Caring for Your climbing on your arms and you will be able to soapy water. Completely disinfect the habitat Chinchilla gently pick it up and handle it. by adding two to three drops of bleach to one

gallon of water, then immerse or wipe the Habitat cage, dishes and toys with the solution. Thor- oughly rinse all items with hot water to re- Chinchillas are active animals that can jump as move all traces of bleach. About Chinchillas high as 5 feet in the wild. Therefore, choose a Chinchillas are native to the Andes where they spacious enclosure (at least 18” tall and 16” Grooming/Cleaning live in groups at higher elevations. Adult chin- deep). A multi-level enclosure provides more chillas are about 15-20 inches long (including opportunities for your pet to jump and climb. Chinchillas are naturally clean animals with the tail) and weigh about one pound. Chinchil- The habitat should have solid floors and tun- very little odor. In their naturally dry environ- las are long-lived animals: your pet may pro- nels or nest boxes where your pet can hide. An ment, they clean themselves by taking dust vide companionship for 15-20 years. exercise wheel is essential for your chinchilla. baths a few times a week to remove oil and Provide a variety of chew toys to keep your dirt.

Chinchilla fur is thought to be the softest of all pet stimulated and to keep their constantly animals, 30 times softer than human hair. In Because of the density of chinchilla fur, regu- growing teeth worn down. their natural environment, this thick fur will lar water bathing (the way you might bathe a slip off when a predator attacks leaving the Chinchillas are adapted to a cool, dry climate dog or cat) is not a good idea, as it can be very chinchilla to escape. so keep the enclosure out of direct sunlight difficult for the fur to dry and this can lead to and away from drafts. Temperature in your bacterial or fungal infection. Allow your pet Naturally living in large groups, chinchillas are o pet’s enclosure should not exceed 80 F. Chin- chinchilla to dust-bathe only in store-bought social animals. A solitary chinchilla will require chinchilla dust. a lot of attention, and you may want to have a chillas release excess heat through their ears, pair or more. so if your chinchilla is getting too hot, you may notice the skin in its ears becoming red, with Water and Food Since chinchillas are nocturnal, don’t be wor- visible red veins. ried if you see them sleeping during the day. Chinchillas are rather active small pets and Shredded paper is a good bedding substrate. should be kept at a healthy weight—not Avoid pine and cedar shavings. Any soiled bed- Handling obese, and not too thin. Your chinchilla should ding should be removed daily, and completely have constant access to a high-quality com- Take time for your pet to get comfortable with change all bedding weekly. mercial pelleted food and clean, fresh water.

its new home. Spend time near its enclosure, Food bowls or hay racks are an important part speaking to your pet and gradually offering More ... of your chinchilla’s habitat. A removable dust treats as your chinchilla moves toward you. bin will allow your pet to clean its fur. Soon you can offer a treat on your palm and This information is designed as a basic guide. There entice your pet to crawl onto your hand. Slow- Thoroughly clean your pet’s habitat (including are several books and online resources available ly your chinchilla will become comfortable bowls, toys, hiding places) monthly with hot which provide in-depth information on chinchilas and their care. www.PIJAC.org

Hay is important for roughage. High Regularly examine your chinchilla’s teeth for your pet is healthy and can answer any other quality Timothy hay or alfalfa hay should developing problems; additionally, keep an eye questions you might have. be part of the daily diet. Hay will also out for excessive drooling as this can be an indi- help wear down your pet’s teeth. cation of a dental problem. Chinchillas are born with white teeth that turn yellow as they age, You can also feed small amounts of Avoiding Human Illness which is completely normal. fruits (dried fruits are a favorite treat), Chinchillas may carry diseases that can be nuts and vegetables, but you should not  A chinchilla’s coat should be healthy and transmitted to humans, including ringworm. feed chinchillas treats in amounts that free of bare areas, skin lesions or scaly patches. The simple precautions below can help prevent exceed 10 percent of their diet. Chinchillas are prone to ringworm, a fungal in- the risk of infection. fection that is contagious and transmittable to Chinchillas will consume their own drop-  pings. This is normal behavior and an humans. Seek veterinary care immediately if Closely supervise children and make sure adaptation to get adequate nutrition in you suspect that your chinchilla has ringworm. they wash their hands with soap and water after handling small animals, their habitats or their natural living conditions. Chinchillas are also prone to mites.    anything in their habitats.

 Chinchillas should have a clean anus that is  As cute and cuddly as they are, do not kiss Keeping Your Chinchilla free of any droppings sticking to the fur. Drop- pings should be a dark brown or a brownish- small animals. Illnesses are sometimes spread Healthy this way. black color, slightly oval in shape and some- what moist. Watch for signs of mucus or other  Clean habitat and the proper diet will go Never use food-preparation areas to clean along way toward keeping your pet abnormalities (such as strange shapes or a small animal habitats or anything in their habi- healthy. Observe your chinchilla regular- sticky texture) that could indicate a health- tats. If you clean the habitat in the bathroom, ly for signs of a healthy animal or symp- related problem and contact your veterinarian disinfect the area completely afterwards. toms of illness. anytime you notice anything out of the ordi-  nary.  Clean the habitat,  food and water bowls in a well-ventilated area.  Your chinchilla’s eyes should be clear  and clean, without any discharge or a  Male and female genitals should be dry, Children under 5, pregnant women, senior citi- watery appearance.  clean and free of discharge or bleeding. Regu- zens, and people with weakened immune sys-  larly check your male chinchilla’s penis for “hair tems run a greater risk of infection; contact  Bright, happy and alert disposition: rings,” which are strands of hair that get your health care provider for more infor- any signs of lethargy, distressed or la- wrapped around the penis and could be fatal if mation. bored breathing, an unsteady gate or not removed immediately. Ask your veterinari- disinterest in their surroundings can indi- an to show you how to gently remove the hairs cate a problem.  if you have a male chinchilla.    A chinchilla’s teeth grow continuous- It’s not a bad idea to arrange a visit to the vet ly throughout its life, and malocclusion on your way home from picking up your new (misaligned teeth) can occur at any time.  chinchilla. The vet will check and make sure

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