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FAQ

Q: Do chinchillas make good pets for children?

A: I typically do not suggest purchasing chinchillas for children under 10. These are pets that can live upwards of 20 years and purchasing so young, children don't seem to understand their needs and also lose interest. Some kids also seem to have issues with handling them under this age. Please know that if you decide to purchase one for a young child that you assume all responsibilities and accidents that may happen to a fragile animal.

Q: What is the average life span?

A: 15-20 years if taken care of properly and the animal is from healthy lines. They can live well over 20.

Q: Can a chinchilla eat fruits and vegetables?

A: Chinchillas should not consume fruits or vegetables of any kind, whether dried or fresh. You may not see the effects over a short period of time, but long term, you are shortening the life span of your pet. There are safer options out there to give your animal.

Q: How do I properly hold a chinchilla?

A: While it may look cruel, the safest way to handle a chinchilla is by holding it by the base of it's tail with your entire hand wrapped around it, and cradling the chin with your other hand underneath without squeezing. Chinchillas do not deglove their tail and it is the strongest part of their body. This is to keep you from pushing on their ribs when handling them. When your chinchilla becomes accustomed to you, you can back off on handling by the tail.

Q: Do chinchillas bite?

A: Yes, they can. Doesn't mean they all will. Just know that when you purchase a chinchilla, that you realize there is a risk no matter the temperament.

Q: I have to get rid of my chinchillas, do you purchase them?

A: No, I do not purchase pet chinchillas. I do take in surrenders to help find them homes, but there is a $25/chin charge to help cover costs while they are here. There is no force to surrender any animal to me, but I do give the option.

Safe Cages

All Living Things Chew Proof Habitat

This is the only cage I would suggest from a pet store other than the ferret nation. This price is a little high for the quality of the cage, but you do not have to replace anything in the cage as it is all metal. The cage is safe, but could use some wooden ledges IMO.

Ferret Nation & Critter Nation Cages

These are great and easily customizable. We prefer that the plastic pans are either replaced with metal pans (can be purchased at bassequipment.com) or covered with fleece liners. These cages can be added onto for up to 7 ft in height. 2-3 chinchillas can easily live in each section and this large cage is not required for one chinchilla. The ferret nation has thicker bars and will last longer than the critter nation.

Quality Cage Chinchilla Mansion

Quality cage makes fantastic versatile and collapsible cages that have wooden ledges and are great for chins to chew on. Nothing has to be replaced in these cages and they're great as is. The current owners are also great to deal with. Tell them Tiffany sent you.

Safe Wheels - Not a required product

Chin Spin from Quality Cage

If I had to suggest any wheel, I would go for the chin spin. It's easy for them to use, has the perfect size and is made to last.

Flying Saucer from Meadowbrook Chinchilla

These wheels can be a little difficult for a chin to get used to, but they are by far the largest and are one of the quietest on the market.

Silver Surfer Wheel from chinchillas.com

This wheel is a little smaller than I prefer, but if you have a smaller chinchilla, they're a good deal and come in different colors.

Safe Bedding

Pine Shavings

Pine shavings have been used for decades by ranchers as one of the cleanest means of taking care of your chins. Even though some don't like the idea of pine, it is totally safe as it is kiln dried and has no toxic phenols such as cedar does (please do not use cedar). They're cheap and reliable as long as you find a good source of them. Tractor Supply carries both flake and fine at a reasonable price and these are also easy to pick up at a pet store in bulk or even at your local Walmart.

Fleece Bedding

Fleece is the only safe fabric that should be in your chinchilla cage. Fleece can be used for accessories or as a liner on the bottom of your cage for the chinchilla to urinate and defecate on. The liner can be shaken out and washed in the washing machine and changed out regularly throughout the week without the mess of shavings. These are great to use over plastic pans such as in the Ferret Nation cage.

I do custom make and sell these, buy here

Aspen Shavings

Aspen is a little more expensive than pine is but it is a bit finer and has a different texture. If you're not comfortable with using pine, try aspen. It can be found at your local pet store or farm and feed supply store in small bags or in bulk.

Safe Feeds

Oxbow Essentials Chinchilla Food

A product that can be found at pet stores.

Mazuri Chinchilla Diet

A product that can be found at pet stores.

Hubbard Life (Tradition)

A great diet for both pets and breeders. Formulated specifically for chinchillas.

Blue Seal Show Hutch Deluxe Rabbit Feed

This is the feed that we use for our chinchillas. I sell it for $1/lb in my store or it can be purchased from Tractor Supply in 50 lb bags.

Safe feeders

Metal Food Crock

These come in two different styles, one that attaches on a cage by a bar and wingnut, and then the ones that hook onto the cage as shown above. They can be found in the bird section of pet stores or purchased online. They're easy to clean.

Food Trough

These are made with a sifter and without, you add the feed to the top of them. These can hook inside of the cage or a hole can be cut through the cage to stick it through. These typically prevent urinating in the feed and you don't have to feed as often as they hold a ton of feed.

Ceramic Crock

These can be found cheap at the local dollar store, but they will need to be cleaned more often as chins decide to urinate in them and they will sit on them as well. They're just an easy option.