How to housing your new chinchilla?

A chew proof cage at least 45 x 60 x 60 H (cm)is the minimum size for one chinchilla. You should get the biggest cage possible so your pet has lots of room to sleep, play, and move around. Chinchillas should not be housed in tall cages without separate floors, there should be a maximum of 60cm or 2 feet between floors and even less with young kits present. Having multiple shelves and/or hammocks in a tall cage will not protect them from injury

There should be no plastic or rubber in the cage since this can lead to a blockage of the intestines, which is almost always fatal. Cages are best made from strong ¾ inch metal wire mesh with a pull-out tray underneath on which dropping can collect.

Chinchillas would appreciate access to wooden shelves, wooden houses etc. but these should be made out of suitable untreated wood (e.g. pine). Shelves and houses made out of wood-based products such as plywood and MDF are not suitable because they contain glue and inevitably, they will be chewed. The chinchilla’s teeth grow continuously throughout its life. Therefore, they need a constant supply of safe materials to gnaw on(e.g. 100% natural Chewing Stone , Apple Stick or Kiwi Stick).

healthy adult chinchillas can tolerate cold (anything above freezing point), the enemies being heat and damp. Inevitably, they struggle in temperatures above c.28°C. To prevent overheating, direct sunshine (including through windows) should always be avoided and they should never be housed outdoors or put in a run in the garden. Fans, stainless steel cooling house and cooling tiles can be used to help keep them comfortable. Living in a damp environment can not only lead to respiratory problems, but it also affects the fur which impacts on their ability to stay warm.

Although it is not essential for a chinchilla to have “playtime” outside of their cage, if you choose to do so, they need to be fully supervised at all times since they will chew wires, skirting boards etc. Care should also be taken to ensure they do not overheat as a result of over vigorous exercise, especially in hot weather. In general, they are not afraid of other animals and pets, however, caution needs to be exercised since some species can pass on diseases to chinchillas. Currently there are no commercially available vaccinations developed for chinchillas.

With air conditioning : Chinchillas have beautiful fur ,Air conditioners work by removing the heat from the inside of your home and transferring it outdoors .temperature control at your fingertips

Without air conditioning: Need to make sure room temperature is below 27c