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.