Pet ChinchillasSo, you've decided you want to add a Chinchilla to your family? That is wonderful. Chinchillas make excellent pets. Once you get their care down, they also become low maintenance pets, but only once you learn how to care for them properly. The beginning can tend to be a bit overwhelming for some. Owning chinchillas can be very challenging, and time consuming but over all a very rewarding experience.
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Are chinchillas clean?Chinchillas themselves are very clean pets when cared for properly. A foul odor coming from the animal would indicate an infection. An odor from the cage would mean it needs to be cleaned more frequently ( 1-2x a week depending)
Chins are clean, but their bedding, hay, and small pellet-like poops do get around! Fun fact, chins poop about 200 times a day! |
Chinchillas need Air Conditioning.The best home can fall completely short if the correct temperature is not sustained YEAR ROUND. 55 -65 degrees F is ideal for a chinchilla. 70 degrees F and up can prove to be dangerous for some chins who may have thick dense fur. Chins with low fur density may survive warmer temperatures but all and all will still be uncomfortable.
Fans will provide no relief for your pet, because Chinchillas do not sweat. Fans cool certain mammals when it evaporates sweat from the skin. |
Chins are not generally snugglers.A chinchilla - Generally speaking - is not a up-front cuddly family pet.
They prefer to bond to 1 person, and are more of a "look at me" type of pet. Some do tolerate mild handling and petting while in or out of the cage. Some also tend to enjoy a chin scratch here and there, but the majority will not sit with you or allow you to snuggle. Chins are fun to watch run around though! Some chins can become more docile and affectionate in time with consistent handling and bonding, but this can take as little as a few months to a couple years! |