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So you got a chinchilla, and now have considered getting a friend for your current pet. This is common, and something most owners choose to do.
Chinchillas are a social species who can be found in colonies of over 100 animals; However, some chinchillas don't like company at all either. Their social structure in the wild is very interesting, but in a domestic setting we have to take certain precautions. The animals are caged, so if there is ever a conflict they can not flee from the aggressor to a safe location, therefore we need to be cautious about how we proceed. First, ask yourself "WHY?" you want to add another chinchilla to your family. |
Do you work long hours?
- Chinchillas are crepuscular animals. That means they're active at dawn and dusk, so for most owners that means they're sleeping why you're away at work.
Do you feel like you don't spend enough quality time with your pet?
- Chinchillas are not very cuddly pets as is, and most are extremely happy to get a few chin-scratches in the evening. They'll take a chew stick, and say hello from inside their cage and move on doing chinchilla stuff.
Do you think your chinchilla is lonely?
- With enough attention and patience, your chinchilla will socialize with you and be happy just to see you.
Do you want to breed?
- You should never breed your pets. Pet store chinchillas, rescue chinchillas, or chinchillas sold specifically as pets should stay pets. Breeding these animals can result in a dead female, or kits with genetic faults that will cause their quality of life to be poor or decline as they age. All animals deserve to be born healthy so they can live a LONG and FULL life.
If you wish to breed, Please meet with a local reputable breeder. You can check the ECBC or MCBA ( or our navigation bar ) to find a breeder near you.
Or maybe you just really love chinchillas and want another?
- If this is the case, you can afford another animal and your living situation approves of it then OF COURSE you can get another!
- Chinchillas are crepuscular animals. That means they're active at dawn and dusk, so for most owners that means they're sleeping why you're away at work.
Do you feel like you don't spend enough quality time with your pet?
- Chinchillas are not very cuddly pets as is, and most are extremely happy to get a few chin-scratches in the evening. They'll take a chew stick, and say hello from inside their cage and move on doing chinchilla stuff.
Do you think your chinchilla is lonely?
- With enough attention and patience, your chinchilla will socialize with you and be happy just to see you.
Do you want to breed?
- You should never breed your pets. Pet store chinchillas, rescue chinchillas, or chinchillas sold specifically as pets should stay pets. Breeding these animals can result in a dead female, or kits with genetic faults that will cause their quality of life to be poor or decline as they age. All animals deserve to be born healthy so they can live a LONG and FULL life.
If you wish to breed, Please meet with a local reputable breeder. You can check the ECBC or MCBA ( or our navigation bar ) to find a breeder near you.
Or maybe you just really love chinchillas and want another?
- If this is the case, you can afford another animal and your living situation approves of it then OF COURSE you can get another!
Step 1.Be sure you're ready. Your current pet should be the priority.
Does he/she already have everything he/she needs? A nice cage, ample chew toys, wooden shelves, hidey huts, or other luxury items like hammocks and a appropriate wheel? The reason I say this is the first step is because many owners end up purchasing another animal before their first is properly set up. |
Step 2.Are you sure you know what sex your chinchilla is?
Many owners purchase a chinchilla, and never second guess what the gender is after being told. Sometimes, a lot of the time, pet stores improperly sex their animals, so it's important you know how to check. You should never breed your pets, and you don't want to mistakenly purchase the wrong sex. |
Step 3.Decide where you'd like to get your new addition. Some owners prefer to shop directly from a breeder so they have peace of mind about the health and quality of their animal.
Others prefer to adopt from shelters or rescues, and this is also a good choice. These pre-loved animals deserve a loving home. Other options include pet shops or online ads where back yard breeders post animals cheaply. These animals tend to have poor health, or decline in health as they age. We recommend avoiding these portals. |
TIP: Before running off and buying the first chinchilla you see, try to get a good grasp on your chinchilla's personality.
Is he/she overall friendly, receptive to attention, and willing to be touched? Or is he/she shy, and try to flee at every chance?
Knowing your pet's personality will help you pick a good match but something to remember is that not every chinchilla will click with another, so you MUST be willing to end up with 2 separate cages and 2 single chinchillas. It's a risk you need to be willing to take.
Is he/she overall friendly, receptive to attention, and willing to be touched? Or is he/she shy, and try to flee at every chance?
Knowing your pet's personality will help you pick a good match but something to remember is that not every chinchilla will click with another, so you MUST be willing to end up with 2 separate cages and 2 single chinchillas. It's a risk you need to be willing to take.
Step 4.Step 4 is about getting prepared for your new addition. You should have a spare temporary cage set up in a separate room, with all the basic supplies your pet needs.
Your new chin needs their own space and cage to relax and become accustomed to their surroundings, as well as a space away from your current chinchilla for a Quarantine period. Your pet will need this cage and personal space for about a month minimum. Skipping this step can result in injured or sick animals. |
Photo Credit Chinchilla Chateau
Step 5.Picking out your new chinchilla should be about personality, not mutation ( color ).
Younger chins are a favorite because they're cute babies, but they're a gamble. You never know what their personalities will be once they're brought home and grow up. They still have toddler/teenage/and adulthood stages to go through. Adult chinchillas normally fall into the category " what you see is what you get" but some are able to socialize more with time, and love. |
Step 6.Once your new pet is home, it's important to give him or her some space. Let them become accustomed to their new cage and surroundings for a day or two. Try to fight the urge to hold, pet, and bother them. Keep it simple and be sure they have food and water.
After a few days, go ahead and try to interact. You can offer a safe treat, or place your hand into the cage and allow your new pet to investigate you on their own terms. Whatever you choose, do so slowly. You don't want to scare or threaten your pet. Once your pet's 30 day quarantine is up, and there's no signs of illness you can move their cage next to your current pet's cage. Then leave both pet's along for a few days to get accustomed to their new surroundings and neighbor. TIP: Keep the cages 3" inches apart to avoid fights. |
Bonding Methods
All bonding methods below should only be attempted if you are sure you can break up a fight, and have placed your new pet in quarantine and after 30 day your pet has shown no signs of distress or illness.
