Chinchilla Diet & Treats
Chinchilla require a staple block and a never ending supply of fresh quality timothy hay.
We recommend either Oxbow or Mazuri block. We feed Mazuri. We purchase our hay either from Oxbow, or from a feed store in a large bale. If buying bales, be mindful of the quality of the hay; it should not be really stiff or dry, nor damp, and it should be must and mold free. If you doubt the quality of the hay that your local feed store sells, stick with Oxbow brand. Alfalfa and oat hay as a treat are fine, but should not be fed as a staple hay.
Chinchillas need to have little to no sugar. If you want to give your chinchilla treats, please consider feeding them sugar free Cheerios or wheaties in moderation. Other sugar-free dry cereals are OK in moderation as well. Please avoid any and all sugary treats, this includes raisins, sugary cereals, and all fresh vegetables and fruit. Chinchilla are easy to feed - block, hay and the odd low sugar treat - they're happy with their diet being that way and it keeps them healthy! Often feeding unhealthy treats to pets is more for us than it is for them!
Chinchilla Enclosure & Enrichment
Chinchilla are active, playful, inquisitive animals. They don't have big cage minimum requirements, but of course I recommend to go as big as possible! Midwest Critter Nation or Midwest Ferret Nations are excellent choices - the double is better if possible, but a single of either is more than adequate!
All wire must be covered to save their feet. Exposed metal will develop rust, and rust can cause small wounds on their feet, which in turn can cause bumblefoot. If in doubt, cover it up!
Chinchilla cannot have plastic at all. Please avoid giving them plastic houses and toys. Wooden houses, ledges and bridges are great. Chinchilla love to jump and play on ledges and levels. I also recommend lava ledges and chews (pumice stone). Chews, both wood and pumice, are necessary to help your chinchilla keep their teeth filed down. They love chewing, so it is excellent enrichment as well as a need. When purchasing items for your chinchilla and setting up your cage, do your best to avoid sharp/dramatic edges as it can damage your chinchillas coat.
Chinchilla LOVE to have a wheel to run on, but if you choose to purchase one for your chinchilla, it needs to be 16" minimum, and ideally solid. Metal wheels with holes can damage your chinchillas paws, tail and coat.
Husbandry & Handling
Chinchilla require an environment that is no warmer than 20 celsius. They cannot sweat, so if your home is consistently 20 C or above, consider purchasing an air conditioner for the room the chinchilla lives in, to guarantee a proper, safe temperature at all times. You can also purchase slate or ceramic tiles to keep in your chinchillas cage (you can refrigerate them beforehand) to help them maintain a cool temperature during hot months. Avoid leaving your chinchillas cage in direct sunlight.
There are many different acceptable bedding/substrates for chinchilla. Many people use anti-pill fleece, but no other fabrics are considered safe across the board. We use kiln-dried pine shavings as it neutralizes ammonia, is soft and comfortable, and they can adjust it and nest with it as they please. It's also inexpensive in comparison to many other beddings, and very effective. Aspen is also a safe choice.
Their cages should be spot cleaned daily/as needed, with a full, deep clean every 2 weeks. Chinchilla tend to choose a corner, so they're simple enough to potty train, too - use a heavy bottomed glass casserole dish or similar in their chosen corner, with a substrate different from their regular bedding, and if possible, a "pee rock." A rock about the size of a baseball that can sit in the dish - they will enjoy marking it and it will help them go to the bathroom in the same spot consistently.
Chinchilla have "cartilaginous" ribs, meaning they're 'floating.' It's important when handling your chinchilla that you are gentle with them. If you are uncomfortable picking them up or they are flighty, it is best to grab them by the base of their tail quickly and gently and support them with your other hand as you pull them into your chest. If your chinchilla is calm and good about leaving the cage, you can simply scoop them. The idea is to never squeeze them, as you can damage their very delicate ribs - and no, tailing them does no hurt them! It is the recommended way to pick up a chinchilla in most cases.