Chinchilla FAQS

A. Chinchillas usually live between 10-20 years. The oldest chinchilla lived to be 29 years old. Feeding good quality food will help keep your pet healthy.

A. Yes groups of multiple males or groups of multiple females can live together peacefully. In fact, most chinchillas like to have a chinchilla friend. This of course depends on the individual chins, and you should always be prepared to separate them if necessary, but for the most part chinchillas are social animals that enjoy company.

A. Your chinchilla will not go bald if you touch it, nor it if gets wet. Chinchillas do not need water baths and should be thoroughly dried if they do happen to get wet, but their fur will not fall out. Chinchillas do have the ability to "fur slip" as a defense mechanism. This means they can lose (usually) little bits of fur and will usually happen (if it happens at all) when you go to pick them up or if they get in a fight with a cage mate. Some chinchillas fur slip more than others but if it happens, don't worry it will grow back in about 3 months.

A. If your chinchilla's fur is uneven and choppy looking, chances are your chinchilla is chewing it. This is a sign your chinchilla is stressed. Fur chewing is for the most part thought to be genetic so you want to make sure not to breed a chinchilla that fur chews. Chinchillas can chew themselves or another cage mate. Sometimes, they will chew if there is something stuck in the fur or if they itch due to fungus. If you have a fur chewer, limit the amount of stressful changes in environment.

A. No, chinchillas are usually hearty animals. But when they do get sick, they can hide it well so usually as soon as you notice something wrong, you should make a trip to the veterinarian. If your chinchilla is lethargic, not eating, drinking, or pooping, go to the vet immediately. Make sure you know of a vet that treats chinchillas ahead of time so you're not wasting time scrambling to find one in an emergency.

The best way to keep your chinchilla healthy is to feed good quality chinchilla food and provide a clean and safe cage environment for your pet.

A. No the tail won't fall off, but it can break. The safest way to pick up your chinchilla is to grab at the base of the tail and then scoop your other hand under the belly and legs for support making sure not to squeeze. You can remain holding the base of the tail while holding your pet so that it won't jump away and possibly hurt itself landing.