Caring for a chinchilla can be a rewarding experience, but
they do require specific care to stay happy and healthy. Here's a
beginner-friendly guide to help you get started:
Chinchilla
Care Guide for Beginners
Habitat & Housing
· Cage Size: Large, multi-level
cages are best. Minimum: 24” x 24” x 24”.
· Bar Spacing: No more than 1 inch
apart.
· Location: Keep cage in a
quiet, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight or drafts.
· Bedding: Use paper-based or
aspen bedding (avoid cedar or pine shavings).
Environment
· Temperature: 60–70°F (16–21°C).
Chinchillas overheat easily.
· Humidity: Below 50%. Too much
humidity can lead to fur or respiratory issues.
Diet
· Main Food: High-quality
chinchilla pellets.
· Hay: Unlimited fresh
timothy hay (essential for digestion and dental health).
· Treats: Small amounts of
dried rose hips, herbs, or plain shredded wheat. Avoid sugary or fatty treats.
· Water: Fresh water in a
bottle with a sipper tube, changed daily.
Bathing
· Dust Baths Only! Never use water.
· How Often: 2–4 times a week.
· What to Use: Commercial
chinchilla dust in a small container or bathhouse.
· Time: 10–15 minutes per
session.
Enrichment
· Toys: Chew toys made of
untreated wood, pumice, or safe cardboard.
· Exercise: Provide a safe,
supervised play area or large exercise wheel (solid surface, 15" or
larger).
· Hiding Spots: Chinchillas love to
hide, so include hideouts in their cage.
Handling
· Be Gentle: Support the body;
don’t grab the tail.
· Go Slow: Chinchillas are
prey animals—build trust gradually.
· Avoid Overhandling: Especially during
the day when they’re sleeping.
Health Tips
· Check Teeth: Teeth should be
yellow-orange and not overgrown.
· Watch for Signs of Illness: Lethargy, drooling, abnormal poop, or fur loss.
· Vet Visits: Exotic vet
experienced with rodents recommended for checkups.
Cleaning Routine
· Daily: Spot clean, remove
soiled bedding and old food.
· Weekly: Full cage clean
with pet-safe disinfectant.
· Monthly: Deep clean and
replace chew toys if needed.
Pet Chinchillas: The Complete Care Guide
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An Owner’s Guide to taking the best care of your pet chinchillas There are many common misconceptions when it comes to chinchilla care. This book will tell you the proper way to care for your chinchilla to have them for many, many years. This book covers: Behavior - Cage Setup - Bedding - Treats - Toys - Food - Hay - Health Problems - Breeding - Pregnancy - Owner Experiences - And everything you need to know to get started owning pet chinchillas! Throw away your old books because this is the first one with only correct information.
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