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Chinchillas
With curious personalities and soft plush fur, chinchillas make
appealing pets for all ages. They sleep most of the day and become
active in the evening. Chinchillas are natural acrobats and some
find it hard to sit still, others love to be held and petted. It's
best to keep two same-sex chinchillas as companions, as they are
very social. With good care chinchillas can live over 10 years.
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Luxurious fur and gentle personality! |
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What you should know about Chinchillas
Avoid sudden movements and loud noises, so your chinchillas will
trust you and let you handle them easily. They are naturally
inquisitive and may sniff or gently nibble your fingers. Children
should always be supervised when holding chinchillas, to prevent
accidental falls and injuries. Daily exercise outside the cage, in a
chinchilla-safe room, is vital to good health, and a daily bath in
Chinchilla Dust is recommended.
Housing
Chinchillas need room to exercise, so choose the largest cage you
can afford. Avoid those with wire floors, as they can seriously
injure chinchillas' feet. Your chinchillas will enjoy multi-level
cages, or shelves, as well as a hideaway house and a variety of safe
wood chew toys. Cover the floor with a layer of safe bedding such as
Aspen shavings or Carefresh. Do not use pine or cedar shavings, they
contain harmful oils.
Diet
A healthy diet is based on specially formulated chinchilla pellets
and good quality Timothy or alfalfa hay, available at all times.
Adults may be offered one or two raisins occasionally as a treat and
fresh water should always be available in a sipper bottle.
Cleaning
Clean soiled areas daily and change the bedding weekly. Food dishes,
water bottles and the cage bottom need washing weekly. Always rinse
and dry the cage well before adding fresh bedding.
Fertility
Male chinchillas become sexually mature at around four months of
age. To avoid health risks and unwanted babies, it's important to
accurately sex and separate chinchillas no later than four months
old.
Health
Be alert and consult an exotics vet if you notice signs of illness
or injury such as: lack of appetite; drooling; changes in droppings;
bald spots; discharge from eyes or nose; wheezing or noisy
breathing.
Warnings
Open wire exercise wheels can cause serious injuries and should
never be used for chinchillas.
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