Chinchilla Care Instructions
 
Feed:
Your chinchilla needs a feed that is free of treats. The feed should not have raisins, dried fruit, or other items that will be consumed to the exclusion of their regular diet. Chinchilla chow should be available free choice. You can buy chinchilla chow at a pet or feed store. Feed should be offered in a bowl that can be secured to the side of your cage to avoid spilling.
Hay- Your chinchilla needs free access to long stem grass hay. This should not be alfalfa hay because alfalfa is too high in protein. Timothy is a great choice for long stem hay.
Water- clean fresh water should be available at all times. Offer in a water bottle, not a bowl.

Bedding:
Your chinchilla prefers solid flooring covered with bedding. Suspended wire can cause feet and leg problems, therefore, avoid cages that have nothing but wire on the bottom. Cedar shavings should be avoided. Pine shavings are acceptable.

Teeth:
Like most rodents, chinchilla teeth are continually growing. They should be provided with items to chew on in order to keep their teeth worn down. Wooden blocks or tree branches are good for this purpose. However, be sure wood has not been pre-treated and that tree branches have not been sprayed. Apple branches are best, NEVER feed cherry branches.

Treats:
Your chinchilla enjoys being given treats. However, you must be careful not to over do this. Favorite treats are: raisins, cheerios, and oatmeal. These must be kept to a minimum no matter how cute your chinchilla is! They will try and talk you in to it but be firm and don’t give in!

Cages:
Chinchillas are VERY active animals that need a lot of room to run. Cages that would be acceptable for a rabbit or a guinea pig are NOT generally acceptable for a chinchilla. The cage needs to have different levels as chinchillas enjoy being able to jump from one level to another. The cage should not have wire flooring as chins can develop sores on the bottoms of their feet, which can be difficult to treat.

Chinchillas like to feel secure. Since they are normally prey animals, cages that are open on all sides make them nervous. For this reason you should really have the cage pushed up against at least two walls or a wall and a dresser and place something over the top of the cage to make the chinchilla feel more secure.

Exercise Wheels:
Chinchillas LOVE exercise wheels. However, some wheels are particularly dangerous. Wheels should be of a construction that avoids trapping of toes, legs, or tails during running. Solid construction wheels are best.

Dust:
Your chinchilla should be provided with a dust bath at least twice a week. More frequently is fine, if not better. This will keep your chinchillas coat in good health.   

Temperature:
Chinchillas are extremely heat sensitive. They should NEVER be maintained at temperatures over 80 degrees. They prefer temperatures in the sixties. High humidity will make them more sensitive to heat stress. As a general rule, the addition of the temperature and relative humidity should never exceed 150.

Attention:
Your chinchilla(s) are very inquisitive creatures and love to do something new everyday. Daily interaction with your chinchilla is encouraged. 

 If you have any other questions about anything, please feel free to contact me at pioneervalleychins@earthlink.net!