So You Want a Pet Chinchilla - Important Chinchilla Facts

Chinchillas are not only adorable as well as the softest creatures on the planet, they can make wonderful pets. Their playful, curious nature can be incredibly amusing to behold and their individual dispositions are as varied as those of humans. Unfortunately, many people who get pet chinchillas today are uneducated. They purchase them without proper research in regards to chinchilla care, health, life spans, and other facts that can make or break someone's decision to get a chinchilla. There are numerous important points to consider before you bring your chinchilla home.

Chinchillas live a long time

Chinchillas live anywhere from 15 to 20 years old. Yes, I am serious! As amazing as it seems, if you bought a chinchilla at the same time as a puppy the chinchilla will most likely outlive the dog. You've got to keep this in mind when you make any chinchilla purchase or choose to adopt as that creature is going to be with you for many years to come. If you feel that's too much of a commitment to make, you may want to search local animal shelters for an older chinchilla. Older chinchillas make equally good pets and they are often overlooked by potential adopters because of their age.

Chinchillas have individual personalities

Some chinchillas love being held and others don't. Some chinchillas like to pet petted underneath the chin while some prefer pats to the head. There is no real guideline to follow as to what chinchillas' dispositions are because they are so incredibly varied. Each chinchilla has its own unique personality that may or may not be influenced by how its raised. A chinchilla held often from its birth may like to be held but it may not, too.

Chinchillas need both hay and pellets

Chinchillas must have access to timothy hay at all times as well as being fed pellet food. Many pet stores sell chinchilla foods that are filled with seeds, nuts, and raisins. These are very bad for your chinchilla. The difference between plain pellets and these snack-filled foods is like the difference between apples and apple strudel for humans. One is healthy, the other is fattening. Plain pellets may not be as tasty, but they sure are the healthier choice.

Chinchillas need to get out to run

Time outside the cage to run is essential to a chinchilla's well-being. Even if they are provided a wheel in which to run or a large cage, it doesn't compare to the enjoyment they get from running free. Chinchilla-proofing a room in your home is the best option. Many chinchilla owners let their pets run in the bathroom (with the toilet shut, of course) because they are no electrical cords or wooden furniture they can chew.

Chinchillas poop a LOT!

I know, this might seem a little silly, but it's something important to keep in mind. Their cages must be cleaned frequently because chinchillas have quite the digestive system. They poop a lot and they poop often. If you have a multi-level cage (which is recommended), you'll have to clean off the different platforms every day or two or they'll become covered in feces. Fortunately, their poop is in a dry, pellet-like form so it is easy to clean up.

Chinchillas can't be trained

Chinchillas have not been domesticated for very long, and they are stubborn creatures. They might learn their names and possibly the word "no", but aside from that they are not trainable. Don't expect your chinchilla to sit and stay on command because it's not going to happen.

Chinchillas can squeeze in to tight spaces

Their fur can often be deceiving. Chinchillas are not very large creatures underneath all that fluffy, and they can very easily squeeze in to places where they shouldn't be. My chinchilla had a habit of squeezing underneath my bedroom door and then underneath the refrigerator in my old apartment. These aren't good places for chinchillas, so you've got to keep an eye on them and block off any places that are wide enough that they can squeeze under or through.

Chinchillas require large cages

Chinchillas like tall, roomy spaces to live in. The general rule is the larger, the better. The more platforms they have to jump onto, the happier they'll be. You can purchase extra platforms for most chinchilla cages to give your pet extra room to jump.

The aforementioned chinchilla facts are just a few important ones to remember. There's a whole lot more to chinchilla care than that; thus, I recommend you do a Google search for chinchilla care websites in order to learn more.

Owning a chinchilla is both fun and rewarding, but make sure you go into it intelligently. If you don't, both you and, most importantly, the chinchilla will have to face the consequences!