About this item
"chinchies," chinchillas have some of the softest fur in the world, having 65-70 individual hairs growing out of one follicle! Their fur is very soft, and also very dense. Their fur is so dense that some common parasites, like fleas, cannot even survive on their skin! Chinchillas make good pets because they are typically quite docile and once they're comfortable with you, they are pretty easy to handle. Some owners report that they will use their front paws to grab things, and some of them are keen to hold a variety of things like little toy umbrellas or action figure swords- talk about a pet who can accessorize!
Species: Chinchilla
Normal Pet Size at Maturity: Chinchillas can grow to about 10-16" (25 cm-41cm) long, including the tail.
Average Lifespan: Chinchillas live about 10 to 15 years.
Basic Diet: For detailed feeding information, check out the care & feeding section of our Chinchillas Care Guide! The majority of your chinchilla's diet should be Timothy hay or cat grass, and a chinchilla-formulated pellet diet. Feeding your chinchillas twice a week alfalfa hay, rose hips, and hibiscus can all be used as mix-ins to enrich their diet.
Habitat Necessities: for full details, see the setting up
a chinchila habitat section of our care guide! Add a hay feeder and fill it with hay for chewing on to help maintain your chinchilla's dental health. Provide a water bottle (not a bowl) to keep your chinchilla's dense fur dry. Add a hide to the habitat so your chinchilla has somewhere to rest and feel safe. Add wood chews, paper towl tubes, recycled newspaper, and other toys for enrichment. Provide a 6 x 6 x 9" area for a dust bath.
Does this Pet Need a Roommate? Chinchillas are social animals and do best when raised in same-sexed pairs.
Minimum Enclosure Size: habitat sized 24" x 24" x 42.5" or larger (multilevel home preferred)
Safety Tips for You and Your Pet: It is recommended to closely monitor any new pet for 30 days in their own enclosure to observe signs of illness, prevent the spread of potential diseases, and to limit stress while your pet acclimates to their new home. All new pets should be seen by a veterinarian within 14 days of purchase to establish care and discuss a health and wellness plan. All animals can potentially carry viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic diseases contagious to humans. Thoroughly wash your hands with warm, soapy water before and after contact with any pet or its habitat. Adults should assist children with hand washing after contact with a pet or its enclosure. Use caution when handling pets, and remember they may bite or scratch, especially when stressed.
Vet Assured: Pets purchased at PetSmart are part of our exclusive Vet Assured program,designed by PetSmart veterinarians to help improve the health and well-being of our pets. Our vendors meet a high standard in caring for pets and screening them for common illnesses, including Zoonotic diseases. This program also includes specific standards for in-store pet care.
When to Contact a Veterinarian: In addition to regularly scheduled appointments, contact your small animal veterinarian if you notice the following signs: not eating or drinking normally cloudy, sunken or swollen eyes overgrown front teeth or drooling, not eating bare patches in fur lethargy; weight loss discharge from the eyes or nose; sneezing diarrhea, discolored droppings or absence of droppings for more than 6-8 hours continuously tilted head Bloated Abdomen Labored breathing
The PetSmart Promise: If your pet becomes ill during the initial 14-day period, or if you're not satisfied for any reason, PetSmart will gladly replace the pet or refund the purchase price.
From the manufacturer
