Chinchillas - Fluffy night owls need space and company
Species-appropriate husbandry – How to make them feel comfortable
Never alone!
Chinchillas are social animals and require at least one partner. Keeping them alone is not species-appropriate.
Spacious Aviary Instead of Small Cage
A chew-proof indoor aviary with a minimum volume of 3 m³ for two animals – plus 0.5 m³ for each additional animal.
Jumping, Hopping, Exploring
Furnishings with levels, tubes, and climbing branches – plus daily free-roaming time – ensures variety and exercise.
Comfort Accessories
Hay, a sand bath (no water bath!), sleeping houses (min. 30 × 20 × 20 cm), and gnawing material are essential.
Cleanliness & Hygiene
🧼 Weekly basic care
🧴 Fur-friendly environment
A clean home is particularly important for chinchillas – not only for their health but also for their sensitive fur. Especially the sand area should be cleaned regularly, so that the animals can enjoy their fur care.
Daily Check
Daily remove heavily soiled areas and old sand bath residues. This keeps the fur well-groomed and the enclosure clean.
Thorough Cleaning
Change the entire bedding once a week. A depth of at least 10 to 15 cm is necessary to ensure hygiene and digging enjoyment.
Create a Healthy Environment
A clean home protects against diseases and ensures well-being. The sand bath, in particular, must remain hygienic for successful fur care.
Litter
Nutrition
🥗 Supplementary feed
💧 Fresh water
Chinchillas require low-energy, high-fiber food: Fresh hay must be available around the clock – supplemented with special chinchilla pellets and occasionally some dried vegetables or herbs. Sweet or fatty foods (e.g., nuts) are forbidden! Fresh water must always be available.
Fiber is Crucial
The basis of their diet is fresh hay. It provides fiber, supports digestion, and should always be available.
The Right Supplementary Food
Special chinchilla pellet food is ideal. Additionally, dried herbs or vegetables can be offered. Sweet or fatty snacks, however, are forbidden.
Always Fresh Water
Water must always be available in sufficient quantities. Only then will chinchillas remain healthy and active and be able to meet their high fluid requirements.
Nutrition
Activity
🌌 Nocturnal adventures
🏞️ Variety in the enclosure
Chinchillas are active and nocturnal. Multi-level enclosures with platforms, houses, climbing branches, tubes, and daily free-roaming time promote their well-being. Important: regular access to a fresh sand bath for fur care.
Stay Active
Chinchillas need a lot of exercise. Tubes, platforms, and climbing branches in a multi-level enclosure provide this and enhance their well-being.
When Darkness Falls
As chinchillas are nocturnal, they require ample exercise in the evenings. Jumping, hopping, and exploring are absolutely essential for a species-appropriate daily routine.
Excitement in Daily Life
A sand bath for fur care, a house for retreat, and climbing elements provide variety. Variety is important for the animals to remain healthy and balanced.
