7 Things to Remember When Shopping For and Setting Up Your Chinchilla Cage

Chinchillas, as owners can attest, are hyperactive. Thus, when setting up your cage, don't just settle on the cheap or the good-looking ones. Here are 7 things to check first when buying/setting-up your cage.

1. Go large - the chinchillas are creature that loves to run around and jump and play. Therefore, a small cage won't do well if they can just eat and walk around a little bit. Plus, you won't have the enjoyment of seeing them in the loose.

2. Wood or metal - some prefer wood for their exterior and some prefer metals for the durability. Whatever the case, make sure it is non toxic and make sure it will last as a good value in exchange for your money. After all, it will be your chinchillas who will be the final judge.

3. Mesh - many people don't like the mesh with smaller holes due to they are hard to clean. However, bigger size mesh has been the cause of many foot and toe injuries among the chinchillas. They run around and jump so if it's not the correct size, they surely can get caught and be injured in the process.

4. Levels - will it only be a single level or two or three with ladders? Chinchillas easily get bored and may result to unwanted behavior if they can't run around and play. Just make sure that if they accidentally fall from higher level, the mesh can provide adequate cushion.

5. Play items- this includes a good Chinchilla wheel, balls, hammocks, climbing decks, etc. They are extremely playful and if you don't provide them something to play with, then you lost the purpose of keeping them...an idle chin, one that just sits and eats, is an unhappy chin!

6. Mobility- Do you have to carry the entire weight of the cage when moving it or does it have wheels for easily doing so? Are they constructed as a whole or were they assembled inside your house? Would they fit out the door for a dose of sunshine for your chinchillas or when you need to transfer?

7. Waste tray and feeders- The waste tray and the feeders should be easily removable for cleaning. The feeder should be easy to refill if you do it on a daily basis or should be functioning well if you have one of those bulk ones.

It is a fun way to spend the day when you're watching or even playing with your chinchilla.

Who Is That Charming Little Creature In My Chinchilla Cage?

Considering all of the unique critters on the planet, which ones are the warmest, cutest, furriest, cuddliest, most entertaining and affectionate pets of all? Well, I suppose if you ask ten different pet owners, you'll likely get ten different answers. For me, it's hard to beat the incredible little critter from high up in the Andes Mountains of South America, the chinchilla. And, that's especially true of the adorable chinchilla baby. Chinchillas as pets were imported, or more likely smuggled into North America nearly a century ago, these adorable dynamos have evolved into one of the world's most cherished pets.

The name chinchilla means "little chincha", a name associated with the Chincha people of Peru, a group who relied heavily upon the once abundant rodent populations for both food and fur. Unfortunately, the arrival of Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century ushered in the eventual demise of the larger king chinchilla and the subsequent endangerment of the remainder of the entire wild species, as the chinchilla fur trade offered an irresistible opportunity for wealth.

Thankfully, that group of a dozen or so chinnies, who were discreetly transported to California at the turn of the century, are given credit, by some experts, as having propagated the entire population of North American chinchillas. Sadly, the numbers left behind in South America have struggled for survival and while they may be protected as an endangered species, the populations appear to lack the necessary growth to offer any substantial hope for the immediate future.

The coolest thing about the species, which happens to be the softest and thickest fur of any animal on the planet, is also the one thing that's contributed to its near extinction. The demands of the fur market, for this high priced pelt, inspired an inexhaustible army of trappers eagerly waging war against the harmless and defenseless 'little chinchas'. The pursuit of profit, it would seem, has no room for conscience. And, although the demand for all types of fur has diminished worldwide, it's unlikely that any organized efforts, with regard to any type of wide scale chinchilla rescue, will ever return the number of wild chinchillas to their pre-conquistador levels of the 1600s.

Here in the United States the chinchilla pet industry has evolved into a stable and profitable enterprise, with breeders and pet stores alike, supplying the needs of a demanding base of enthusiastic and loving chinnie owners.

A few chinchilla facts reveal that this little animal weighs in at somewhere between two and three pounds, and appears to be a cross between a rabbit and a squirrel. Reaching a full-grown length of about 12 inches, the typical chinchilla is relatively easy to care for, demanding only reasonably sized chinchilla cages or enclosure and sufficient room to run about in a daily program of physical exercise. Specialized needs include the relatively inexpensive chinchilla wheel, a few chinchilla toys, and the chinchilla bath, more commonly known as chinchilla sand. The required diet, while somewhat specialized, is rather simple and generally not a challenge for the average budget.

Chinchillas are very intelligent, highly energetic and can be extremely affectionate, showing great attachment to the owners they depend on and love. They are also very delicate animals that are easily injured, a potential that demands supervised activity when young children are involved. As a nocturnal animal, the bulk of their activity occurs between sundown and daybreak, however there's sufficient time in between for you to interact with your comically playful little pet.

Getting to Know the Adorable Chinchillas

Keeping a pet is a common hobby. When you are with your dog, cat, rabbit, parrot or even snake, you will as if you are unloading your stress and throwing your worries away. Indeed pet keeping has many therapeutic effects that people who are keeping animals as their pets will often find it hard to continue living when parted with their pets.

Aside from hamsters, Chinchillas are also popular pets that take the form of rodent-like built. The scientific name of Chinchilla is Chinchilla lanigera. They often live up to 15 years although it is not uncommon for them to reach an extended life of 18 to 20 years. At first look, they may be mistaken as hamsters but considering their slimness as opposed to chubby hamsters, Chinchillas stand above. Their body length can reach to 10 to 14 inches while their tail can reach to 5 to six inches. Chinchillas vary in color but the most common ones are those that have grey coats. They are just too irresistible that an audience may find it hard not to squeeze it.

Chinchilla keeping presents unique requirements. In terms of their cages, they must be wide enough for them to move around. The cage must not be a boring one. It should posses structures like platforms, ramps, perches and even wheels where they can play around like that of white mice. Aside from that, Chinchillas also love to have toys. This is necessary for their incisors to develop well as they tend to chew the toys when they play.

With regards to their habit, they usually are nocturnal in nature. They are most active at night and less playful at daytime. That is the reason why they are sometimes they are called crepuscular referring to animals whose activeness peaks at dawn and dusk. They should be kept in a quiet area during the day so as not to disturb their rest. Since they are so vigorous and playful, chinchillas need a larger cage for all their activities. The temperature that they love will depend on their variety although most love to be around a cooler temperature.

When it comes to feeding, Chinchillas require a lot of fibre. Their diet should mainly consist of a good quality grass hay along with pellets especially made for chinchillas. A total of one teaspoon per day is a usual amount given to them since their digestive system are fairly sensitive. Diet changes should by all means made gradual.

Chinchillas are very active and playful. However, there are instances when they do not like to be cuddled or touched. They can get close with their owners easily so that the owner himself will quickly grow fond of the pet in no time at all. They can be tamed easily and can be kept either in singles or with pairs for mating. Choosing one will surely be an enjoyable moment for a future Chinchilla owner. Before buying any Chinchilla, just be sure that you can give time to take care of it. Otherwise, your pet will suffer from loneliness and malnourishment.

Chinchillas For Sale - Where To Get Chinchillas

For first time pet owners, a chinchilla or a baby chinchilla may be the last thing they would want to get as they may feel like it is a wild rodent and is generally dirty,. However, a chinchilla is one of the cleanest and easiest pet to take care of (as you will see in the later parts of this narrative) and for the most part, even tamer that a rabbit or a mice. These little creatures are blessed with the thickest and softest fur that makes them virtually impenetrable to ticks, dogs, cats and even birds can get fleas even if we have been constantly grooming them and giving them baths as often as every other day. There are also a lot of baby chinchillas for sale in most pet shops, so, they would be quite easy to find.

Pet lovers are everywhere but cannot seem to decide which pet or pets are suitable for them. Most of us who live in highly urbanized cities may often live in condo units or apartments that really do not give much room for a pet to move around in. Chinchillas for sale are great pets to keep us company at home. They really do not need much in terms of maintenance and are fairly even tempered when they are comfortable in your home. They do not need to be bathed in water and all you need is their specially made chinchilla dust for them to roll around and take a chinchilla dust bath in.

Where To Get Chinchillas?
Baby Chinchillas or chins may be bought from reputable breeders that advertise online or from pet shops. They can cost as little as a few hundred dollars each depending on the lineage and or background. A pure standard chinchilla is basically a pure breed and that no mutation or mixing of the gene pool from other chins was made. They are known to be generally healthier compared to mixed breeds that may have genetic complications arise as they grow older.

Breeders of these animals are quite proud of their stock and will always disclose whether their animals are pure standard or not. If you are looking to adopt abandoned chinchillas (bless your heart!) they would come in quite cheap or even free as long as you know animal shelters that have them. There are also a lot of cheap chinchilla for sale out there, one just has to know where to look. Many chinchillas are abandoned or rescued by concerned citizens who take pity on these animals as some people breed them for their fur and sell them to the highest bidder.

What kinds of chinchillas are for sale?
Chinchillas generally have two kinds; the Chinchilla brevicaudata and the chinchilla lanigera. They almost look alike but the Chinchilla brevicaudata has a shorter tail and broad shoulders. This specie is also the one mainly produced in captivity, Chinchilla lanigera is mostly found in the wild along the mountains of South America where they came originally from.

These chins come in generally four kinds of fur colors that are gray, beige, white and ebony. There may be rarer colors found but this may be a sign of cross breeding. Again, it would be wise to ask your breeder about the chins' lineage or family background.

When looking for a suitable chinchilla to bring home, take a close look at the quality of his fur. It should be soft and shiny and not have signs of "fur chewing" this can be a result of an attack by another chin or he may have done it himself. It will be hard to detect how deep the fur chewing or attack went as it is almost impossible to see through all those hair.

What Else To Check?
Second, check to see the over-all demeanor of the animal. It should be up and about during the evening and be rested during the day. They are nocturnal animals (come out during the evenings) and will keep you up for the most part as they jump and tumble inside their cage. Speaking of the cage, some chinchilla cages for sale are not that durable, so, be wise in choosing. This is also perfect for those who work during the day as you are assured that they will not do anything to harm themselves as they will be fast asleep while you are in the office or at school.

Lastly, it would be of great help to you to know more about these animals before you really and finally decide to get one. Take the time to study how they live, watch a few videos and especially learn how to give a chinchilla dust bath! It would also be of great comfort to you if you already have a veterinarian in your phones speed dial for those emergencies. Pay careful attention to your pet chin's diet as they have a very sensitive need when it comes to the kinds of food they eat.

Accessories You Will Also Need
You will of course have to buy chinchilla cages for your new pet, just like how guinea pigs need guinea pig hutches, as well as food, a food dish, a water bottle, hay, and chinchilla toys. There are so many options available and one could easily spend a ton of money getting all of these items. While these things go along with your budget you can't let your chinchilla suffer - sometimes a toy is a necessity along with food and water!

In Conclusion...
Baby chinchillas for sale, though strictly monitored, are quite easy to find and responsible breeders will never sell a chin that is less than 6 weeks old. Some pet chinchillas for sale, even if they are born with fur and with eyes wide open, does not mean that they are fully grown!

Chinchilla Care Tips

Pet chinchillas require attention and care just like every other type of pet. Some care procedures are common sense and some needs are unique to chinchillas. Here we will go through the basic pet chinchilla care tips to keep your pet healthy.

Clean your chinchilla's cage often. This may seem obvious, but it is often overlooked or just put off until later because it isn't the most pleasant part of being a pet owner. Despite the hassle, a clean cage promotes the health of your chinchilla and can prevent the development of disease or infection in your pet. If you use a bowl for water, it is a good idea to change the water on a daily basis.

Try to use a wire mesh cage with a solid floor or a solid slide-out tray. The wire mesh is good for ventilation and a solid floor is important because if there is a wire mesh floor with space under it a chinchilla will have difficulty getting around on it. Even with bedding on an open floor, your pet risks injury just by moving around in it's cage. A slide-out tray is great when it's time to clean the cage and you will be glad to have it.

Chinchillas need a bath every two to three days. The unique thing about chinchillas is that they should not be bathed in water. Water baths will wash off the oils that these animals produce. These oils are important for their fur and the health of their skin. Chinchillas need, what is known as, a dust bath. These dust baths use a special dust that you can get at many pet stores or online. Put a couple inches of chinchilla dust bath into a bowl and let your pet use it a couple times per week. He will roll around in it and make it seem like he is making a mess but this is actually good for them. The dust bath can be reused but it is a good idea to clean the balls of dust out between uses because this is what has gathered as waste from your chinchilla's bathing.

Keep your chinchilla healthy by allowing him to exercise and keeping him from getting too hot. Some chinchillas like to use an exercise wheel. Even if you have a large cage it would be beneficial for your pet if he could run on an exercise wheel, as well as roam the cage. A pet chinchilla should also be allowed out of his cage at least once a week. This will, also, allow exercise time and provide some bonding time with you. Keep an eye on your chinchilla while he is out of his cage. These animals can fit in small places and get lost easily and have been known to chew through electrical chords.

Chinchillas are interesting animals and fun pets to have. The basics of pet chinchilla care are simple and inexpensive. Look out for the welfare of your pet and you will have a happy and healthy chinchilla in your life.