Chinchillas

A friend of mine was talking about purchasing a pet chinchilla the other day, and it got me thinking about these exotic rodents. A chinchilla is looks a bit like a squirrel with a rabbit-like body (springing legs included) and big mouse-like ears. They are super cute, and their fuzzy fur makes them highly cuddle-able! and can live for 15 - 20 years.

Grooming : 'Cos of their thick fur, a chinchilla doesn't have too many insect issues. They also have very little odour, unlike mice (big plus).

They do not like water at all, and prefer to have a dust bath approximately two times a week. You can purchase special chinchilla dust for this bathing and it is suggested you only use the dust purchasable from a pet store for the safety of your lovely pet.

shed every three months, and combing your pet will not only allow you to bond but will help remove excess fur flying everywhere.

Feeding :

are not expensive or hard to feed. Their menu should consist of pellets, alfalfa, and water. The best time of day to feed these critters is in the evening when they are up and at 'em (like Atom Ant).

Most chinchilla pellets are made from ingredients such as alfalfa meal, molasses, soybean oil, oats, added vitamins and minerals as well as wheat germ. Make sure your Chinchilla has fresh water available to them at all times as well.

Chewing :

Like any rodent, the chinchilla has to have some to chew on for the health of their two front teeth. The following would all be great for chewing on: A piece of wood (look for special ones sold in petstores)

Paper towel roll or toilet paper roll (do not allow them to keep eating it)

3-4 inch PVC pipe

Parrot wooden toys (without bells and other things )

A piece of pumice (look for special ones sold in petstores)

Housing :

Do not buy a cage with plastic coated wire as a chinchilla may chew and swallow this coating. Invest in a wire bottom cage with a tray at the bottom to catch droppings and for ease of cleaning the cage up.

Line the bottom of the cage for wood chips (Pine is best) and old newspapers. Keep the cage out of the sun! And make sure your chinchilla has a fab hiding place in th cage for alone time - a Four-inch PVC drain pipe T- or Y- joints are a great place to hang out!

Kymmage

Kymmage is a 26 year old editor/administrator/wife/cat 'mummy'/Master of Arts/daughter/sister/voter and moore living it up in H-town.