How to Play With a Pet Chinchilla

Chinchillas, a member of the rodent family, are a cute mix between a rabbit and a squirrel and are quickly becoming popular pets in the United States. These unique creatures live up to 20 years and can make fantastic playmates; however, they are a bit shy.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Be patient with your pet chinchilla, as it will take time for them to get used to you and begin playing. Let your chinchilla play alone and just watch. Eventually your furry friend will get curious and begin jumping on you to say hello. As your chinchilla begins to trust you, you can begin to scratch behind the ears and play.

2. Have fun during bath time. Chinchillas do not bathe in water, but in sand, and love to play while rolling around to clean their thick coats. Once a day, place a tub with sand outside the cage and watch your chinchilla play. During a dry bath they will often become a bit "giddy," making it a great time for you to interact with and enjoy your pet.

3. Create a chinchilla maze with cardboard mailing tubes. Set the tubes around on the floor and watch your chinchilla explore and play. Sit on the floor with your pet as he plays, and you are sure to become part of the chinchilla obstacle course.

4. Allow your chinchilla to jump, climb and explore the world from above, one of their favorite activities. You can use a cat scratching post, large branches or other objects to create a chinchilla climbing platform. They are sure to spend hours playing and jumping from one level to the next.

Tips & Warnings

• Chinchillas are excellent jumpers and escape artists and should always be supervised during play time. Chinchillas also love to chew, so make sure that any harmful materials, wires and other objects are put away before you let your furry friend out of the cage.
• Chinchillas are easily scared and are known to run rapidly into walls and hurt themselves when spooked. Always use a quiet voice, slow motions and disconnect the telephone when you are playing with your friend outside the cage.