Thinking About A Chinchilla? 4 Tips To Keep Them Healthy And Happy

25 March 2015
 Categories: , Blog

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If you're looking for an even-tempered pet for your child, you might want to consider a chinchilla. They are furry little bundles of curiosity that will bond with your child and will become quite tame. Chinchilla's rarely bite and love to join the family. Before you purchase a chinchilla, you should know that they do require a lot of care. Here are some tips that will help you care for your new chinchilla.

They Like a Little Privacy

Chinchillas are very social creatures but they like their privacy, especially when they're stressed. The easiest way to provide privacy for your chinchilla is to place a piece of PVC pipe inside the cage. You can purchase a 4" diameter PVC T or Y pipe at any home improvement center. The PVC will allow your chinchilla to hide when it needs to get away from noise or stress.

They Need Daily Dust Baths

The soft fur on your chinchilla needs to stay clean. Unlike most animals that bathe in water or self-cleanse by licking, chinchilla's bathe in soft dust. You can purchase special silver sand for dust baths at most pet care centers. Pour about 2" of dust in the bottom of a container and watch as your chinchilla rolls around.

They Like To Play

Chinchilla's are curious little creatures. They are also very active. To keep your chinchilla healthy and happy, take it out of its cage at least once a day and allow it to roam freely. You can leave them in a room that is free of electrical wires and other dangers, or you can place it in a large exercise ball. If you leave your chinchilla out to roam around the house, be sure that things like small objects and wires are removed from the area.

They Can Get Sick

Chinchillas are extremely resilient but they can get sick. Things like poor diet, stress and excessive heat can cause your chinchilla to get sick very quickly. To keep your chinchilla healthy, be sure to provide it with fresh water every day and limit the amount of treats that you give it. Some signs of sickness include:

  • Weight loss
  • Hair loss

  • Labored breathing

If your child wants a pet but you don't have the room for a cat or dog, a chinchilla may be the perfect pet for you. This list will help you provide the perfect home for your new chinchilla. If your chinchilla exhibits any signs of illness, be sure to take them to an animal hospital that specializes in small or exotic pets. With proper care, a chinchilla can be an excellent pet for your child. Talk to experts like Bayshore Animal Hospital & Bird Practice for more information.