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Available
ID
5
Location
Pet Blvd Brewster
Store Phone
Chinchilla Care Sheet
- Size: 9–14 in (23–36 cm) body, plus tail
- Weight: 400–600 g
- Lifespan: 10–15 yrs (sometimes 20+)
- Origin: Andes Mountains, South America
Housing
- Multi-level cage (min. 24″ × 24″ × 36″) with solid floors and ramps.
- Escape-proof with narrow bar spacing (≤ 1″).
- Cool, dry, well-ventilated location; avoid humidity > 60%.
- Provide shelves, ledges, and hide boxes.
Diet
- High-quality chinchilla pellets (timothy hay–based).
- Unlimited fresh timothy hay.
- Fresh water in a bottle; change daily.
- Occasional dried rose hips or small treats; avoid sugary/fatty foods.
Grooming & Health
- No water baths — use dust baths 2–4× weekly with chinchilla dust.
- Check teeth; provide chew items to prevent overgrowth.
- Watch for heat stress (temps > 75°F / 24°C can be dangerous).
- Signs of illness: reduced appetite, drooling, diarrhea, lethargy.
Exercise & Enrichment
- Daily supervised playtime in a safe, escape-proof area.
- Chew toys, tunnels, ledges, and exercise wheels (solid surface).
- Social animals — consider keeping in same-sex pairs if compatible.
Environment & Safety
- Ideal temp: 60–70°F (16–21°C); low humidity.
- Keep away from drafts, direct sunlight, and kitchens.
- Provide quiet, low-stress surroundings.
Note: Chinchillas have delicate fur and bones — handle gently and supervise out-of-cage time.
Breeding (If Applicable)
- Requires ample space, nesting boxes, and veterinary guidance.
- Gestation is ~111 days; litters usually 1–3 kits.
Summary: A cool, spacious, multi-level cage, hay-based diet, dust baths, and enrichment keep chinchillas happy and healthy for years.
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