The first step in owning a chinchilla is to purchase its supplies. The first thing you’ll need is a hay feeder. You may spend up to $5 more depending on the brand and size of the hay feeder. You’ll also need food bowls and pellets. These two items can run between five and twenty dollars each. You can expect to spend approximately $60 to $95 on food supplies in the beginning, and about thirty to fifty dollars each month on quality pellets.
There are several reasons why you would want to get a specific color, including rarity. Some colors are only possible through specialized breeding, so you’ll likely have to spend more. However, you may be able to find a chinchilla in a unique color, like chocolate, violet, or ebony white. While rare, these special colors can cost upwards of two hundred dollars.
To keep chinchillas healthy, they require a dust bath every day. This is not a complicated process, and will only cost about $10 or $20 for a three-pound bottle. This is inexpensive compared to the cost of buying a high-quality hay, and you can buy a large quantity at once. Timothy hay is generally cheap in bulk, and the amount required will vary depending on the type of chinchilla. You can budget up to $5 a month for hay, but be sure to keep in mind that your chinchilla’s needs will differ.
If you are interested in raising a chinchilla as a pet, you can either get a grown one or adopt one from a shelter. However, a grown-up Chinchilla would cost slightly more than an adult. A baby Chinchilla will also be easier to bond with, and it won’t cost nearly as much as an adult. You can also adopt an older Chinchilla from an animal shelter if you want to save its life.
Purchasing the proper cage for your chinchilla can be expensive. A small, basic cage that includes a wooden ledge will cost around $50. More elaborate cages with many levels can cost up to $140. The cage should have plenty of room for the accessories you plan to buy, and the food and water bottles need to be clean. A plastic water bottle will change the taste of the water and may cause your pet to reject it.
A basic checkup should only cost about fifty to seventy dollars, but a more expensive exotic animal will require a more comprehensive exam. An annual checkup and minor treatments, such as getting rid of parasites, should cost between fifty to sixty dollars. You should also consider taking your chinchilla to a veterinarian if your pet suddenly stops eating. If you notice a sudden change in eating behavior, take it to a veterinarian immediately, as it could be a sign of something more serious.
In addition to food, your new chinchilla will require other items such as chew toys and treats. These items will add up to an average cost of around twenty to thirty dollars a month. You should also set aside a rainy-day fund of fifty to two hundred dollars a year to buy these items. You’ll also need to make sure that you keep your new pet clean. There are many parasites that chinchillas can have. One of the most common parasites is Giardia, which is only minor, but it’s a potential problem for your pet.
