Buying a new chinchilla can be exciting if you've never owned one before.Learning as much as possible about these animals and setting up a healthy and comfortable environment for them to live in can help ensure that your chinchilla has a long and happy life.
Step 1: You can learn about chinchillas.
Before you buy one of these unique and exotic pets, you need to be prepared.You should read as much as you can about these furry creatures to be sure that they are the right pet for you.You can get first hand accounts of what it's like to own a chinchilla by consulting websites dedicated to the breed.Understand the needs of a pet chinchilla, their diet, socializing habits, nocturnal lifestyle, and their daily exercise needs.It is important that you understand the full responsibilities of owning these creatures, the commitments, and the sacrifice you will need to make to ensure your pet will have a healthy and long life.Chinchillas are a long-term commitment and can live as long as 15-20 years.Their care is different from that of other pets such as cats or dogs.
Step 2: Look for a doctor.
If your chinchilla gets sick, you need a professional who can help heal it.The vet should be certified to care for exotic pets.You can find a listing of vets that treat chinchillas.Ask your local veterinarians about their experience with chinchillas.You should find a vet office that you can trust.Ask about costs for chinchilla related services.You will have to pay the vet bills.
Step 3: An appropriate cage can be purchased.
This will be the home for your chinchilla.Chinchillas need a wire cage if they want to chew through it.They can get overheated in an aquarium.The wire will be eaten by the chinchilla if it is coated with plastic or paint.A mesh bottom is not recommended because a chinchilla's feet can get caught in it.The spaces should not be more than 12 inch apart if it has a mesh shelf.The chinchilla should be able to exercise in the large cage.A happy chinchilla can run and play.The ideal temperature for Chinchillas is 68F.In the winter, keep the cage in a draft free area.An air conditioner is needed to keep your pet cool.
Step 4: You should get additional supplies.
When you bring your pet home, you'll need to make sure the cage is comfortable for your chinchilla as well as have food ready for it.You can buy these supplies at your local store.The bottom of the cage is lined with bedding.Timothy hay.There is food in the form of pellets.A food bowl and bottle.There is an exercise wheel.There is a dust bath.There are treats and chews.There are toys.
Step 5: Make sure the chinchilla is well cared for.
Check to see that the chinchilla is being taken care of when you visit an adoption center.They should have a clean coat, shiny black eyes, and be living in a cage with plenty of food.
Step 6: Consider giving up.
Many chinchillas are looking for a home.You can search for a chinchilla rescue center online.Chinchillas are put to sleep due to a lack of housing.A benefit of adopting is that your chinchilla will be older, tame, and trained in certain skills - a lot of the hard work has already been done for you!If you adopt from an established rescue center, your chinchilla will be in the hands of caring people who are dedicated to caring for and finding a good home for these abandoned pets.
Step 7: A respected breeder can be found.
Pick one with a good reputation from online reviews.The chinchilla can be seen awake in the evening in their home environment.You can see the parents of a chinchilla if you get expert knowledge from the breeder.A good breeder will offer to deliver your chinchilla and double check that you have set up a good environment for their new home.Purchase price will be based on color variations and fur quality.
Step 8: You can buy your pet at the shop.
The chinchilla needs to be well cared for and healthy.If the pet shop doesn't allow you to handle the chinchilla during daytime, look into the cage to see how it is living.They should be happy to let you handle the chinchilla before taking it home.You can check on a chinchilla's health and well-being at a different store if they are not.
Step 9: After the chinchilla, clean up.
The entire cage should be cleaned and disinfected once a month.This can be done with soap and water.
Step 10: Feed your pet food.
A chinchilla will eat a lot of pellets.Fresh hay is needed to replenish the cage.Store bought treats include Cheerios, whole wheat pasta, and rose buds.Chinchillas should always have pellet and hay.Specialty chinchilla pellets should be provided for them.If you buy pellets for other animals like rabbits or guinea pigs, they don't contain the correct nutrition that a chinchilla needs.
Step 11: You can refill the bottle with fresh water daily.
It's crucial to keep a healthy chinchilla.Stale water can cause illness to your pet.Chinchillas need clean water every day.Don't use water from the tap.It should be boiled or cooled before being put in the bottle.Your chinchilla won't drink all the water in the bottle in one day.Water should be replaced daily if you wait until the bottle is empty.
Step 12: Your pet needs to be exercised daily.
Take your chinchilla out of the cage for 30 minutes of daily exercise.Allow the chinchilla to come to you if you turn off the TV.The chinchilla should not be seen outside of its cage.They can chew anything from books to electrical wires.They can become lost quickly.
Step 13: Dust is used to bathe.
Chinchillas should not get their fur wet as it will cause a tangle.Chinchillas clean their fur by rolling in volcanic ash.Some small pet supply stores may not carry chinchilla dust, which is available at pet stores.You can order online or try a larger chain.A jar of dust costs $10It should last for a while because Chinchillas only need a small amount to bathe in.There is a small bowl filled with dust for the chinchilla to use.A biscuit tin, goldfish bowl, or tupperware box can be filled with a thin layer of dust.The container should be big enough to hold a chinchilla.Allow the chinchilla to bathe in the dust at least twice a week.The dust should be replaced when it becomes dark colored or grainy.Chinchillas can be sensitive to dust and have watery eyes.If the chinchilla is sensitive, switch to a different brand.
Step 14: Take care of your pet's health.
Chinchillas hide their symptoms until it's too late.A healthy animal is active and alert, eats and drinks regularly, and walks normally.There are a number of symptoms that can be signs of sickness.You should conduct a weekly examination of your chinchilla.The animal's weight should be checked.The first symptom of sickness is weight loss.Ear ailments are uncommon, but if you notice fluid coming out or balance issues, contact a vet.The nose should be dry and clean.Ringworm can be caused by missing fur around the nose.tooth issues can be caused by pawing at the mouth.Straight teeth should be unchipped.Your chinchilla should have plenty of hay and chew toys to keep their teeth in shape.Droppings are a sign of your pet's health.Chinchillas poo frequently, and their droppings should be dark brown or brown-black, dry, firm, plump, slightly moist, rounded or solid.Irregular droppings can be a sign of illness.