The chinchilla is a cute and charming animal, which is becoming an increasingly popular pet. It doesn’t need a lot of space, it loves company, but also peace. It will mostly spend its days sleeping, but also happily running around the room if you let it.
If you release the chinchilla from the cage, be sure to close all doors and windows because otherwise it will escape very easily. Also, as the chinchilla is a rodent, it should not be allowed access to cables, essential papers, but also sensitive furniture that could damage it.
If you are planning to get a chinchilla as a pet, you need an adequate cage. The chinchilla is bigger than, for expamle, a hamster, so it needs a bigger cage. It is about 20 cm high and weighs about 1 kg, so it is necessary to provide a cage with a minimum size of 40 x 70 x 100 cm with as many shelves as possible.
Preferably, the cage also contains:
- covered shelves
- a bowl of food
- a place for hay
- cottage, basket
- items for activities
- substrate, such as sawdust or wood pellets
- trash can
- toys, hammock
Chinchillas will take great care of their hygiene, and will choose a permanent place to perform physiological needs inside the cage. It is necessary to regularly change the surface in the cage as well as to let the chinchilla out during the day for at least an hour.
Where to put the cage?
Location is extremely important, chinchillas need peace and rest. It is recommended to place the cage on the floor next to one wall, but not in a too dark place. Also, it is very important not to place the cage near the radiator or in a place where it would be in danger by other pets such as a cat or dog.
Chinchilla food
Chinchillas are herbivores and feed mainly on hay. It is necessary to provide them with proteins and fats, which will be provided by special purchased food for chinchillas. You can also feed them sunflower seeds, almonds, dried apples, plums and carrots in moderation.
The chinchilla is a social animal
In addition to human society, chinchillas love, above all, the company of other chinchillas. That is why many owners decide to take a pair of chinchillas at once.
Maintenance costs
The price for maintaining a chinchilla is really not too high. The biggest expense is the one-time cost for the cage as well as of course for the purchase of the chinchilla. In addition, you need food, and if you have access to free hay and grass, that cost will be negligible.
Chinchillas can mate for six months, and on average they mate three times a year and give birth to up to four cubs.
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