Chinchilla lovers, take note: March 23rd is Chinchilla Day! These adorable little balls of fur are apparently becoming quite popular. A recent study from Google Trends found that chinchillas were the third most popular pets in several states, including Maine, Oregon, and North Dakota. An Anderson, IN vet discusses these charming little animals in this article.
Basics
The Chinchilla looks quite a bit like a squirrel, but with a bigger head and smaller tail. These furballs are native to the Andes mountains. Though they were once found in Bolivia, Peru, and Chile, currently only Chile still has wild ones. It’s not hard to see why chinchillas are becoming so popular. They’re not only super cute, they are also very clean. As long as you keep their habitat clean, you shouldn’t have to deal with any smells. Just keep in mind that they are quite long lived for small animals. These guys can live up to 20 years with proper care. Before adopting a chinchilla, make sure you are ready for that type of commitment!
Behavior
One thing that’s important for potential chinchilla owners to know is the fact that they are very fragile. They are also extremely sociable. In the wild, they live in large colonies. Therefore, they should always be kept in groups of at least two. If a chinchilla feels anxious, lonely, uncomfortable, or otherwise distressed, it will quickly take a toll on their physical health. Your furry pal may start chewing his fur and/or stop eating. The former isn’t usually dangerous in and of itself, but dietary disruptions can quickly tailspin into other issues.
Care
Chinchillas like to jump and climb. In fact, they can jump up to six feet! Your tiny pals will need a habitat that offers vertical space. Choosing the right spot is also important. These little furballs are extremely temperature sensitive, and do not do well in the heat. You also don’t want your chinnie to feel too isolated or too exposed. As far as diet goes, you’ll need to provide your pets plenty of suitable hay, such as Timothy hay or orchard grass. They also need regular dust baths and, of course, lots of love and attention. Ask your vet for specific care tips.
As your local Anderson, IN pet hospital, we’re committed to offering great service and top-notch care. Contact us for all your chinchilla’s veterinary care needs.
