The Basic Care Of Chinchillas

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If in the first few days of your Chinchilla coming home you are concerned about its health or well being, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are open seven days a week and often a quick phone call to one of our experienced staff may alleviate any minor problems you may be having, and put your mind at ease.

Housing

There are many cages available. For a single adult the cage should be at least 18-24 inches deep, 16-24 inches wide and 12-22 inches high. Provide a sleeping area which he can live in. Try to get some thick branches and platforms for him to play on. Line the bottom of the cage with good quality shavings and hay or wood based cat litter, Also give him some wooden blocks and pumice stones for him to chew. DO NOT give him anything plastic. Clean the cage frequently. Give him a drinking bottle with fresh water daily. Keep out of draughts and direct sunlight. Do not keep them outside. If you are keeping two together choose same sex litter mates.

Diet

Provide Chinchilla pellets or Chinchilla mix. DO NOT use rabbit pellets as these do not have the correct nutritional value. Healthy adults will eat one or two heaped tablespoons of pellets a day, a large amount of hay. You can treat him with tiny amounts of dry, uncooked oatmeal, or raisins. Giving them to much can be very damaging to their health.

Handling

Your new Chinchilla may be nervous at first. They are very sensitive and respond well to gentle voices. Approach him quietly and cautiously and allow him to get to know you. Lift him facing you and support his body.

General Health

All our animals are given a health check before being put on sale. If properly fed and cleaned your Chinchilla should remain healthy for many years and give you lots of pleasure. Supply a dust bath to keep him clean, using a cat litter tray with special Chinchilla dust or fine sand. He should bathe two or three times a week. If you notice his ears are hot and pink he may be feverish so contact your vet. Also see your vet if he has diarrhoea or has difficulty in breathing.

Further Reading

For more information check out the RSPCA's Chinchilla Care Sheet