Chinchillas are a medium sized rodent that originated in the mountains of South America. Temperature is an important factor in a Chins habitat. 75 degrees farenheight or below is best. Higher temperatures can cause heat stroke. Provide a marble, granite or ceramic tile for them to "cool off" on.

Chins need a large, tall cage with a base of Aspen shavings or recycled paper bedding such as "Carefresh"- NEVER use pine or cedar... Martin's brand cages are ideal(www.martinscages.com). The cage shown has a "drop in" pan for easy cleaning. Chinnies love to be up high. Their little feet are sensitive, the wire of the cage can make them sore, be sure to provide flat surfaces to rest and walk on. Inspect the cage for crevices that their tiny toes can get caught in. In addition, they need a large (12" across, minimum), flat surfaced wheel. Chins are nocturnal and will run all night!  Some Chinchillas can be potty trained, but be aware that they are like little furry Pez dispensers and will fling poo at will! They do like a nice quiet box to sleep in and love to cuddle together- Chins are always happier in pairs!

Chinchillas also require "out of the cage" time. This will require a "chin-proof" room. They are very curious! They will chew wires, wood... pretty much anything! They are also FAST!!! Be prepared to patiently earn your chinnies trust before he will let you pick him up. If you sit quietly on the floor, eventually you will find them perched on your knee! Our foster Chins liked to bound across the kitchen, ricocheting off chairs and my legs, and leaping over the dog dishes, and - only once- INTO the dog water bowl!!!  He went immediatly into the cat bed to roll around and dry off!

A diet of "Chinchilla specific food" is important. Also plenty of Timothy hay. Most experts stress NO fruit for them, but they do love an OCCASIONAL raisin or sunflower seed. (They make great training aids!) Too much can cause digestive problems. Aged apple limbs and pumice stones, sold in pet supply stores, are ideal for keeping teeth worn down. Cardboard boxes are a great source of shredding entertainment!

NEVER give your chin a bath. They DO enjoy a daily dust bath (we like "Charlie Chinchilla" brand- it's less dusty. The dust box is also handy to catch your Chin, should they ever get loose!

 Most important, should you choose Chinchillas as companion pets- don't shop- ADOPT! There are plenty of homeless Chinchillas just waiting for a loving forever home!