Chinchilla care at Willowbrook Veterinary Hospital
Do chinchillas need veterinary care?
Yes, chinchillas need regular veterinary care! While we do not typically vaccinate chinchillas for infectious disease, it is recommended that chinchillas have at least once annual physical examinations. Because they are a prey species, they have become very adept at hiding illness and routine evaluation by a veterinarian can help identify abnormalities early.
How many species of chinchillas are there?
There are two species of chinchillas :
- Chinchilla chinchilla (the short tailed species)
- Chinchilla lanigera (the long tailed species)
How long do chinchillas live?
Relative to other rodent species, chinchillas have a fairly long lifespan, nearing 20 years of age!
How big do chinchillas get?
Adult chinchillas weigh 400-800 grams (about 1-1.5 pounds), with females being slightly larger than males
Do chinchillas make good pets?
Chinchillas can make great pets, but may not be the best choice for everyone. They are clean, odorless, and have soft fur that makes them appealing.
However, they do require specific care, including a dust bath several times a week, a large enclosure with plenty of space to jump and climb, and a cool, dry environment since they are prone to overheating. They are also nocturnal, which means they are most active at night, and they generally don’t enjoy being held for long periods of time.
Are chinchillas good for kids?
Chinchillas are not the best pets for young children. While adorable and fun to watch, they are delicate, fast-moving and don’t generally like being handled. If a child grabs or squeezes them too hard they can become stressed or even injured. Chinchillas also have specific care needs. Older children who understand how to handle them gently and are committed to their care might do well with a chinchilla.
What are the best cages for chinchillas?
Chinchillas need large, well ventilated, multilevel cages to accommodate their high activity levels and love for climbing.
Here are some key features when looking for cages:
- Cages should be at least 2’ x 2’ and 3 feet high, but bigger is better and multi-level cages are ideal
- Bars should be no wider than ½” to prevent escapes
- Avoid wire flooring to prevent foot injuries. Its best to look for solid flooring and platforms.
- Cages should have good ventilation. Avoid glass and plastic cages. Wire cages are ideal for optimum ventilation and airflow
- Chinchillas are smart and can figure out how to work latches. Be sure the cage you select has secure door latches!
Can I potty train chinchillas?
Yes! While not every chinchilla will be perfectly potty trained, most can be taught how to urinate in a designated litter box. It is best to observe their natural tendencies and place the litter box in that location. Choose a rodent specific litter made from aspen shavings.
Is it okay to put my chinchilla in a ball?
Exercise balls are not ideal for chinchillas. Due to their delicate bone structure and high activity levels exercise balls can cause serious injury to your chinchilla.
What do chinchillas eat?
An appropriate diet should be composed of high quality hay (timothy, oat, or orchard grass), chinchilla specific pellets, and dark leafy vegetables such as romain lettuce, mustard greens and collard greens.
Fruits, grains, and raisins may be provided as an occasional treat but should comprise less than 5% of the animal's diet.
Do chinchillas smell?
No, chinchillas are actually one of the least smelly pets. They have very little body odor because their dense fur prevents oils and dirt from building up, which is why they take dust baths instead of needing water baths.
Their cages can develop an odor if not cleaned regularly, especially from urine, but as long as you can provide proper bedding and clean the cage regularly, they are very low odor pets.
Can chinchillas live alone?
Chinchillas are social animals and do not do well alone. They are happiest when kept in same-sex pairs or with a neutered male and one more females. Chinchillas enjoy grooming and feeding together and they use each other for security.
How does wellness and preventive care impact the health and well-being of my chinchilla?
Wellness and preventive care are essential for maintaining your chinchilla’s long-term health and well-being.
Regular veterinary check ups can help identify potential health concerns, such as dental problems, respiratory infections, or gastrointestinal stasis before they become serious.
A well-balanced diet including high quality hay, limited pellets, and occasional treats supports digestive health and prevents obesity, liver disease, and malocclusion (overgrown teeth).
Chinchillas’ teeth grow continuously, making dental disease a common issue. Preventive care includes monitoring for signs of overgrowth, malocclusion, and providing safe chew toys to help naturally wear down teeth.
Routine dust baths and proper cage hygiene prevent fungal infections like ringworm. Checking for fur loss or signs of parasites can help address problems early.
A high-fiber diet and regular exercise are key to preventing gastrointestinal stasis, a life-threatening condition where the digestive system slows down or stops.
Proper cage setup, enrichment, and social interaction prevent stress-related health issues such as fur chewing or depression.
Though uncommon, external parasites and bacterial infections can still affect chinchillas. Preventive care includes keeping their environment clean and monitoring for any abnormal behavior or symptoms.
How soon should I bring my chinchilla to the veterinarian if they are not eating or drinking or if other habits have changed?
Since chinchillas hide illness well, any abnormal behavior should be taken seriously. If your chinchilla is not eating or drinking, or you notice a sudden change in behavior, you should bring them to the veterinarian immediately, ideally within 24 hours. Chinchillas have delicate digestive systems, and conditions like gastrointestinal stasis can become life threatening very quickly.
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