Care Guide

Caring for a Chinchilla

Chinchillas are delightful, fluffy little creatures. They have incredibly soft fur and unique personalities, making them popular pets for those who understand their specific needs. This guide provides comprehensive insights into the care and keeping of these delightful creatures, outlining all considerations for prospective owners.

Chinchillas originate from the Andes Mountains in South America. They are crepuscular animals, which means they are most active at dawn and dusk. They are very social animals and live in colonies in the wild. With proper care, chinchillas can live past 20 years old. They are very sensitive animals and require many considerations, which we will outline in this guide.

What do chinchillas eat?

Chinchillas are herbivores, which means they only eat plants. Their diet mainly consists of hay, pellets, and specific treats. They also need to have access to fresh water at all times. Chinchillas are very sensitive to sugar and fat, so they should not be fed any fruits, vegetables, or other treats that contain sugar or fat. They also should not be fed any dairy products, as they are lactose intolerant. They have very sensitive digestive systems, they require a diet that is high in fiber and low in fat.

  • Pellets. Pellets are the staple of a chinchilla's diet. They should be given unlimited access to pellets at all times. We recommend Oxbow Essentials Chinchilla Food. It is a high quality pellet that is made specifically for chinchillas. It contains high quality ingredients and does not contain any sugary treats or other added ingredients that could be harmful to your chinchilla.
  • Hay. Hay is the most important part of a chinchilla's diet. It is high in fiber and low in fat, which is essential for a chinchilla's digestive system. There are many different types of hay, but the main hay that should be fed to chinchillas is Timothy Hay. Chinchillas should be given unlimited access to hay at all times.
  • Treats. Treats provide a great way to bond with your chinchilla. They should be given sparingly, as they can cause digestive issues if given too often. We recommend giving your chinchilla treats no more than once a week. Some good treats include rose hips, dried herbs, and dried flowers.

Housing your chinchilla

Housing is one of the most important considerations when it comes to chinchillas. They need to have a large cage with plenty of space to run around and play. They also need to have plenty of toys and things to chew on. Chinchillas are very active animals, so they need a way to burn off energy, this is usually done by running on a wheel or chewing on toys.

We require all prospective owners to have a cage that meets all the requirements outlined in this guide. We also require that the cage be set up before the chinchilla is adopted. This is to ensure that the chinchilla has a safe and comfortable home to live in when they are adopted.

Furnishing your chinchilla's cage