HedgehogsSugar GlidersChinchillasSkinny Pigs
Hedgehog Health Care

Care & Handling

Care

  • Keep your chinchilla out of drafts. A comfortable temperature is 65°F to 75°F.
  • Chinchillas require dust baths to keep their fur soft and plush. Ideally a dust bath should be given every day but a minimum of three dust baths per week is acceptable.
  • Chinchillas love to play “hide and seek” and to be chased around a room!
  • The most common cause of death of pet chinchillas is accidents. Household accidents can include chewing wires or finding a way outdoors.
  • A good way for a chinchilla to explore its surroundings is in a giant ball like the ones used for hamsters.
  • The most common chinchilla health care problem is fungus. Fungus is common in damp, humid environments especially in summer or when the animal is under stress. An easy treatment for mild cases is to use a small amount of powder medication for human foot fungus in the chinchilla’s dust bath. However, veterinarian attention may be necessary for severe cases.

Further Reading

  • Barrie, Anmarie. A Guide ToOwning A Chinchilla. T.F.H. Publications. 1997.
  • Houston, J.W., Prestwich, J.P. Chinchilla Care. Allied Fur Industries, Inc. Gardena, California. 1953.
  • Kraft, Helmut. Diseases of Chinchillas. T.F.H. Publications. 1987.
  • Mosslacher, Egon. Breeding and Caring For Chinchillas. T.F.H. Publications. 1986.
  • Roder-Thiede, Maike. A Complete Pet Owners Manual. Barron’s Educational Series, Inc.
  • Zeinert, Karen. All About Chinchillas. T.F.H. Publications. 1986.
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