Chinchilla Environment
Chinchillas benefit from more floorspace than height, this is because they are more rock-hoppers than tree climbers. If using a tall cage it is important to make sure they are not high falls that could injure your chinchilla.
Chinchillas are prolific chewers so if your cage has a plastic base you will need to replace with a wire one. All mesh floors should be avoided or covered, as Chinchillas can develop a painful condition known as bumblefoot from walking on mesh floors.
Dust baths should be offered to Chinchillas a few times a week, some Chinchillas may be able to have this left in, others will need it removing as they may chose it to defecate in. Sand baths are vital for a chinchilla to allow them to keep them fur clean. You should never give a chinchilla a bath in water unless it is unavoidable due to medical reasons.
You need to give your Chinchilla somewhere to nest, these can be wooden nesting boxes or fleecy houses.
You can also buy fluffy hammocks and chew toys such as willow, twig balls and bark bites. Cuttlefish are also a good toy for to gnaw on that also provides valuable calcium.
Make sure you Chinchilla is kept below 25℃ to avoid risk of heat stroke and they must not be kept in a humid environment. They can startle easily so should be kept in a quieter environment where they can feel safe to sleep during the day. They do not make good pets for a busy, noisy household.
Chinchilla Behaviour
Chinchillas are sociable animals, and it is best to keep them with company. A lonely chinchilla can become very depressed, engaging in stress behaviours such as fur-pulling. Though they do need to be introduced carefully a good rescue or breeder will be able to advise on the process and help match your chinchilla with a suitable friend. If same-sex company isn't available, male chinchillas can be neutered to enable them to live safely with the opposite sex, and this is a safer process than spaying a female.
Chinchillas are friendly animals, but easily stressed. They are rarely aggressive but will run and hide if disturbed by quick motions or sounds. It is important to limit any free-range time to avoid them becoming overheated or stressed, as they are prone to fitting. They are excellent jumpers, so must be handled with care to avoid them jumping from heights. Care should also be taken with free-ranging, as your Chinchilla will be able to find that fallen cushion that is only a short hop to a sofa, and will find and chew any exposed leads or wood, or forgotten food they shouldn't eat, in a space you don't expect them to fit into.
Chinchillas do sleep a lot of the day and must have enough nesting areas and spaces to ensure that they can each have their own space to sleep in. It is vital that you provide this to reduce any bickering, though you may still find them all piled up in a pile together sometimes. Chinchillas enjoy nests, hides and hammocks and must have cooling ledges and dustbaths available to help them regulate their temperature. Dustbaths are also essential to allow them to clean their fur.
Chinchillas can be very vocal, with a wide range of sounds. Alarm calls may indicate distress or excitment, such as a low barking sound. Higher pitched screams are more distressed and should be investigated. A low teeth grinding sound may indicate they feel safe or happy, such as when eating a favourite treat. A more urgent and continuous teeth chittering can often be a sign of anger. You can usually tell from a Chinchilla's body language, whether they are relaxed or stiff in posture, what a sound may mean for an individual.
Handling Chinchillas
Chinchillas are not known for staying still, nor are they considered especially sturdy as pets. They are not good pets for a young child, due to their light bones and easily-stressed nature.
Chinchillas do not like being grabbed and are afraid of quick motions. They will happily take food from hands and some may be content to stay close to you for a short time before they bounce away. On their own terms, a curious chinchilla will be happy to approach you and may even enjoy a scratch to the cheek, ears, chest or behind the front paws. A happy Chinchilla may turn their head and close their eyes whilst before stroked, a Chinchilla that doesn't want to be touched may chitter or scold you.
Scooping up your Chinchilla and holding them against your body can protect from long falls. Hold them firmly, without squeezing, and let them perch on your arms.
Chinchillas can free-roam, but this absolutely must be in a safe space and for limited amounts of time. They are very prone to stress and can have fits if they become overwhelmed in an empty space. Short but regular sessions are best to avoid stress and the risk of over heating. Never put a Chinchilla in an exercise ball.
Remember your Chinchilla is very good at jumping and can easily find a fallen cushion to jump to the sofa. May sure there are no long gaps and that any dangerous items are tucked away. If there is a lead or skirting board that can be chewed, or some food they shouldn't eat under a space you didn't think they could fit in, they will find it!
Chinchilla Health
Given their long lifespan, Chinchillas are a big commitment as a pet. They are easily stressed and can have a range of expensive health conditions. It is important to get treatment from an experienced vet as soon as a problem begins, and keep a good awareness of your Chinchilla's normal range of behaviours and their character so you can spot strange behaviour straight away.
Many health problems in Chinchillas can arise from incorrect care, such as teeth issues where hay and wood isn't provided well enough to enable a Chinchilla to shape their teeth. Common issues for Chinchillas are listed below:
Fur Issues
Chinchillas require acces to a dust bath to enable them to keep their fur clean. Their fur is very dense and should never be wet. A Chinchilla with wet fur can become very ill, and this can lead to Fur Fungus (Ringworm). This can be identified through missing fur, dry-looking flaky skin and sometimes blister-like lesions. This can occur on any part of the body and is the same fungal infection as Athletes Foot. This is contagious to other animals and people and needs urgent vet treatment.
Chinchillas can also have allergies or suffer from mites. They can also engage in the behaviour of Fur pulling. Fur pulling can be an obsessive behaviour and is often something triggered by environmental or stress factors. This needs vet treatment and you will need to identify the triggers for this behaviour. If left untreated, this can become a dangerous habit.
Male Chinchillas can also get something known as Hair rings. This is where hair wraps round the penis, leaving them unable to urinate. This is an emergency situation and your Chinchilla will need urgent help. Experienced Chinchilla owners may be able to treat at home, for most owners vet help is recommended.
Heatstroke
Chinchillas must be kept cool, with air conditioning being vital for many homes to ensure this in the summer months. A Chinchilla that has heatstroke will appear weak and may collapse, needing immediate vet attention. A hot Chinchilla can be helped at home with cooling ledges, air conditioning and fans but a Chinchilla that has suffered heatstroke must receive immediate vet attention.
Seizures
Seizures can be caused by a calcium deficiency, trauma, stress and a multitude of other health conditions. A Chinchilla that is overwhelmed or has overheated can have a seizure whilst free-roaming - which is why it is important to keep the area for them to explore in safe, dry and cool conditions and keep handling sessions regular but short. A Chinchilla that has a seizure needs to be seen by a vet.
Teeth Issues
Chinchillas need regular hay and wood to help wear down their teeth, but can still experience issues with teeth being worn down incorrectly. Known as Malocclusion this is where excess growth has caused teeth to grow mishapen. Signs of Malocclusion included difficulties eating, swelling to the mouth or face and excess salvation. This can be an ongoing health condition, managed by regular teeth clipping by a vet or experienced person.