How much space do you need for a chinchilla?

How much space do you need for a chinchilla?

The Veterinary Center for Birds and Exotics says the minimum cage size for an adult chinchilla should be at least 3 feet by 2 feet by 2 feet. If you keep more than one chinchilla in a cage — which chins prefer, as they as social creatures — make sure it has a minimum of 2 square feet of floor space per pet.

Should I get 1 or 2 chinchillas?

Do Chinchillas Need Another Chinchilla? No, chinchillas do not need another chinchilla. If you have the time to spend with your chinchilla each day, a chinchilla can remain completely happy and content without another chinchilla being present.

Is owning a chinchilla easy?

Domestic chinchillas can be kept as pets. Because of their high-strung disposition, they are not usually considered to be good pets for small children. However, chinchillas can be very friendly animals if sufficiently acclimated to human touch as kits (babies), making them excellent pets for patient owners.

Do chinchillas need a companion?

Chinchillas can be kept as male/female pairs* or single sex groups. They¿re naturally sociable, living in groups in the wild. If your chinchilla is kept alone you must provide companionship by interacting with them daily.

Do chinchillas like to be held?

They are active and playful and, with gentle handling from a young age, most chinchillas become quite tame and can bond closely with their owners. But don’t expect them to like being held and cuddled like dogs and cats. They usually don’t, although they’ll express their affection for you in other ways.

Can 2 chinchillas live in the same cage?

You can have two chinchillas in the same cage if you like. That’s because the two chinchillas don’t know each other, so in the wild, they would try to fight each other off (to keep a hold of resources like food and territory). You need to get them used to each other first, which you do using the split cage method.

Do chinchillas cuddle with you?

Chinchillas are commonly bred as pets in the U.S. and are available from reputable breeders, pet stores and rescue groups. They tend to be affectionate, curious and social animals that can bond closely with their owners and generally like to be held close and cuddled.

Do chinchillas throw poop?

As for throwing poop, many chins do this behavior when they are frustrated or stressed. For example, a chinchilla that is frustrated from lack of attention may throw feces at the person from whom they are seeking attention.

Do chinchillas bite?

With no escape route available, the chinchilla may bite the threat (often the owner’s fingers). This type of biting is most common if the pet owner tries to reach in suddenly to grab the chinchilla. Chinchillas have long and extremely sharp front teeth. A bite can be severe, deep and painful.

Do chinchillas like hugs?

It is rare that a chinchilla likes to cuddle with people. They aren’t lap-pets for the most part. Chinchillas in general are fun and lively pets, and very entertaining. But occasionally you will get one that likes to snuggle up to you.

Can chinchillas die of loneliness?

No, a chinchilla will not die from loneliness specifically. A chinchilla’s behavior and eating may be altered by loneliness or losing a bonded companion. When a chinchilla begins feeling lonely after losing a companion or a cage-mate, they will not die.

Will my cat kill my chinchilla?

Do cats attack chinchillas? Yes, depending on the cat, this can be a concern. Chinchillas are rodents and cats have a prey instinct to attack rodents.