🐇 Small Pets

Chinchilla

Velvet-soft acrobat from the Andes.

Chinchillas have incredibly dense fur and are agile, crepuscular animals. They are curious but often dislike being held, and they need cool temperatures.

Lifespan10–20 years
SizeSmall · 1–1.5 lb
Care levelModerate
Typical cost$30–60 / month
Great for
AdultsCool homesLong-term commitmentActiveCuriousShy
Chinchilla

Photo: Guérin Nicolas (messages) · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Care guide

Daily care

Tall, multi-level cage with solid platforms. Keep below 75°F — they overheat easily.

Unlimited timothy hay plus plain chinchilla pellets; very limited treats.

Daily supervised playtime in a chin-proofed room.

Dust baths several times weekly. Never wet their fur.

Health

Common health concerns

Know what to watch for. Early detection makes most of these far easier and cheaper to treat.

  • Heatstroke
  • Dental disease
  • GI stasis
  • Fur ring in males
  • Fungal skin infection
Veterinary care

Vet visits

Exotics vet annually.

Find a vet near me

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This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. Costs are rough U.S. estimates for food, supplies and routine care. Always consult a licensed veterinarian about your pet’s needs.