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When buying a chinchilla there are a few things to consider. First of all they are a long-term responsibility. The average life span is 10 to 15 years, but they can live up to 20 years, so before buying one, make sure you are ready for a long-term commitment. Chinchillas are cute, but don't use that as the basis for owning one. They are members of the rodent family so they do not mix well with cats. Chinchillas are nocturnal and it's almost impossible to change the pattern. They become more active at night and can be loud at times. People who buy chinchillas without knowing the facts first often wind up abandoning these pets because they are not low maintenance.
When buying a cage for your chinchilla make sure it's very large. A large rabbit cage or one made exclusively for chinchillas is a good choice. You can line the bottom with kiln dried pine shavings. Do not use cedar, it's toxic to most small animals. You will also need a sturdy food dish and a chew proof water bottle. Chinchillas need dust baths once a day to keep the oils down in their fur, so you'll need to buy chinchilla dust for them. You will also need a container for the dust so the chinchilla can roll in it.
When buying food, make sure you get the kind that is formulated exclusively for chinchillas. You will also need to give them alfalfa to complete their diets. You can also give them treats such as raisins, Cheerios, corn flakes, or wheat flakes. Do not overfeed your chinchilla. You will also need to buy vitamin supplements for your chinchilla.
Chinchillas need chew toys to keep their teeth from becoming too long. Non treated kiln-dried white pinewood pieces are good for this. For exercise you can put a large wheel for the chinchilla to play on. You should also take your chinchilla out of his cage to run around the house. Just be sure that you unplug all unnecessary appliances and lamps because chinchillas like to chew on things. You will also want to keep a close eye on your pet because they can fit into small spaces and get hurt. Keep the chinchilla away from large appliances like stoves and refrigerators.
There will be times that your chinchilla will need to see a vet. Before choosing a vet, make sure he is knowledgeable in chinchilla care. This may be hard to find, so don't wait until your pet is sick or having an emergency to try and find a vet. Before making the decision to buy a chinchilla, make sure there is a vet available in your area that is able to care for your pet.
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