Chinchillas are active, energetic little pets that need a comfortable environment to thrive. Providing a cozy, enriching habitat for your chinchilla is important for their health and happiness. In this article, we’ll go over some key elements of chinchilla comfort that every owner should consider.
- Cage Size – Chinchillas are active jumpers and need plenty of space. The minimum recommended cage size is 24″ x 24″ x 18″, but bigger is always better. Make sure to provide multiple platforms and ledges at different heights for climbing and jumping.
- Bedding – Using a soft bedding like finely shredded aspen or paper bedding allows chinchillas to burrow and nest. Avoid cedar or pine shavings. Provide at least 2-3 inches of bedding.
- Hideaways – Chinchillas need access to hideaways where they can retreat and feel safe. Provide houses, tunnels, wood ledges or cardboard boxes as hiding spots.
- Temperature – Chinchillas are sensitive to heat and cannot tolerate temperatures over 80°F. Keep their cage in a cool, well-ventilated room between 60-75°F.
- Dust Baths – Chinchillas need regular dust baths 2-3 times per week to clean their fur and promote healthy skin. Provide a chin-height dust house filled with chinchilla dust.
- Chew Toys – Chinchillas need to chew constantly to wear down their continuously growing teeth. Provide safe chew sticks and toys of kiln-dried wood.
- Exercise – Chins are active and need room to run and play daily. Provide an exercise wheel and supervised playtime outside the cage.
Creating a comfortable home that allows your chinchilla to display natural behaviors is key to their well-being. Focus on providing plenty of space, soft bedding, hideaways, proper temperature controls, dust baths, chew toys and daily exercise. A happy chinchilla in a comfortable environment will be an active, healthy and engaging pet. With some simple adjustments to their habitat, you can keep your chinchilla cozy and content.
