Are you looking for a cute and cuddly pet to bring home? If so, you might want to consider adopting a chinchilla. Unfortunately, these sweet little pets are most commonly known for the soft fur that is harvested for fur coats, but they can actually make great family pets as well.
What is a Chinchilla?
Chinchillas are fairly small animals with bodies measuring only 10 to 14 inches long, though their tails can add another five to six inches to their length. As part of the rodent family, chinchillas look like a combination of a mouse, a hamster and a guinea pig all rolled up into one. Chinchillas can also be found in a few different colors, though white and gray are the most common. In addition, their fur is exceptionally soft, which is part o what makes them such a cuddly pet to own.
How Do Chinchillas Behave?
If handled gently while still young, chinchillas can be very tame pets that enjoy being cuddled. Some chinchillas, however, do not care to be held or cuddled on a regular basis. Regardless, they are usually playful pets that like to be active. Since they are nocturnal animals, they are most active at night. Therefore, they can be frustrating pets for owners who want to play with their pets throughout the day.
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What Should I Feed My Chinchilla?
Chinchillas need to eat mostly roughage. Therefore, feeding good quality grass hay as well as pellets should be the bulk of your pet’s diet. Other treats that you can give to your chinchilla include:
o Carrots
o Celery
o Dried Apples
o Grapes
o Raisins
o Rolled Oats
o Sunflower seeds
All of these foods should be fed in moderation, however, so you don’t upset the chinchilla’s digestive system. In fact, you should not exceed more than one teaspoon of these treats per day.
What Kind of Housing is Needed?
Since chinchillas are so active, they need to have a cage with plenty of room. Plenty of toys should also be included in the cage as well as ramps, perches and platforms for the chinchilla to climb. It is also important to take care to prevent overheating, as chinchillas can be very sensitive to heat. In addition, you should be certain to provide your chinchilla with the opportunity to take a dust bath at least twice per week. It may sound strange, but chinchillas need to roll around in specially made dust in order to keep their fur clean and healthy looking.
The cage you select for your chinchilla should be made of wire, or else it may eat its way out. You should avoid cages made of wire that is plastic-coated or that is painted, however, as the chinchilla will chew this off as well. You should also make certain the openings in the cage are no bigger than 1″ x 2″, as chinchillas can squeeze their way through very small spaces.
When all is said and done, chinchillas can make excellent pets. Just make certain you are ready to enjoy spending time with your chinchilla for many years, as they typically live for about 15 years. If you are ready to commit that many years to your little pet, however, you will be thrilled with your new pet!
CS Swarens is the CEO of Find a Pet Online. 800 998-7065
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