Chinchilla Care & Tips

Chinchillas are very easy to care for. And unlike other small pets (ferrets, hamsters, etc.), they are very cleanly if you provide the correct environment.

Chinchilla Info

• Life span: roughly 15 years.
• Average Size:  8-15 inches (tail 3-6 inches).
• Average Weight: 18 to 35 ounces.
• Average Pregnancy Period:  110 to 112 days.
• Birth:  Average litter is about 2 weighing from 1 to 2 1/4 ounces.  Weaned around 6 to 8 weeks.
• Heat is the #1 enemy to a Chinchilla.
• Keep in an area of your home that does not reach 80 degrees or go below 50.
• NEVER place them in direct sunlight.
• Keep out of drafty areas, NEVER place directly under an AC Vent.
• Do not keep them outside.
• We do not reccomend Aspen or Cedar Chips as they are/could be toxic to them. We use kiln dried Pine.
• Allow your Chin to Dust every 2 to 3 days. This is how they clean themselves.
• Do not give them water baths as it may send them into shock.
• Offer wood chew toys. We recommend those made for Parrots.

Chinchilla diet

• Always offer fresh pellets.
• Always offer fresh grass hay like Western Timothy, Brome, Orchard, or Bermuda grass.
• Alfalfa, clover, vetch, and other legume hays are not advisable.
• You can feed a couple raisins to help alleviate constipation.
• Part of a plain shredded wheat biscuit to help alleviate diarrhea.
• Pick a food brand and stick to it. If you must change, do it gradually mixing the old new food.
• Do not feed excess treats. 1-2 Raisins or Sunflower seeds a day max.
• Do not feed watery foods like lettuce.
• Do not offer treats to chins under 6 months of age.
• Do not use Distilled Water. They need those removed nutrients.