Chinchilla Facts
Where Do Chinchillas Come From?
Chinchillas are native to four South American countries — Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina. They originate from the Andes Mountains, where they live at high elevations in rocky, dry mountainous areas. The harsh landscape has made chinchillas well adapted to a cool and dry climate.
In the wild, chinchillas seek shelter among rocks and in mountain crevices, where they can hide from predators and protect themselves from the elements.
How Long Do Chinchillas Live?
Chinchillas often live for around 15–20 years with proper care, and some individuals may live even longer. Their long lifespan means they can be a wonderful companion to have by your side for many years. However, bringing a chinchilla into your home is a long-term commitment and should never be treated as just a passing interest.
Before bringing a chinchilla home, it is important to consider whether you are prepared to provide them with the proper care, time and security they need throughout their entire life.
Their Amazing Fur
Chinchillas have one of the densest coats of any land mammal. Unlike many other mammals, which typically have one hair growing from each hair follicle, chinchillas can have up to 80 incredibly fine hairs growing from a single follicle. Their exceptionally dense and soft fur helps protect them from the cool climate of their natural mountain habitat.
Because their fur is so incredibly dense, chinchillas should never be bathed in water. Instead, they keep their coat clean and healthy by taking regular dust baths.
They Can't Sweat Like We Do
Chinchillas cannot sweat the same way we humans do, making it difficult for them to regulate their body temperature. Combined with their exceptionally dense fur, this makes them particularly sensitive to high temperatures and puts them at risk of overheating.
Chinchillas should therefore be kept in a cool, dry environment. A suitable temperature is around 10–18 °C (50–64 °F), and it is important to maintain a safe and stable temperature throughout the year. High temperatures can quickly become dangerous for a chinchilla, particularly during the warmer months.
Why Do Chinchillas Take Dust Baths?
Unlike many other animals, chinchillas should never be bathed in water. Instead, they keep their fur clean by rolling around in a fine bathing dust. This dust is designed to resemble the fine volcanic ash that chinchillas would naturally roll in to clean their fur in the wild.
As they roll and move through the dust, the fine particles work their way through their incredibly dense fur, absorbing excess oils and moisture. This helps keep their coat clean, soft and in good condition.
Choosing the right bathing dust is important for maintaining a chinchilla's coat. Always use a product specifically made for chinchillas. A product we use and recommend is Oxbow Poof! Chinchilla Dust Bath.
What Do Chinchillas Eat?
Chinchillas are herbivores with a sensitive digestive system that is specially adapted to a high-fibre diet. The foundation of their diet consists of unlimited access to high-quality timothy hay, pellets specifically formulated for chinchillas and constant access to fresh water.
Chinchillas do not need treats or sugary snacks. Instead, they can be offered safe chewing materials such as apple sticks and other chinchilla-safe chew toys. These provide enrichment while also allowing them to satisfy their natural need to chew.
A Chinchilla's Teeth Never Stop Growing
A chinchilla's teeth grow continuously throughout their entire life. Both their front teeth and molars need to be naturally worn down through a high-fibre diet and regular chewing.
Unlimited access to high-quality timothy hay plays an important role in keeping their teeth properly worn, as the constant chewing helps maintain healthy dental wear. Providing safe chewing materials, such as apple sticks and chinchilla-safe chew toys, also allows them to satisfy their natural need to chew while providing enrichment.
They Are Very Social Animals
Chinchillas are naturally social animals and live alongside other chinchillas in the wild. Because of their social nature, chinchillas should generally be kept in compatible pairs where both individuals are comfortable and get along well together.
However, not every chinchilla will be compatible with another. Introductions should always be done carefully and under supervision, as every chinchilla has their own personality and some may prefer to live alone. The most important thing is to always consider the individual chinchilla's needs and well-being.
Chinchillas Are Crepuscular
Chinchillas are crepuscular, meaning they are typically most active around dusk and dawn. During the day, they often spend much of their time resting and sleeping, becoming more active towards the evening and during the early morning hours.
However, every chinchilla is an individual and their routines can vary. Some may be more active at other times of the day depending on their environment, habits and daily routine.
They Are Amazing Jumpers
Chinchillas are incredibly agile and skilled jumpers. Their powerful hind legs allow them to jump high and quickly move between different levels, helping them navigate the rocky terrain of their natural habitat.
Our domesticated chinchillas still have this natural instinct. It is therefore important to provide them with a spacious and secure enclosure with multiple levels, giving them plenty of opportunities to jump, move around and explore their environment.