Chinchillas: Fun, Fuzzy, and Intelligent Pets

Chinchillas are perfect pets for experienced small-pet parents. These adorable animals have specific habitat and dietary requirements that are essential for their well-being. They also strongly prefer a consistent routine for eating, sleeping, and playtime.

If you’ve had small pets before and are ready to embark on a new adventure, Chinchillas might be great pets for you. Uncle Bill’s has Chinchillas for sale, and we also carry all the supplies you need to set up a healthy habitat for your new pet.

Chinchilla Habitat

Chinchillas are active animals, so they need a large cage, ideally with multiple levels, or platforms at various heights. They also need plenty of places to hide and burrow.

Native to the dry, cool Andes mountain range, Chinchillas do not tolerate heat and humidity well, so be sure to keep their cage out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources. Chinchillas are most comfortable when the air temperature is between 60°F and 70°F, with a relative humidity of 60% or less. These animals don’t sweat, and excessive heat can make them gravely ill. Bright red ears, drooling, or lethargy are all signs that a Chinchilla is overheated.

Chinchilla Care

Chinchillas need time to acclimate to their surroundings, but once comfortable in their new home, they are sociable creatures that crave regular attention from caregivers. They also enjoy living in same-sex pairs. While Chinchillas are nocturnal, they may adjust their sleeping schedule in order to interact with their caretakers.

These small animals don’t eat much. They love timothy hay or other high quality, hay-based pellets, and they can occasionally have small portions of alfalfa hay. Chinchillas have sensitive digestive systems and should not eat fresh fruits or vegetables, as those foods – or too many treats – can cause painful (or fatal) bloating. They may eat one small piece of dried fruit as a treat (no more than once per day).

Pet-safe chew toys made of natural wood or pumice stone are important for Chinchilla health – without items to chew, their teeth can grow dangerously long and injure their mouths.

These animals are tidy and will clean themselves in a dust bath (never bathe Chinchillas in water). A dust bath consists of a small pan, tray, or bowl, with an inch or so of fine pumice or specialized Chinchilla dust. Caretakers should place the dust bath inside the cage a few times per week at a time when Chinchillas are most active, and remove the dust bath after each use (if they have unrestricted access, Chinchillas may spend too much time in the dust bath and irritate their skin).

Ask Us About Chinchillas

With proper care, Chinchillas can live to be about 15 years old. If you’re curious about these small and entertaining animals, call your nearest location to ask about the availability of Chinchillas for sale. As always, our friendly and knowledgeable staff is happy to answer any questions you may have about Chinchilla care!