A chinchilla might be the ideal pet for you if you lead a busy lifestyle since these creatures sleep through most of the day. In general, chinchillas don’t need much attention, but you do need to provide them with special care for them to live out their lifespan, which can be up to 20 years! Not sure how to do that? Here are some tips and tricks you can deploy to help keep your chilly as happy as possible
Essential chinchilla care tips
Feed him well
Chinchillas are vegetarians, but that doesn’t mean they should be left to eat all night. They also need to be fed the correct food. Their diets should consist of high-quality grass hay and small amounts of chinchilla pellets. You can provide them with unlimited grass hay, but don’t overdo it with the pellets. Seeds, nuts and most fruits contain high amounts of fat and sugar, so these are frowned upon as far as chinchilla diets are concerned. The occasional rodent-friendly treat also has its place in their world, and great options include herbs and green vegetables like basil, kale and watercress.
Keep everything (including your pet) clean
Chinchillas love cleaning themselves in dust baths. Take your chinchilla out of his cage and allow him to take a dust bath (with specialised sand) two or three times a week. These little guys instinctively know what to do with a sand bath, so if you’ve never treated them to this before, just sit back and watch them enjoy their hygiene routine.
Don’t cramp their space
Chinchillas love space, but it’s always better to opt for a cage that’s wider instead of one that’s taller in length. If you can find something in the range of 800mm wide x 500mm long and 600mm high, it should be ideal. The best material for a chinchilla’s cage is steel since they’ll gnaw straight through plastic and wooden cages. You also want to ensure that your pet has enough gadgets within his cage to keep him occupied. Some ideas include safe chew toys, hide-boxes and solid exercise wheels.
Make time for some TLC often
Your chinchilla will thrive if you give him as much love as often as possible. Interactive playtime is encouraged, if possible, for up to an hour every day. Chillies are friendly, loving and super-intelligent animals that’ll bring you heaps of joy if you provide them with the right kind of care!
