Things to Know When Caring for a Chinchilla

1 Key Husbandry Points for Keeping a Chinchilla

Chinchilla Care Guidelines

1. Environment

Chinchillas are comfortable between 10–25°C (50–77°F), ideally around 20°C. Below 11°C in winter, warm them to prevent chills; above 26°C in summer, cool them with air conditioning or ice nearby. They overheat easily, so avoid heavy exercise and exposure during hot weather, and use air conditioning on a low fan setting.

They also hate humidity—above 40% makes them miserable—so control moisture, keep air flowing, and give regular dust baths to prevent skin fungus.

As nocturnal animals that prefer dim light, keep them out of strong or direct sunlight.

2. Cage

Chinchillas need to chew, so choose a sturdy, tall cage with room to run and jump. Never place it near speakers or noisy windows—they are timid and noise-sensitive, and stress causes fur loss and appetite drop. Keep mice, cats, and dogs away, as they easily frighten a chinchilla into a stress reaction.

3. Diet

Chinchillas are herbivorous; their staple is alfalfa, timothy, and formulated feed, with orchard, wheat, or oat grass as supplements. Hay is essential—it meets nutrition and wears down teeth—so it should be the core food. Offer small amounts of fruit and vegetables for balance, plus apple-branch sticks or grass cakes to chew. Important: avoid watery foods, which cause diarrhea—use freeze-dried fruit and veg instead. Always provide clean, fresh drinking water.