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Chinchillas are quiet and shy pets. Their average life span is 10-15 years. They are nocturnal so are most active in the evening and at night. They are agile and love to jump and climb. They rarely bite but love to chew on inanimate objects. If they really like you they will nibble on your fingers, trim your nails and chew on your hair jewelry and anything else they can get to. They are grooming you; it’s how they show affection. They are extremely clean and have virtually no odor. They take a dust bath to keep their fur healthy.
Transporting should be done as stress free as possible. A pet taxi is the best way to take him home. Place a light towel over the carrier to protect from drafts. In the summer they should travel in air conditioning and never be left in the sun or in the car, as they are very sensitive to high temperatures.
Before you take your chin home have his home ready.
Cage: chins should be housed in a wire cage since they are easiest to clean and have nothing harmful for the chin to chew on. Wire spacing of no more than ½inx1in is best to avoid foots and leg injuries. The minimum cage size should be 24”x24”x24”. Wooden shelves of white pine are better than wire so feet don’t get caught. The cage should be away from drafts and direct sunlight. Loud sudden noises can be stressful, so keep that in mind when deciding where to place the cage. They like dark at night and a light should be kept on in the room about 12 hrs a day. A temperature of 50-75 is appropriate. They are very sensitive to heat. In the summer air-conditioning is best. Fans should never be directed at the cage. Water can be frozen in metal cans or hard freezer packs wrapped in a sock to prevent chewing.
Shavings: Only kiln dried shavings or should be used. This is very important since other bedding can be toxic to them. The shavings should be changed once a week.
Sleeping house: Chins love to have a place to hide. A pine box works well and its good for them to chew on also. A plain brown corrugated box with no printing, tape or staples is great. Cut a couple of small holes in it and they will customize it
Food dish: Ceramic crocks are the best. They can't be easily tipped over and they are easily cleaned. About 4” is a good size so it’s harder for them to sit in it.
Water bottle: Large mouthed angled bottles are the best. They are easier to clean and the angle makes it harder for them to chew on the bottle. Lixit makes the best one I’ve found.
Once home: Give him some time to get used to his new surrounding. “LEAVE HIM ALONE FOR A FEW DAYS” He needs to learn to trust you. Talk to him softly and don’t try to touch him at first. Always wash your hands with a good antibacterial soap before handling him! Start by putting your hand in the cage with a small snack and wait for him to come to you. They will soon be coming out to you. DON’T grab at them. A chin is especially wary of being touched on the back because that is where a predator strikes. Always approach him under the neck or chin and if you need to pick him up scoop you hand under him. Hold him close not letting his feet dangle.
Food: He should have food in front of him all the time. He will eat about 2 TBS. a day. There are good quality chinchilla pellets on the market. The ones that have snacks in them are not good. I use Blue Seal Hutch-17 rabbit food. Oxbow and Kaytee make acceptable pellets. ALWAYS change food gradually over a period of at least a week. Supplements can be used giving them added vitamins. I feed in the evening since that is their awake time. Keep an eye on the droppings, changes in size and consistency can be the first sign of problems
Hay: Roughage is very important. Timothy hay is the best. Small compressed hay cubes are also available. They are less messy than the loose hay.
Water: If your tap water quality is safe for you to drink its OK for him. Change the bottle every other day. Wash the bottle with hot water with a drop of bleach. Use a bottle brush to clean the bottle and the tube. Rinse very well!
Snacks: Do not overdo snacks, or they will not eat the pellets. For babies I give them one very small raisin in the morning and a tiny piece of another snack in the evening. By tiny I mean no more than ¼ inch. We give dried cranberries, dried papaya, dried pineapple, and rose hips. Avoid things with added sugar. They don’t NEED snacks but they are fun for social time. Don’t let them beg you for too many.
Dust bath: Chins love their dust bath. They can have one every day though it not necessary more than a couple of times a week. The dust is volcanic dust. I put 1 tsp. Of Desenex in 1 cup of dust bath to avoid fungus. Put about 1 inch of dust in the bottom of a container that is big enough for him to roll in and watch him play. Enclosed plastic dust bathes are available that contain the dust. Don’t leave it in the cage for more than about 15 min. This is all the grooming they should need.
Toys and Stuff: Chins like to come out to play but if you do be very careful of electrical cords and anything else there is to chew on. They chew on everything. Anything small may be picked up and put in the mouth. I don’t recommend the exercise wheels because too many injuries have been reported. 4” PVC pipe makes a great tunnel to play in. Paper towel rolls are good. White pine pieces are also good.
I can’t possibly put all there is to know in these pages, so if I’ve forgotten something feel free to ask. Above all enjoy your new friend.
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