How to Care for a Chinchilla

Chinchillas are members of the rodent family that are furry, incredibly soft and fun to cuddle. Both kids and adults find them pleasant to have, and they are also fairly easy to care for compared to some other pets. Here are some tips for caring for your soft, cuddly pet chinchilla.

Instructions

1. Pick a cage for your chinchilla that is big enough to provide adequate movement. A multi-level cage allows the chinchilla to exercise by climbing and jumping. The bottom floor of the cage should be a solid flat surface to allow your pet to stand or lay down to rest.

2. Clean the chinchilla's cage every two to three days to keep nesting material clean and fresh.

3. Purchase some chewing toys such as wood blocks or other approved toys from the pet store to meet the chinchilla's chewing needs.

4. Supply the chinchilla with fresh food and water daily. Oats, fresh fruits and vegetables such as apples, bananas, pears and carrots are a good diet for chinchilla. Raisins are also good treats for chinchilla; however, limit raisins to only one or two a week.

5. Allow the chinchilla to have a dust bath once or twice a week for about 15 to 20 minutes each time. This keeps it clean and its fur shiny.

6. Handle the chinchilla gently to avoid inflicting injury. Don't grab it by its fur. The chinchilla will shed its fur as a defense.