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Chinchillas are crepuscular creatures and more active during dusk and dawn, preferring to sleep during the day. They don’t hibernate.
The chinchilla is a rodent closely related to the guinea pig and can make a fascinating pet. They originate from South America, where they live in the Andes Mountains.
Besides their popularity as a pet, they are also commercially raised for soft, luxurious wools. Their life expectancy is about 10-20 years, especially when well cared for. Chinchillas weigh between 400 to 800 grams, with the females being relatively bigger than males.
Selecting a Healthy Chinchilla
You can purchase chinchillas at various pet shops or through breeders. When choosing a pet chinchilla, it is vital to determine whether the creature is healthy and used to being handled.
- A healthy chinchilla’s eye should be clear and shiny but not watery. Discharges from eyes, nose, or ears might indicate health issues.
- Inspect the chinchilla’s teeth. The lower and upper teeth should be properly aligned, though the upper incisors are normally longer than the lower ones. There should be no signs of drooling.
- Check the body to make sure there are no patent wounds. The best thing to do is select your chinchilla later in the day so that you can see if it is active and alert.
- It is advisable to take the chinchilla to a vet to examine its heart and test its excreta for protozoa and other parasites.
- Furthermore, ask your supplier or breeder whether you can return the chinchilla if it is not healthy.
- If you find a chinchilla that vocalizes or squeaks, it is not used to human handling and might not make a good pet. A couple of weeks of regular contact and slowly increasing handling time can help. When you first approach a chinchilla, move slowly and quietly to avoid frightening them.
- Allow the chin to sniff at your fingers and softly use both hands to lift it. The pet should not feel either thin or fat. You should be able to identify the ribs with only some amount of fat over them.
- Also, check the anal area for moistness or diarrhea, which may indicate gastrointestinal infection.
The First Vet Visit
A health assurance should accompany your chinchilla that needs a checkup by a vet within a couple of days (often 48 hours) after purchase. Every pet, including chinchillas, requires routine examinations. Find a vet knowledgeable about chinchillas.
The first visit will involve determining the pet’s weight and a complete physical examination checking for any abnormalities. Your vet should examine your pet for signs of malnutrition and dehydration. Your vet will do a fecal test to check for internal parasites.
Your vet might suggest blood tests as part of a rigorous examination. In addition, they may determine the sex of your chinchilla. Like other furry friends, your chinchillas need to be examined at least once a year and should have their droppings tested for internal parasites during the yearly visit.
Vaccinations
Pet chinchillas don’t require vaccinations.
The 4 Tips for Taking Care of Your Chinchilla
Although the chinchilla you purchase in a pet store or from breeders has never experienced the wild, its life in the wild will offer you some idea of how to take care of your pet.
1. Housing
Creating the appropriate environment to keep your furry friend comfortable, happy, and safe is crucial to caring for your chinchilla.
Chinchillas are energetic and acrobatic, requiring larger housing than a guinea pig. Huge multilevel areas that provide jumping and climbing opportunities are perfect for your chinchilla. Ensure you provide a space for hiding, just in case your chinchilla feels timid.
Chinchillas originate from a natural high-altitude environment that is cool and dry. For this reason, you must prevent your chinchillas’ room from getting excessively humid or hot during a warmer climate.
Make sure the habitat area is not too hot. Chinchillas are very susceptible to heat, and temperatures over 80 Fahrenheit may lead to heatstroke, which can be fatal.
Chinchillas release excess heat through their ears, so if your chin is becoming too hot, you can observe the skin in their ears getting red, with visible red veins. Keep your chinchilla cool and ensure they continually have access to fresh, clean, chemical-free water.
Be sure to clean and disinfect their habitats at least once a week. Wash the habitant and dry it thoroughly before putting your pet back inside. In addition, you need to change your chinchilla’s bedding at least once a week and get rid of moist spots from the habitat every day.
You may allow your chinchilla out of its habitat as frequently as possible, provided you supervise your pet closely. Regular handling of chinchillas may help develop a strong bond with your pet.
2. Feeding
Another essential part of caring for your chinchillas is providing them with a well-balanced diet. Since chinchillas are small creatures, pet owners have to keep them at the right weight to avoid related health issues. Feeding your pet a diet rich in fiber is recommended, making high-quality Timothy hay a vital supplement to the chinchilla diet.
In addition, commercial pellets are available for chinchillas to give extra nutrients and vitamins. Sadly, many of the pellets commercialized as multi-pet are not suitable for a chinchilla. Pay special attention to avoiding mixes with seeds, nuts, or dried fruit, as these are too high in fat and sugar and will result in stomach upset, weight gain, and poor overall health.
However, avoid feeding your chinchilla many pellets since it can cause intestinal problems. Providing your chin with about 2 to 3 tablespoons of high-quality pellets per day is recommended.
Foodstuffs such as grains, carrots, and apples are not recommended for chinchillas as they are too sugary and can cause an upset stomach. Species-appropriate treats for a Chinchilla include: rose hips, dandelion herbs, chamomile herbs, hibiscus or plain shredded wheat. To help keep your chinchilla at a proper weight, ensure Timothy hay is the primary part of the diet (preferably 70% to 75%), limit pellets to 10%, and only about 5% in species-appropriate treats.
3. Baths and Grooming
Chinchillas are relatively low maintenance when it comes to grooming. They require access to a dust bath a few days a week, and you don’t need to groom your chinchillas physically.
You can purchase a dust bath from a pet store or shop. Provide a big enough bathtub for your chinchilla to roll in and is 2 to 3 inches deep. To avoid skin and eye issues, make sure your chinchilla does not use the dust bath excessively. The ideal frequency is 2-3 times a week for 10-15 minutes.
Due to their dense fur, regular water bathing is not recommended for chinchillas since it takes relatively long for the coat to dry, and this can cause fungal and bacteria issues.
4. Dental Care
As with all rodents, a chinchilla’s teeth are constantly growing throughout its life, and malocclusion may occur at any time. Examine your chinchilla’s teeth regularly for developing issues.
The best thing to do for your chinchillas’ teeth is to feed a proper diet and find a knowledgeable vet. It is recommended to have a teeth examination at least once a year, but every six months in an aged chinchilla can be ideal. You can provide your chinchilla with store-purchased mineral chew or chew sticks to help file down their teeth.
Have a close look at your chinchilla eating habits and behaviors. If your chinchilla is dropping food, drooling excessively, or not eating well, it is time to visit your vet. In addition, smaller than usual droppings may indicate a dental or dietary problem that requires veterinary attention.
Summary
Chinchillas are charming creatures on several scores. The fact that they are very in touch with wild nature makes them even more special.
Although they are not as cuddly as cats or pups, you will find that bringing one into your household is a rewarding experience. Chinchillas only require patience and a gentle approach towards acquiring their trust. With proper care, providing an adequate environment, and feeding a healthy, species-appropriate diet, you will have your pet chinchilla for many years to come.
Featured Image Credit: Natalis.ph, Shutterstock
