Chinchillas
In the wild, chinchillas live high up on the mountains and is more suited to cooler conditions. Like all rodents, chinchillas teeth grow continuously throughout their 15 year life. Being endangered, pet chinchillas are now being breed on farms.
What are chinchillas like ?
Due to their thick fur coat, chinchillas require cool surroundings. When it gets too hot, chinchillas may faint or even die. Hence it is best to switch on the air condition or fan for it to cool down during hot days. Chinchillas sleep in the day becoming active only in the night. Although friendly, they also need some quiet time alone. Chinchillas should not be cuddled too much as it may stress them out.
What my pet chinchilla need ?
A cage with a solid floor - food & water
- Water bottle
- Food dish
- Bedding like Aspen ( NOT Pine Shaving )
- Sand (for bathing)
- Toys ( Wheel or Tunnel )
- love and care
How do I look after my chinchilla?
The cage bedding needs to be changed every few day or it will smell. Your cage should be tall enough for it to jump and play in. Feeding should occur twice a day at the same time. It's water needs to be change daily. Chinchillas don't use water to bath but take sand baths instead.So, remember to put bath sand in a container for your chinchilla to take a bath in.
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| Chinchillas like raisins and other dried fruits but too much will make them sick |
What do chinchillas eat ?
Being herbivores, chinchillas eat only plant matter and no meat. They eat dried grass like hay. They also eat fresh fruits and vegetables like carrot. Raisins and other dried fruits are their favourite and can be give as treats. However feeding it 2 to 3 pieces a day is enough or your chinchilla may have a tummy ache.
