touch. The fur is often gray, but can be beige, tan, black or white. These beautiful rodents can live as long as 20 years.
Chinchillas as Pets
Chinchillas can make wonderful pets for the right family. They are smart, inquisitive, and loving animals. They are active, vocal, and entertaining to watch. Since they can live up to 20 years they can be long time companions.
Chinchillas can make wonderful pets for the right family. They are smart, inquisitive, and loving animals. They are active, vocal, and entertaining to watch. Since they can live up to 20 years they can be long time companions.
They are not recommended for young children. Children are often overzealous with affection and could frighten or injure a chinchilla. A chinchilla could possibly bite a child out of fear. Although loving animals, they do require gentle and careful handling.
These adorable creatures are social animals and need a lot of interaction. A lone chinchilla requires a great deal of attention and can become very attached to its owner. If you are unable to devote that much time to your pet, it is better to have two chinchillas than one lonely unhappy pet. Two chinchillas can play and interact and not be completely dependent on their owner.
Care Sheet
What do I need for my chinchilla?
Once you have decided to add a chinchilla to your family, you want to make sure he is happy, healthy, and safe. To do this you need to have everything necessary for your pets well being. Below is a list of everything your pet will need for his home, diet, and health.
Once you have decided to add a chinchilla to your family, you want to make sure he is happy, healthy, and safe. To do this you need to have everything necessary for your pets well being. Below is a list of everything your pet will need for his home, diet, and health.
Cage & Habitat
A chew proof cage at least 16″ x 20″ x 16″ is the minimum size for one chinchilla. You should get the biggest cage possible so your pet has lots of room to sleep, play, and move around.
A chew proof cage at least 16″ x 20″ x 16″ is the minimum size for one chinchilla. You should get the biggest cage possible so your pet has lots of room to sleep, play, and move around.
Pelleted or shredded paper bedding material.
A stoppered water bottle, food bowl or feeder, and a hay rack.
Hide areas and tunnels for playing and sleeping.
A large exercise wheel with a solid floor.
Dust bin and dusting powder for bathing.
A variety of chew proof toys to keep your pet entertained.
Untreated wooden toys for chewing and wearing down a chinchilla’s ever-growing teeth.
Food & Treats
Commercial pellet food for chinchillas.
Hay, Timothy or alfalfa hay are popular choices.
Various treats including commercial pet treats, nuts, seeds, and dried fruits.
Supplements
A salt block as a mineral supplement.
A vitamin C supplement. There is liquid vitamin C that can be easily added to a water bottle.
Courtesy: http://chinchillacare.org/
Courtesy: http://chinchillacare.org/
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