Small, furry animals are great companions for adults and children Chinchillas are no different. However, it’s best to be to make sure that chinchillas–affectionately called chins–are a good fit for you and your family before you take one home. This article will provide more information about the most important aspects of taking care of chinchillas, so you’re able to provide them with the love and attention they require to flourish.
Where Do Chinchillas Live
Chinchillas originate from South America and are medium-sized rodents that have been admired for their soft and dense fur. Chinchillas that live in wild habitats were hunted nearly to extinction and are rare in their natural habitat as per Encyclopedia Britannica. Do Birds Have Ears Happily for those who love chins they’re now being commercially raised and are sold as pets for homes.
Where to Purchase a Chinchilla
Chinchillas are usually purchased through breeders or pet stores however regardless of the place you purchase your chinchilla, ensure you have questions. Adam Denish, VMD, the owner of Rhawnhurst Animal Hospital in Philadelphia. It is important to inquire about the previous owners (if they have any) and behavior issues, as well as the animal’s present location (as in a group with a chin that’s not the same, as part of an entire colony, or as a solo) and get the most thorough health history you can. 
Be sure to examine them thoroughly Denish said. Denish. “If they’re still young, they’ll most likely be scared and turn away at first. In time, they’ll generally accept contact,” he said. Chinchillas in good health are shy however when they are in a comfortable environment they are very active. They should have a dense coat of fur that is free of spots of fur that are not bare. The eyes of the dog should be clear without redness or dripping and there shouldn’t be any signs that they have diarrhea within their environment.
If they’re not keen He recommends using food to attract them. “A young chinchilla is small and easily jumped from your fingers,” he says. If you purchase an older Chin from a breeder or private seller, you’ll likely be completely ignorant regarding the previous life of the animal. “Take time to allow them to adjust to the new setting,” said Denish.
What should Chinchillas eat
added. A diet based solely on pellets doesn’t supply enough fiber to the chinchilla. In reality, just a handful or two pellets per day is sufficient for the majority of adults. The remainder of their diet should be comprised of hay and green leafy vegetables, and the occasional snack of dried raisins, dried apples, and sunflower seeds.
A Chinchilla’s Habitat
Chins require cages that is secure and safe. Denish recommends a cage that has a bottom made of plastic as opposed to a wire base since wires could be irritating to the feet of chinchillas. In terms of bedding, he says there’s a range of bedding suitable for chinchillas. They can be selected according to your preferences. Some options for bedding are the pelletized or shredded products of paper as well as recycled lumber and waste (like Carefresh) and aspen or pine shavings (avoid cedar shavings).
The chin cage must have multiple levels, Denish said. “They require several hiding spots to escape from whenever they feel in danger.” Pipe sections made of PVC that form the shape of “Y,” “T,” or “L” are great areas for hiding chinchillas and are simple to clean.
The problem is that chinchillas
can’t be easy to train litter-free, according to Denish, “but you can put the appropriate litter box and furniture in the area that is where they can do their business.”Blue Colored Birds A water bottle as well as a food bowl complete the set-up.
The right ambient temperature and humidity levels for Chinchillas can be a challenge. Chinchillas are extremely susceptible to heat stroke. Therefore, when you live in a humid and hot region it is essential to have air conditioning. Temperatures of more than 80°F, specifically coupled with high humidity are extremely hazardous to Chinchillas.
Chinchilla Behaviour and Temperament
Chinchillas are animal species that should be kept as a pet with a single owner or in pairs, according to Denish. Denish advises against having two pets of the opposite sexual sexe due to breeding reasons. Chinchillas are great in pairs He said that because they are able to be social with one another particularly when pet parents do not have the time to give their pet’s chins their all-encompassing attention. “Even as individuals they’re social and are attracted to contact when they’re it’s appropriate,” he said.
Denish cautioned that even though Chinchillas do not bite, there’s always an element of risk based on the temperament and personality of your chin. In nature, chins are extremely swift and generally not recommended for children less than age eight Denish stated. They could be good pet for teenagers and older children who are able to manage and care for their pets.
