CHILI

Chinchillas can be smart, inquisitive and loving, and can even live up to 20 years! These animals are very active, and their acrobatics can be very entertaining! As social creatures, chinchillas should always be housed with same-sex companions except for a behavioral or medical reason. Chinchillas must be provided with lots of chewing enrichment to keep their teeth properly worn down. We recommend a large solid floored, multi-level cage similar to those made for ferrets or chinchillas. Paper bedding or other appropriate nesting material (wood shaving are NOT appropriate) should be provided to allow the chinchilla to dig, stockpile food and nest. The cage must include a solid (no rungs) exercise wheel and houses or other structures for the chinchilla to hide in. Chinchillas bathe using a dust bath and should be provided a shallow bowl of dust several times a week. Cages should always be well ventilated but kept away from direct sunlight, and drafts. Timothy hay is an important piece of a chinchilla’s diet and must always be available. The needs of each chinchilla are unique and if you have questions about the right type of enclosure for the chinchilla you are interested in, please visit us and talk with our volunteers/staff! We are happy to provide guidance and advice.