So, the soft fur, bushy tail and attention grabbing eyes of a chinchilla have stolen your heart. Make sure to realize the extent of care a chinchilla needs before purchasing one for a pet. The average cost for a chinchilla is $150 – $200. The typical grey chinchilla is the most common so they are on the lower end of the price range. They do come in an array of muted colors including Black Velvet, Beige, Mosaic, and Violet. Females are rarer than males so the price is $50.00 more than their male counterparts. Breeders fees for chinchillas are typically less than at a pet store.
The start up fee for a chinchilla is an additional cost of approximately $250.00. A large cage, toys, food, enclosure house, exercise wheel, litter pan, litter, and cleaning dust for your new pet are essential. The cage has to have bars less than the width of the chinchilla’s head. They eat Timothy hay and pellets. Toys are necessary to keep chinchillas’ teeth from overgrowing. They have to gnaw at toys to file their teeth, otherwise they might stop eating. They need to be bathed daily in a cleaning dust — not water — to remove the oiliness from their fur.
The monthly maintenance cost for a chinchilla is $25.00 per month. Chinchillas cannot sweat, so they need to be kept in a cool temperature, under 75 degrees, and 70 degrees is their ideal temperature. Electric bills are higher due to the need to keep them cool. Chinchillas are nocturnal, so they are most active during the night. They need to be kept away from direct sunlight and loud noises, and they are avid jumpers. They have a high energy level and they can live up to the age of twenty years old. They grow to an average size of 12″ and they weigh on average 80 ounces. They are naturally inquisitive and have a gentle personality.
They do not care to be held. If you are wanting a cuddly pet, this one is not for you. If you do try to pick up the chinchilla, it is best if you take small steps at a time. Don’t put your hand in to pick it up right away. This will make them skittish and improper handling could kill a chinchilla. Open the cage and immerse your hand. Wait for the chinchilla to come to you. Let them explore your hand and arm. Picking up a chinchilla properly is extremely important. Do not squeeze or hold your chinchilla by the midsection. They have a floating ribcage and doing so could cause internal damage.
Daily routine will involve interaction and socializing with your pet for at least thirty minutes. Water needs to be changed daily. Uneaten food needs to be taken out of the cage. Dust bathing every day or once a week depending on your climate. Attentiveness while holding your pet is necessary at it will wriggle and squirm and you do not want it to fall. Fur slip is the release of patches of fur. This defense mechanism you will find if it is frightened or is not use to being held. Always talk calmly to your pet as a bond will occur given time and patience.