Providing a Home for a Chinchilla

Chinchillas need large, multi-level cages with ramps, perches, and platforms, because they tend to be more active than some other types of rodents. Avoid plastic-coated wire, because chinchillas often chew off the plastic. If wire mesh is used, the grid on the sides of the cage should be no wider than 1 by 2 inches (25 by 50 millimeters). The openings on the bottom of cages with a wire bottom should be no wider than ½ by ½ inches (15 by 15 millimeters). Wire-bottomed cages allow droppings to go through to the tray below. However, a solid area made from wood or hard plastic should be provided to allow a rest from standing on the wire. Without such relief, chinchillas can develop sore feet and a condition known as bumblefoot.

An appropriate bedding material, such as kiln-dried pine or recycled paper bedding, allows a place into which the chinchilla can snuggle. Pine shavings must be kiln-dried to be safe, as untreated pine has oil on it that can be potentially toxic to chinchilla’s respiratory tracts. Paper-based bedding is often preferred, as it is completely digestible if chinchillas consume it, while ingested wood shavings can obstruct the gastrointestinal tract. Chinchillas also seem to prefer having a place to hide within their cage. This can be accommodated with materials such as small sections of PVC piping, which has the additional advantage of being easy to clean (just place in the dishwasher). Any wooden items used as part of the cage, as bedding materials, or as toys should be safe and nontoxic see Table: Safe and Unsafe Wooden Items*.

Chinchilla dust bath

Commercial dust baths, or mixtures of silver sand and Fuller’s earth (9:1), 2 to 4 inches deep, should be offered to chinchillas daily for about 10 minutes. This satisfies the chinchilla’s desire to keep itself clean and groomed and is necessary to maintain the animal’s healthy skin and fur. Such mixtures should not remain in the cage for long periods of time because they will become soiled with chinchilla droppings and food debris.

In the wild, chinchillas eat a diet of high-fiber plants. Commercial pelleted diets (available at pet stores) formulated for chinchillas provide essential nutrients they need to stay healthy but are high in carbohydrates and calories. In addition, they crumble easily when chewed and do not help wear down their continuously growing teeth. However, long-strand grass hay, such as Timothy hay, not only promotes chewing to grind down teeth, it provides high levels of dietary fiber essential for proper digestion. Hay should be stored in a well-ventilated, dry area and fed fresh daily. While chinchillas enjoy occasional treats such as a slice of fresh apple or pear, fruits should make up less than 10% of chinchillas’ daily diets, and dried fruit (including raisins), plus grains like oatmeal, can cause gastrointestinal upset and should be avoided. Rather, every day, chinchillas can be offered a handful of fresh, dark green lettuce and other vegetables, in addition to unlimited amounts of hay and a small amount (1-2 tablespoons) of commercial pellets daily. Hay, vegetables, and fruit not eaten within a day should be removed to avoid mold growth. If a proper diet is provided, there is usually no need for any nutritional supplements to be given.

Chinchillas’ digestive systems are very sensitive. New ingredients in the diet should be introduced slowly to help prevent intestinal disorders. Gradually increase the amount of new food mixed in with the existing food over several weeks so your chinchilla has time to adjust to the new food. Chinchilla droppings are typically dry, and eating their own droppings is normal.

Fresh water should be available at all times. Providing water in a water bottle instead of a bowl decreases the chances of contamination. Watering systems should be washed thoroughly at least every other day to prevent contamination by opportunistic bacteria that can cause illness or death.

Routine exercise is necessary for the health of your chinchilla. A roomy cage with toys is important. A 15-inch wheel provides running exercise, and chew toys and wooden parrot toys offer distractions to keep chinchillas from becoming bored. Ensure wheels are smooth inside, rather than perforated, so that chinchillas don’t entrap and break their tiny toes and delicate legs. A 4-inch T- or Y-shaped PVC pipe gives your chinchilla a place to hide. Chinchillas should be allowed supervised time out of their cages to exercise in “chinchilla-proof” rooms or penned-off areas. Supervision is critical to prevent them from chewing furniture, electrical wires, walls, or other items. Confining them to balls that roll around is not recommended, because they often roll off steps or into objects and get injured.

Chinchillas are easy-mannered and curious. If handled regularly when they are young, chinchillas can become quite tame and bond with their owners. Unless stressed, they rarely bite. Because chinchillas are nocturnal, they will sleep most of the day and be very active and playful in the evenings and at night. They should be kept in a fairly quiet area during the day.