Caring for chinchillas, naturally

The way that you care for and interact with your chinchilla should reflect their natural behaviour as a prey species. How does this influence their behaviour of chinchillas in the home?

  • Can be easily frightened and need gentle handling
  • Live in burrows – most active at dawn and dusk.
  • May mask signs of illness – making it difficult to tell when they are ill
  • Like to live in large sociable groups, called herds

Use this understanding to find ways to keep them happy and healthy…

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Our Supreme Veterinary Range

From time to time, your vet may make a specific dietary recommendation to help support your chinchilla if they are ill or lethargic. That can also include times when your chinchilla is recovering from surgery or illness. Our Recovery Plus diet is a popular option recommended by many veterinary professionals.

Rabbit Eating

Why our chinchilla foods are second to none

Chinchilla diets don’t just deliver nutrition but taste and enjoyment too. Chinchillas are active chewers and need to do so to keep their constantly growing teeth trimmed.

  • High fibre – for active chewing
  • No added sugar – tasty because of the flavour of high-quality natural ingredients
  • Nutritionally balanced with all the vitamins and minerals they need

Frequently asked questions about Chinchillas

Frequently asked questions about Chinchillas

Can chinchillas live outside?

Chinchillas should be housed in a large, indoors enclosure as they don’t cope well with temperatures that are too cold or too hot. The ideal temperature range is around 10-18C and their housing should be dry and well-ventilated, but not draughty. It is best to avoid noisy areas of the house, including anywhere with a TV or sound system as the vibrations from these can make chinchillas stressed.

What do chinchillas eat in the wild?

Chinchillas originate from the Andes Mountains in northern Chile. They are herbivorous, and in the wild these plant-based eaters would munch on twigs, roots and stems as well as grass and leaves. This means pet chins need a diet with plenty of high-quality fibre to help support a healthy digestive system and prevent overgrown teeth. We also use tasty linseed in our chinchilla diets, to help keep their soft coats in tip top condition.

Why do chinchillas need sand baths?

Chinchillas love a sand bath, and it is important for them to be able to express this natural behaviour. It’s also essential for keeping their skin and fur healthy. Chins have super soft coats; thanks to the fact they have 80 hairs per follicle. Always use a fine, specialist chinchilla bathing sand and replace this weekly. Normal sand or sawdust are not safe alternatives, as they can cause damage to your pet’s eyes.

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Need to know more?

For more detailed information about Chinchillas, you can contact us and we will get back to you with our experts’ advice. However, if you have any concerns about the health and well-being of your chinchilla, you should seek veterinary advice immediately.