Chinchilla Care Guide
Everything you need to know to provide excellent care for your chinchilla. These guidelines will help ensure your furry friend lives a long, healthy, and happy life.
Quick Facts
Temperature
60–70°F ideal
Never above 75°F
Diet
Unlimited timothy hay
+ 1–2 tbsp pellets daily
Lifespan
15–20 years
with proper care
Exercise
1–2 hours supervised daily
+ 15" wheel minimum
Dust Baths
2–3 times per week
10–15 minutes each
Climate Rule
Temp (°F) + Humidity (%)
Must be ≤ 150
Temperature Control
Chinchillas originate from the cool Andes mountains and have the densest fur of any land animal. They cannot tolerate heat and humidity.
Ideal Range
60–70°F
(15.5–21°C)
Essential Requirements
- Air conditioning is mandatory during warm months
- Keep cage away from direct sunlight and windows
- Use fans for air circulation (not direct drafts)
- Monitor with accurate thermometer constantly
- Have backup cooling plan for power outages
Signs of Overheating
Lethargy, rapid breathing, drooling, red ears, lying flat. Seek immediate veterinary care!
Cage Requirements
- Multi-level cages are highly recommended
- Bar spacing: ½ inch maximum to prevent escapes
- Solid shelves and platforms (no wire floors)
- Provide hiding spots, tunnels, and ledges
- Only chew-safe materials (no plastic)
Recommended brands: Ferret Nation, Critter Nation, Quality Cage Crafters
Safe & Spacious Living
Minimum Cage Size
30" × 18" × 30"
Width × Depth × Height
Larger is always better!
Diet & Nutrition
Proper nutrition is essential for digestive health and dental care
Daily Diet
- Unlimited timothy hay
- 1–2 tbsp high-quality pellets
- Fresh water daily
Recommended Pellets
- Oxbow Chinchilla Deluxe
- Mazuri Chinchilla Diet
- Tradition Chinchilla Food
16–20% protein, ≤3.5% fat, ≥18–20% fiber
Foods to Avoid
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Nuts, seeds, dried fruits
- Dairy products
- Sugary or colored treats
Dust Baths
Chinchillas need dust baths to maintain their incredibly dense fur. Their fur is so thick that water cannot dry properly and can cause fungal infections.
Bath Schedule
2–3× Weekly
10–15 minutes per session
- Use only chinchilla dust (Blue Cloud or Blue Sparkle)
- Provide proper dust bath house or container
- Remove bath after use to prevent overuse
- Rolling and flipping is normal behavior!
Health & Exercise
Daily Exercise
- Provide large exercise wheel (15" minimum diameter)
- Supervised playtime outside cage (1-2 hours daily)
- Chinchilla-proof the play area thoroughly
- Provide climbing opportunities and platforms
Warning Signs
- Lethargy or excessive hiding
- Not eating or drinking for 12+ hours
- Soft or absent droppings
- Difficulty breathing or discharge
Find an Exotic Vet
Not all veterinarians are experienced with chinchillas. Look for "exotic animal" or "small mammal" specialists in your area for the best care.
Regular Care
- Annual wellness exams
- Dental checks (teeth grow continuously)
- Weight monitoring
Emergencies
- Overheating symptoms
- Not eating 24+ hours
- Labored breathing
Remember
Long Commitment
Chinchillas live 15-20 years with proper care
Temperature Critical
Keep cool, dry environment always
Social Animals
They thrive with companionship and interaction
Questions about chinchilla care? We're here to help! Contact us anytime for guidance and support.