Although chinchillas are small-framed rodents, they can appear larger than they actually are. The dense fur is a reason for this, as they grow slowly throughout their lives. At eight months of age, a full-grown chinchilla will weigh approximately 1.1 to 1.8 pounds and measure about 9 to 15 inches. The size of your chinchilla depends on its breed, genetics, and environment.
The first step in caring for your chinchilla is to purchase a cage. Make sure to buy one that is the right size for your chinchilla. If your new pet is smaller than your standard sized chihuahua, you’ll need to consider getting a larger one. A chinchilla needs a spacious, low-sided cage that is designed to hold a full-grown chinchilla.
Although chinchillas grow slowly, they can live for more than 15 years if they’re given good care. Depending on the type of chinchilla you purchase, you’ll see them go through every growth stage, from a baby to a teenager to an adult. And you’ll never know when they might get sick! But if you choose to buy a chinchilla as a pet, you’ll be rewarded with a thriving and long-lasting companion.
Your Chinchilla needs plenty of vertical and horizontal space to move around comfortably. They’ll need about 3 feet of vertical space to stretch out and climb. The cage should also be large enough for your chinchilla to curl up and sleep comfortably. A chinchilla’s hideout should be approximately 8 inches by eight inches by five inches. The size is big enough to comfortably fit its body, and it will feel like a burrow.
Chinchillas are related to guinea pigs, and they’re quite similar in appearance. They have long, bushy tails and short forefeet. They can reach a maximum of one pound and a female can grow up to 14 inches long. They’re relatively easy to care for, but can easily overheat in human care. Their ears are large, so they pump blood through them.
The size of your chinchilla depends on the species. Short-tailed chinchillas grow to be about 11 to 18 inches long, and weigh a little over a pound. The longer-tailed chinchillas can grow up to be up to fifteen inches long and weigh between 1.3 and two pounds. Chinchillas finish growing by two years of age, so they don’t need to be large to be happy.
As a general rule, chinchillas grow old at different rates. Some reach their prime years at about nine years of age. Others do not reach adulthood until their twenties. As they grow older, their bodies begin to slow down, become quieter, and even lose weight. Their playtime routine will also change. Their favorite hammock will need to be lowered to be easier to reach.
Do chinchillas like to be held?
And, with gentle handling from a young age, most chinchillas can become quite tame and bond closely with their owners. But don’t expect them to like being held and cuddled like many dogs and cats. They usually don’t, though they’ll often express their affection for you in other ways.D
How should you pick up and hold a chinchilla properly?
– Placing one hand under or around the chest area. – Lifting and supporting their hind legs with your other hand. – Holding your Chinchilla close to your body for security. – Keeping your Chinchilla upright to protect their delicate spine.
What’s better a male or female chinchilla?
According to author and chinchilla expert Jack C. Harris, neither gender of chinchilla is notably more suited to life as a pet. Since both male and female chinchillas make pleasant pets for most, you don’t have to rule out individuals of either sex.
Do chinchillas let you hold them?
For Chinchillas, this is just as important as it is for you. Chinchillas have very delicate bones, and squeezing or dropping can cause fractures and breaks very easily. More often than not, Chinchillas do not prefer to be handled. By nature they are prey animals, and have the urge to flee when caught and held.
What is the best age to buy a chinchilla?
An ideal age to purchase your chinchilla is 10 weeks. When you first take your chinchilla home, they will be understandably skittish and scared. However, with a good routine and regular handling, your chinchilla will begin to feel safe and will start approaching you with curiosity and willingness.
What is the most clingy pet?
– #1 Vizsla. Known as the ultimate Velcro dog, this Hungarian breed is literally attached to their owner, and is happiest when right by your side. … – #2 Labrador Retriever. … – #4 Maltese. … – #5 Golden Retriever. … – #6 German Shepherd. … – #7 Pug. … – #8 Shetland Sheepdog. … – #9 Italian Greyhound.
Is it better to get a boy or girl chinchilla?
According to author and chinchilla expert Jack C. Harris, neither gender of chinchilla is notably more suited to life as a pet. Since both male and female chinchillas make pleasant pets for most, you don’t have to rule out individuals of either sex.
Do chinchillas like to cuddle?
While chinchillas prefer not to cuddle, they are still very affectionate with their pet parents. They are naturally curious and enjoy being out of their chinchilla cages whenever possible—supervised by their pet parent, of course!A
What is the best animal to cuddle with?
– Hamsters. Hamsters are naturally playful, but they’re also extremely affectionate and love attention. … – Ferrets. … – Guinea Pigs. … – Lovebirds. … – Hedgehogs. … – Sugar Gliders. … – Chinchillas. … – Rabbits.
How long does it take for a chinchilla to be fully grown?
Chinchillas are usually considered adults when they reach a year old, although many may continue growing throughout the following year. Female chinchillas who have developed well are often assessed and considered for potential breeding programs.
How big do domesticated chinchillas get?
Care Difficulty Intermediate; good for pet parents who have time to socialize them and can handle them gently with great care—————— ————————————————————————————————————- Average Life Span Up to 10+ years with proper careAverage Adult Size 12 inches long Diet Herbivore
Do chinchillas make good pets?
To answer the question, yes, chinchillas make good pets! They require minimal attention, they’re clean (although messy), and sleep while you’re at work. Chinchillas are not nocturnal, they’re crepuscular. This means that they are most active during the hours of dawn and dusk.M
How do you pick a good chinchilla?
When selecting a pet chinchilla, it is important to determine that the animal is healthy and that it is used to being handled. A chinchilla’s eyes should be bright and shiny, but not watery. Discharges from the eyes, ears, or nose may indicate medical problems. Check the chinchilla’s teeth.
How old should a chinchilla be when you buy it?
10-12 weeks old
Do chinchillas like to be held and cuddled?
Does The Average Chinchilla Like to Be Held And Cuddled? Despite being an exotic pet, chinchillas have friendly, sociable, and cuddly personalities around humans. Because of this fact, the average chinchilla likes to be held and cuddled.J
