Chinchilla Housing

Native to the high altitudes (16,500 feet) of the Andes Mountains of South America, chinchillas have unique housing requirements. Their natural environment is filled with fissures and ledges in rocks and caves, surrounded by sparse, though thorny, vegetation. This environment has made chinchillas very adept at climbing, jumping, and darting into secure hiding spots when frightened or to sleep. As such, a chinchilla should be housed in a cage that offers numerous climbing ledges and at least one sleeping den. Multilevel cages are the best. Because a chinchilla needs enough room to exercise, explore, and climb, chosen cages should be at least 24" wide x 24" long x 24" high (a 6 ft x 6 ft x 3 ft cage is ideal). Use bedding in solid bottom cages and provide a board or structure in part of the floor if the floor is wire mesh. They also need a suitable water bottle. An exercise wheel will also help your chinchilla expend some of his energy.

Chinchillas relish and need frequent sand baths. These rolling romps in specially designed sand helps keep your chinchilla's thick fur smooth and silky. It is also believed these sand baths help chinchillas relax and relieve stress.

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Because chinchillas may become startled easily - especially during the day when they are trying to sleep - consider placing your chosen cage with at least one side against a solid wall, or in a corner. The cage should also be located in a well-lighted location out of direct sunlight and any drafts. In addition, since their natural mountain habitat experiences little humidity with vast daily temperature changes, chinchillas are more suited to room temperatures between 50-65°F with a relative humidity of less than 50%. Chinchillas also benefit from time spent exploring outside the cage. Because chinchillas will chew anything they find and may run if you try to catch them, adding an exercise pen to your pet's environment is beneficial.

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