What is a chinchilla?

A chinchilla is a small rodent that originates in Chile. Chinchillas are known for their thick, soft fur, large ears, and squirrel-like tail. Chinchillas are beginning to be domesticated more and more, making them into pets. Their larger ears enable chinchillas to have excellent hearing, while their tails provide them with amazing balance. Their long back feet also give the chinchilla a way to jump up, off, and around their living area.

Chinchillas are extremely social animals. They love to interact and socialize with other chinchillas. I often walk into my room to find my two chinchillas snuggled up with each other sleeping. Not only do they keep each other company but they become companions.

As pets, chinchillas can live up to 20 years. Their diets consist of a timothy or alfalfa based pellets, free fed timothy or alfalfa hay (if you feed a timothy based pellet, then you free feed alfalfa hay, and vice versa), and some dried fruits (it's important to only buy dried fruit with no added sugar - high levels of sugar can lead to liver damage and health problems!). I personally give my chinchillas one of the following as treats: raisins, dried papaya, dried apple, dried rose hips, and dried banana chips as treats. They get very small pieces (about the size of a raisin), and not every day. Treat moderation is extremely important.

Having adequate chew and play toys are also important to keep chinchillas entertained and their teeth healthy. Because their teeth continually grow, they must chew things such as wood, hay, pumice stones and blocks to keep their teeth at a healthy level. Woods such as untreated pine and fruit tree branches (apple trees are always a safe bet that haven't been treated with pesticides) are always a hit with my chinchillas. They also love cholla or choya (from cactus) and lava blocks, which you can find at pet stores. One particular website that I choose to order chew treats from is Pet Products By Nature because I know exactly what I'm getting, that it's safe for my animals, and that there are not toxic additives or the wood has been treated that could harm them. Another resource of getting safe chinchilla toys is ChinWorld. You can also make toys yourself, but just make sure that you know what woods are chinchilla safe.

Having enough space for chinchillas to run and jump around is another necessity. Taller cages give chins the ability to strech their legs while playing in their cage. Adding untreated pine shelves can act as a springboard and also a place for chins to chew on. Wheels made especially for chinchillas also give them the chance to exercise in their cage. some of the most popular cages for chinchillas are through Martins Cages and Quality Cage Co. These cages are constructed with chinchillas and their needs in mind. Also, not having wire bottoms on the cage floors and levels are important. The pads of chinchilla's feet are soft and can easily be calloused or cut if they constantly stay on wire bottoms. If you do have wire bottoms in your cage, a suggestion would be to put down some clean cardboard for them to rest their feet on. This will relieve the pressure of constantly having to have their little feet on a wire surface.

Out of cage playtime also gives chinchillas an opportunity to interact with their owner (you!) and exercise in a safe, large play area. My boys will often use me as a ramp or something to jump off of. Sometimes, they'll just sit in my lap and look around. Bathrooms seem to work well - but please make sure that toilet seats are closed. No cords should be exposed, as well as soaps, bathroom cleaners or any other materials that chinchillas could get into and potentially harm themselves with. They should have a close eye kept on them at all times. This will ensure a safe, fun playtime for both you and your chinchilla.