The chinchilla originally comes from South America, where they hunt for their beautiful fur had almost wiped them out. It was not until the beginning of the 20th century that the controlled breeding of chinchillas began in Europe, initially used for fur production, which unfortunately continues to this day. Chinchillas have only been popular as pets for about 30 years.
Chinchillas are now bred in seven different colours and can reach a relatively old age of up to 20 years. The acquisition should therefore be carefully considered. Like most rodents, the chinchilla should definitely live with at least one conspecific.
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Chinchilla cage
A chinchilla cage cannot be big enough. For a couple, however, it should be at least 100 cm x 50 cm and approx. 100 cm high. If the cage is higher, intermediate floors must be drawn in so that the animals cannot injure themselves by falling.
Otherwise, the cage should have a sturdy plastic tub.
Acquisition of a chinchilla
Before getting chinchillas, you should consider that chinchillas are sociable animals that you should definitely keep at least two people. Since it takes a lot of effort to get two adult chinchillas used to each other later, it is best to buy two together. Sibling animals usually get along particularly well. Beginners ride best with two females. But even two males can get along well, but only if there is no female insight. Chinchillas are also good to keep in pairs, but then the male should be neutered, otherwise, there will be offspring.
From the pet shop
Unfortunately, chinchillas are often not kept in a species-appropriate manner in pet shops. The staff is often unable to provide expert information about a specific animal species.
If you have found a pet shop you trust, please be aware of the following circumstances:
- Does the pet shop generally appear clean and hygienic?
- In particular, are the animal cages clean? The litter should look fresh, no contamination should be seen. Also no rotten food or unclean drinking opportunities.
- There shouldn’t be too many chinchillas living together in the cages, the cages themselves should make a spacious impression. They should be set up appropriately. With enough retreat and drinking opportunities.
- The sexes should be kept separate. Once, so that they really get the sex they want. Second, so that they don’t come home with a pregnant female.
- The animals themselves should make a healthy impression. Since chinchillas are crepuscular and nocturnal, it is clear that they look sleepy during the day. So it’s best to stop by in the evening hours. Otherwise, the fur should be shiny and the anus, eyes, nose and mouth should be clean.
- The seller should be able to provide detailed and knowledgeable answers to your questions about chinchillas.
From the breeder
In the case of chinchillas, the best route is to go to the breeder. You will usually find someone here who has been dealing with this species for years and who can advise you. A good breeder also doesn’t mind if you come by once or twice beforehand to see the animals and ask questions.
From animal welfare
The animal shelters are often downright overcrowded with small animals, including chinchillas from time to time. These animals were often bought carelessly or reproduced in an uncontrolled manner and were therefore given away.
Animals from the animal shelter are usually well cared for, medically cared for and often already used to people.
Since chinchillas are very long-lived, you can definitely eat an older animal.
A look at the animal shelter or on our animal welfare pages is definitely worth it.
From private individuals
Unfortunately, not every chinchilla owner seems to know that an uncastrated male and a female are likely to have offspring at some point. Some people also think it’s nice to have baby chinchillas. These offspring are then often offered at a reasonable price through local advertising papers. If you have already informed yourself in detail about chinchillas and have the impression that the animals have been kept well up to now, this is also a possibility to acquire an animal.
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What does a chinchilla cost?
The costs listed are for a chinchilla. However, two animals are only marginally more expensive to maintain.
acquisition cost
- The chinchilla itself, depending on the source and colour, from around € 50 and up. Please do not buy any “bargains”. This is at the expense of animal health.
- The cage, both self-made and bought from approx. € 60, –
- Sleeping houses, from approx. € 15
- Feeding bowls, approx. € 2 to € 8 per piece (you should have at least two so that you can always clean one)
- Drinking bottle, approx. € 5
- A hayrack, approx. € 5
- Sand pool, approx. € 7
All in all, you have to reckon with acquisition costs of around € 180 for a chinchilla.
Regular costs
- Food approx. € 10 – € 15, – per month, with two chinchillas approx. € 20, – to € 25, –
- Litter, approx. € 10 per month
- Chinchilla sand, approx. € 10 per month
Irregular costs
- Holiday care, with a private pet sitter approx. € 3 per day
- Veterinary costs can quickly become very expensive with major treatments
Diet chinchilla
Chinchillas are relatively undemanding eaters. The main diet should consist of chinchilla pellets (e.g. Berkel or Ovator) and good quality hay.
As a treat now and then you can give your chinchillas the following:
Dried apple, rose hips, carob (dry), oat corners, helps, branches, dried rose petals, dried blackberry and hazelnut leaves, dried peppermint.
All herbs should always be dried. Important: no nuts! You should also avoid yoghurt drops or snack sticks from stores.
If you pick the herbs outside yourself, you should of course make sure that they are unsprayed and grow inaccessible to dogs. In any case, wash thoroughly first and then dry.
