What Does It Mean When a Chinchilla Purrs or Chirps?

1 Why Chinchillas Vocalize

The chinchilla (a chinchillidae rodent) does express emotion through its calls, but compared with cats and dogs it’s a fairly quiet animal and the sounds are sometimes easy to miss. A sudden purring or chirping is worth paying attention to.

2 Reasons for the Purring Sound

Boredom: chinchillas are kept in cages, and without small toys to play with they may purr when bored to draw your attention and get you to keep them company.

Fear: chinchillas are timid and very sensitive to loud noises, strangers, and unfamiliar places. When afraid or anxious they make the purring sound to protect themselves or to signal you to take them away.

Breeding season: males can come into season at any time from about five months old; females usually cycle in March–April and October–November, roughly five days a month. During these periods they vocalize and may flick their tails.

Sickness or injury: even caged chinchillas get ill from weather or diet, or hurt each other in fights; the discomfort and pain make them chirp. When you hear the sound, observe closely to find the cause.

Anger: like people, chinchillas have moods. When unhappy they may hide, or they may voice their irritation.

Nightmares: some owners notice their chinchilla chirping now and then while half-asleep at night — likely a bad dream. This is generally nothing to worry about.