Equipment for your Chinchilla

Thinking of owning a chinchilla? Then check out the Twootz guide to essential items for first-time owners!

Twootz provides Fruity Chinchilla Food and Small Animal fruity mix which are both ideal for your Chinchillas health and well being.
Create the ideal home for your chinchilla by ensuring you buy everything he needs to lead a happy and healthy lifestyle.

Cage

When purchasing a cage for your chinchilla you need to consider the following:

Size

• Choose the largest cage you can afford that will fit comfortably into your home - ensure it has at least two tiers


• The minimum cage size for an adult chinchilla is 100cm long x 90cm wide x 90cm high


• Your chinchilla will require a nesting-box approximately 50cm long x 25cm wide x 25cm high


• If more than one chinchilla is kept, ensure each one has his own nesting-box

Construction

• Chinchillas will chew, so most purpose-made cages, including the floors, are constructed from strong wire. The mesh squares should be no larger than 13mm (half an inch)


• Half-line tiers with untreated wooden shelving (plain white pine is best) so your pet can walk around in comfort and also to minimize foot and leg injuries


• If timber framing is used, cover any wood your pet can get at with tough wire mesh


• Cage bar spacing should be small enough to prevent your chinchilla from escaping


• Ensure that your chinchilla’s cage is free from dangerous protrusions that could cause him injury

Tip: Place a litter tray lined with newspaper or unscented cat-litter under your chinchilla’s cage to catch droppings and urine.

Feeding

Your chinchilla will require the following feeding accessories:
Twootz provides Fruity Chinchilla Food and Small Animal fruity mix which are both ideal for your Chinchillas health and well being.

• A heavy earthenware or metal bowl to prevent him from tipping it


• A gravity-feed water bottle to prevent contamination


• A bottle-brush to clean out his water bottle

Bedding

Suitable nesting-box materials include:

• Hay – only use clean, fresh hay and remember to offer an additional daily source for eating


• Shredded paper – ensure that it is free from ink in case your chinchilla chews it!

Toys and treats

• Chinchillas are quite timid animals, but will enjoy being provided with toys and treats for mental and physical stimulation


• Move them around his home to prevent him from becoming bored


• Remember that treats should be given in moderation to prevent obesity and selective feeding

Suitable toys include

• Drainpipes – ensure they are large enough to prevent him from becoming stuck inside them


• Terracotta flowerpots – avoid plastic ones as these are chewable


• Deciduous tree branches – chinchillas particularly enjoy apple tree branches


• Feed balls – fill with his favourite food/treats which are then dispensed upon rolling


• Cage tiers lined with wooden shelving chinchillas love sitting at different heights in their cages


• Dust bath – give your chinchilla the opportunity to have a dust bath for 10-15 minutes each day - fill with prepared chinchilla dust

Suitable occasional treats include:

• Fresh fruit and vegetables – hang them in his cage to provide extra mental and physical stimulation


• Dried fruit and vegetables


• Stickle treats – available in a wide range of flavours and recipes from pet shops


• Baked wholemeal bread – provides a good chewing treat to help maintain dental health

Grooming

If you allow your chinchilla a daily dust bath, additional grooming is not usually required. If you wish to groom him, you will require the following in your grooming kit:

• A soft-bristled brush


• Nail clippers – ask your vet to demonstrate the correct way to trim your chinchilla’s claws before you attempt this task