Do chinchillas stink?

Unlike many household pets, chinchillas are pretty much odor-free. If your chinchilla does leave a smell, either he's sick or you're not cleaning his cage as often as you should. If your pet's body develops an odor, take him to the vet as soon as possible for diagnosis and treatment.

Do chinchilla cages smell?

Chinchillas smell really good.

Unlike most other rodent pets, they and their cages smell fresh and clean. Even their pee is pretty close to odorless. They are incredibly soft. They're the best looking animal on the planet.

Why chinchillas are not good pets?

They are expensive. The initial cost for this exotic animal is relatively high, and on top of that they require a certain kind of cage and food that tend to add up. They are nocturnal animals, which means they sleep during the day.

How dirty are chinchillas?

They are messy. Unlike rabbits, they are not easily litter trained and will poop everywhere. They also require regular dust bathing, which in itself is a messy activity. They are a long term commitment.

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!

How To Deal With Chinchillla Odors

Do chinchillas like being 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.

What are the downsides of owning a chinchilla?

This can be messy, and some owners might have allergic reactions. Expensive – Chinchillas cost far more than small rodents like hamsters or gerbils. Their cage, food, dust, wheels, etc. will run the cost up even more.

Is it okay to only have one chinchilla?

Well, some chinchillas are fine living on their own, while others enjoy the companionship of another chinchilla. Of course, some animals also enjoy close contact, and others want their own space. Your chinchilla's personality will dictate what he wants, and you may or may not be able to house two of the pets together.

Do chinchillas bite?

With no escape route available, the chinchilla may bite the threat (often the owner's fingers). This type of biting is most common if the pet owner tries to reach in suddenly to grab the chinchilla. Chinchillas have long and extremely sharp front teeth. A bite can be severe, deep and painful.

Are chinchillas hard to take care of?

Chinchillas make great pets but can also be more difficult to take care of compared to other small animals. They are a life commitment!

Do chinchillas have periods?

They are seasonally polyestrous from November to May with an estrous cycle of 30-50 days.

Are chinchillas good pets for beginners?

Chinchilla's are relatively easy pets to take care of and shouldn't be too hard for most people. This is why they also make for a great first pet!

Can you potty train a chinchilla?

Chinchillas should be trained when they are young. This means giving them just a few weeks to adapt to a new surrounding before attempting to potty train. It will be much more difficult once they are adults. Before starting to train, invest in bedding for the cage.

Are boy or girl chinchillas better?

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.

How much is a chinchilla worth?

A chinchilla typically costs between $150 and $350 for a healthy juvenile/adult. However, prices can range from under $100 to over $400 depending on the breeder and type of chinchilla. There are other costs of chinchilla ownership that need to be considered, too.

Do chinchillas need a wheel?

Chinchillas are very active creatures, and, living in a cage, you'll need to ensure they have access to a wheel to exercise, and plenty of space to run around in. A wheel also keeps them entertained, while also providing essential exercise.

Are chinchillas expensive to look after?

Although Chinchillas are considered exotic pets, they are comparatively inexpensive to keep and look after compared to other exotic animals. After the initial costs, these small rodents do not cost much to look after, making them an excellent choice for pet owners on a budget.

Can chinchilla poop make you sick?

It tells us that a large percentage of healthy chinchillas may be shedding Giardia in their stool, and that they typically shed types that can cause disease in people.

Do chinchillas tails fall off?

Typically fur slip is done to "escape" the situation your chinchilla is in. Much like a gecko will drop their tail if caught by a predator (or accidentally picked up by the owner by the tail), chinchillas will release tufts of hair to get away from whatever is trying to capture them.

Do chinchillas know their name?

Yes, chinchillas can learn their name, but the process will take time. You stand the best chance of success if you reward the chinchilla with a treat, so they associate their name with a tasty tidbit.

What happens if a chinchilla bites you?

Most of the time, this type of biting does not hurt. However, if a chinchilla gets carried away with the grooming, its nibbles can become harder and result in pain when all is said and done.

How do you play with a chinchilla?

Chins love to run and jump, and they enjoy playing with toys, too. Chinchilla- and parrot-specific chew toys are appropriate for chinchilla playtime. So are the cardboard cores of paper towel rolls and empty tissue boxes.

Why do chinchillas eat their poop?

The large intestine absorbs what it can but much of the nutrients now made available by fermentation are lost in feces. This is why chinchillas eat some of their poops! The cecum makes a certain poo called cecotropes. Cecotropes are nutritionally concentrated and full of beneficial bacteria.