Rodent

Chinchilla

Chinchillas are soft-furred rodents native to the Andes. They are active, social, and need dust baths to keep their dense coat healthy. Not ideal for young children due to their fragility....

Height (male)

25–35 cm

Weight (male)

0.4–0.7 kg

Lifespan

10–20 years

Grooming

Moderate — dust baths 2–3 times per week, regular cage cleaning

Exercise

High — need a tall multi-level cage and supervised out-of-cage time in a chinchilla-safe room

Origin

South America (Andes mountains)

Coat Type

Extremely dense, soft fur — grey, white, black, beige

Size

Small

Temperament

Active, social, timid, clean, nocturnal

Good with dogs

Exercise & Care

Exercise: High — need a tall multi-level cage and supervised out-of-cage time in a chinchilla-safe room.

Grooming: Moderate — dust baths 2–3 times per week, regular cage cleaning. Do not bathe with water.

Coat: Extremely dense, soft fur — grey, white, black, beige

Health & Considerations

Known health issues

Dental malocclusion, heat stroke (very sensitive to heat), fur slip, respiratory infections, bumblefoot

Origin

South America (Andes mountains)

Size category

Small

About the Chinchilla

Chinchillas are soft-furred rodents native to the Andes. They are active, social, and need dust baths to keep their dense coat healthy. Not ideal for young children due to their fragility.

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