Want to own a chinchilla? Part one

Fun fact! Chinchillas wink to say hello! 😉

A few important things to know before considering getting a chinchilla.

In my mind, chinchillas are the cutest, sweetest animals ever, and are even more wonderful pets! Each have a unique character and will provide you with many exiting stories and hilarious memories. I can’t get enough of them! Anyway, if you want a chin as your pet, read the information below to see if you can keep up with them.

First, this is quite unfortunate about chinchillas, but they are crepuscular, meaning that they are most active during dusk and dawn. Before bed, I recommend putting their cage away as far away from your bedroom as possible.

Second, chinchillas can’t touch water. We’re all tempted to bath them with fancy soaps and shampoos but please don’t! With 60-80 fine hairs per follicle, the water won’t dry, causing fungus to grow. Important note! Chinchillas bathe in dust, known as dust baths. It removes the oil and prevents fur-clumping. Also, chinchillas need to drink water, so use a small animal water bottle for that (glass is recommended).

Third, chinchillas cant survive temperature over 75 degrees Fahrenheit (23 degrees celsius). If a chinchilla is in that hot temperature, he may get a stroke, which can be fatal. I recommend around 60-74 degrees Fahrenheit (15-23 degrees celsius).

Fourth, chinchillas must have plenty of wood at all times. Their teeth won’t stop growing, so they have to gnaw it down on wood or pumice stones. wood and pumice trims their teeth and help reduce boredom. But beware, not all wood is safe to chinchillas, some is poisonous.

Fifth, is they hate being carried or cuddled. This is very sad, because they are so fluffy and cute! Only a few chinchillas like to be cuddled, and I wish Smoky was one of those ;). If you want a cuddly pet, chinchillas probably aren’t the right pet for you.

And the last and most important of them all…. is their surprisingly long life span. They can live over 20 years old! Wow!

A few fun experiences with my chinchilla:

Once, after chinchilla playtime, I forgot to close Smoky’s cage door. My mother woke up early and found him running around the house!

They have lots of energy during the night

Smoky’s cage was falling apart and my father temporarily mended his cage with plastic wires. Smoky placed his little chewing-stick right beside the plastic, and chew on the plastic. Whenever I looked at him, he would switch.

Chinchillas are very smart

I was watching a small kitten and Phoenix (the cat) snuck into Smoky’s room during his playtime! I freaked out because Phoenix looked like she wanted to hunt Smoky, though, Smoky being the curious boy he is, approached her. Phoenix backed up and Smoky chased her around the house!

Chinchillas are very curious

Also, chinchillas love playtime which is a nice way to reduce their boredom. Let them out in chinchilla proofed room or playpen and they will run around. If it’s their first time having playtime, it might take time and temping with treats for them to come explore the world. Eventually, they will beg for playtime daily. Playtime is a great way to bond.

If you decide that you want a chinchilla, please read my checklist on supplies necessary for owning a chinchilla.