What do they eat? Chinchillas are herbivorous which means that they eat plants. In the wild they eat a variety of vegetation, but in captivity most chinchillas are fed "chinchilla pellets," hay, and the occasional treat. See "feeding your chinchilla" for more information.
Why do they make good pets? This is difficult to answer. There are probably as many answers to this question as there are chinchilla owners. They are clean, easy to care for, intelligent, inquisitve, and each has its own personality, just to name a few!
Are they difficult to care for? Chinchillas are very easy to care for. The only special care they need is a daily dust bath which is accomplished by placing a pan of "chinchilla dust" in their cage for 5 minutes; they do the rest. Like any pet they need to be fed and watered daily, you need to clean their cage as needed (once a week or so), and give them attention. They are very clean, have no odor, and can even be trained to pee in a litter box! Check out "caring for your chinchilla."
What kind and how big of a cage do they need? A wiremesh cage is the best way of containing a chinchilla. It allows air circulation, it's easy to keep clean, they can see out, and they can climb on the sides. Chinchillas are very active so the bigger the cage the better, but if you can't get them a large cage a running wheel (at least 11" diameter) or frequent runs are ok.
Why do they need chew blocks and sticks? Chinchillas are rodents, and like all rodents their teeth are always growing. Chinchillas chew on things to wear down their teeth. Pumice blocks and untreated pine or aspen wood make great chew toys. You also need to make sure bowls and waterbottles are chew-proof or else they won't last long!
How long do they live? Chinchillas usually live to be 10-15 years old, but upper teens and 20's aren't unheard of, and there are reports of 35+ years (though this is extremly rare).
Do they smell? Chinchillas are very clean and have very little odor. If thier cage is cleaned on a regualr basis they are virtually odorless.
How do chinchillas react to other pets? It depends on the chinchilla and the other pet. My cats are afraid of them and if the chins don't show fear (which they don't) the dogs sniff them and then ignore them. If the chins and the other pets are introduced at a young age (especially the other pet) they shouldn't be a problem. It is recommended that chinchillas are not allowed to interact with other pets (especially dogs, cats, ferrets, and parrots) because there is always the chance that something could happen. Rabbits, guinea pigs, and other small pets can be allowed to interact with the chinchillas without much worry of either getting hurt. My other pets aren't allowed in the chinchilla room except under supervision (and the chins aren't brought out of their cages). When in doubt keep the two species seperate. Another pet could stress out or make a snack of a chinchilla so it is best to play it safe.
Is a chinchilla a good pet for kids? Chinchillas are very active and require daily care. If they are not handled properly they can get loose, lose fur, or suffer injury. Chinchillas are a bit too independent and active for young children, especially those that want to hold an animal and just have it sit there or drag it around. Older children who understand and respect the chinchilla's unique personality and accept responsibility for its care are more suited to owning a chin.
Do they require special grooming or health care? Chinchillas are self-grooming. If dusted every day or so they will not require bathing, brushing, or any other type of grooming. If given a proper diet and little stress chinchillas will not require veterinary care. It is a good idea to have a vet check over your chin shortly after buying it. The some of the most common chin ailments are tooth problems (usually genetic or lack of thing to gnaw on), fur chewing (could be genetic, stress, or boredom), gi tract infections (usually preventable), and ringworm (very treatable).
If I'm allergic to cats or dogs will I also be allergic to chinchillas? Many people who are allergic to other animals do are not allergic to chinchillas. If you have allergies to animals try holding one before getting one to see if you have a reaction.
Where can I get one? Chinchillas can be found in pet shops, classified ads, on the internet, or you can get one from a breeder. Look around for the best prices, nicest animals, and most knowledgable owners. Buying from a breeder is usually better than getting one from a pet shop.
How much do they cost? It varies from source to source, but they can range from free to $1000+ (a grand champion chinchilla at a MCBA show, normal chins are no where near that high~). The average price is from %50-100 depending on the sex, color, source, and quality.
What colors are there? The most common color is gray (standard) which is the color of the wild chinchilla. Other colors (called mutations) range from white to black and include: white, mosaic (white w/ spots), black velvet (blach w/ white belly), ebony (pure black), beige, and tov (brown velvet or touch of violet, a brownish chin w/ a darker brown over the back)are the most common, but there are also charcoal, tan, and various other colors.
How do I tell a male from a female? Females have no or very little space between the urethra and the anus (the bump and the hole under the tail). Males have a definate space between the penis and the anus. Older chins are easier to tell apart than younger ones. Looking at a picture or the real thing is much easier than trying to describe how to do it!
Do males or females make better pets? There really isn't much of a difference between the sexes. Females tend to be a little larger and a bit more quiet than males, but I've seen quiet males and very active females. It really depends on the individual.
Which type of bedding is best? Kiln dried pine or aspen works very well. It is cheap, absorbent, can be composted, and won't irritate you or the chins with dust or odor. Never use cedar! Corn cob bedding, newspaper, or other bedding will work if the chins aren't directly on the bedding.
What about treats? Most chins will die for a raisin. Cereal and dried fruit are also popular. Never give your chins too many treats or treats you aren't sure on. 1-2 raisins a day is usually the maximum amount.
~If you have a question you'd like posted please feel free to e-mail me. I will do my best to answer it. The above information is from various books, personal experience, and advice from others (especially the folks on the AOL chinchilla board). If I have made an error or left something out please let me know. This site is meant as an introduction to chinchillas and a quick reference source; it is not meant to replace an "owner's manual." Before investing in a chinchilla it is a good idea to buy a book or too and talk to owners/breeders before getting one.
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