Hello and welcome to our second edition of Small Animal Highlight Series. If you are looking for a Small Mammal as a pet, Chinchillas can be a GREAT option. These guys can be fluffy, silly and sweet. They also make wonderful pets, if cared for properly. Here are some basic instructions on how to care for a Chinchilla if that’s something you want to do.
Chinchillas, to begin with, are what they sound like. Great question!
Chinchillas can be classified as small mammals in the rodent clan. Poachers are hunting them in the wild for their fur, and they have become extinct. They are bred today to protect themselves from the dangers of poachers. Before purchasing or adopting any Chinchilla, you should research the breeder to make sure they’re being bred and reared in humane conditions. You should ask simple questions to learn if a Chinchilla has ever lived with another Chinchilla, whether it’s been socialized to people and if he or she is in good health. Chinchillas have to be full-coated with no patches. Their eyes should also be bright and clear without any redness. If you are buying a Chinchilla directly from the breeder, make sure to check their habitat to ensure it is free of dirt and bodily waste. It is very important that you contact the Animal Care and Control in your area if you are concerned about any breeder. Like any animal they can be shy when in a new environment, but once they get comfortable with their surroundings, the fluffy critters become more active and goofy. If you want to win a Chin’s respect, then feeding them their favorite snacks is a good way.
What food should you feed a new Chin?
Chinchilla pellets can be purchased in most pet stores. The pellets are specifically designed to provide the Chin with a balanced and nutritious diet. For adults, a tablespoon of pellets is usually enough. These guys need to have access to good quality hay like alfalfa (orchard grass, prairie grass, timothy), to keep them healthy. In addition, give them leafy vegetables and treats like dried apples, raisin, or sunflowers seeds. To help them learn to associate your presence and yummy food, it’s best if you save “treats”, especially when first getting your Chin.
Where should Chinchillas reside?
The sweet pies, like ferrets need a safe, open-wire cage with plastic on the underside to protect their delicate feet. If you want to keep them happy, they need bedding. You can use anything like shredded or pelleted newspaper, reclaimed wooden pulp bedding, such as Carefresh, or aspen shavings. Avoid cedar shavings. These little guys can be active and need to explore multiple levels. They should also have plenty of areas where they can hide or burrow in case they feel threatened. They are also easy to clean and disinfect! Although they are not very good at litter training, you should always give it a try. Try putting a small litterbox in the corner and bedding inside to see if it will work. The same as any small mammal will require constant access to water and food. Chinchillas, because they’re so fluffy, need help regulating their temperature. In temperatures above 80 degrees they are susceptible to heat stroke. Air conditioning may be necessary in hot climates. You should check with the vet to confirm that you are setting up the right temperature for your pet.
Should you groom a Chinchilla? Yes!
Chinchillas have a different way of grooming than other animals. It’s called a Dust Bath! Chinchillas perform this self-regulated grooming ritual. To help, place them in a container of Chinchilla Dust available at pet stores every other day. Due to their thick fur, they will not be able to dry themselves out if they become wet. In order to prevent them from getting wet, it’s important that you keep them out and provide dust baths for them on a regular schedule. Dust bathing provides a great outlet for behavior, as well as an important grooming habit. If you don’t allow your Chin to “bathe”, it can lead to matted, greasy fur and irritation of the eyes and respiratory system.
What is Chinchilla behavior like
Chins love to be social and are very friendly when in the right mood. Chins generally do fine alone, but are also happy with a Chin who is the same gender as themselves (in order to avoid breeding accidents!). When social, they love to interact with each other and will play or snuggle. Since they are prey, they tend be quick-moving. Young children (under 10) should avoid them as they can become frightened easily. They love to be petted and cuddled, and appreciate it when you approach them slowly. They are prey and need extra support when being picked-up. It is best to pick up the animal from under its body. Support their hind leg with your other arm so that they feel secure.
Does your Chin require a visit to the veterinarian? Absolutely!
Chinchillas require regular vet care, as do all pets. Vets should be consulted about the diet and habitat of your Chin as they are susceptible to Gastrointestinal diseases and Dental disease. It is important to maintain your Chin’s health and happiness by following a healthy diet and taking care of it.
Chinchillas make adorable pets. They are fluffy, sweet, and cute! These animals are great pets for people who love them and want to make sure they’re happy, healthy, safe, and that you can take care of them. You will receive endless cuddles and love from your pet!
