How do you play with your 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.

Can you hold and play with chinchillas?

Every chinchilla is an individual but generally speaking chinchillas will do just fine without handling and many prefer it. Most chinchillas will want to seek interaction with you after a time, but it is a rare individual that remains calm while being held and carried around.

How often should you play with your chinchilla?

Chinchillas need toys to play with, as well as a minimum of 2-4 hours out-of-cage playtime, in a chinchilla proof area, every evening.

Where can I let my chinchilla play?

Fill the room with toys they can chew on and places to play and hide. Cat towers are great places for chinchillas to safely climb, jump, and hide. Untreated wood blocks and ropes found in pet stores are safe for your chinchilla to gnaw.

Do chinchillas like to be touched?

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. In fact, many chinchillas get sad and depressed if not given enough attention by other chinchilla friends and humans.

Playtime With My Chinchilla

How do I know my chinchilla is happy?

A happy chinchilla can also communicate its mood through behaviors such as smiling, winking, wall surfing, pop corning and tail wagging. Winking usually occurs when the chinchilla is content or acknowledging a communication from its owner. Wall surfing consists of running around, jumping up and bouncing off the walls.

What activities do chinchillas like to do?

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.

What is a chinchillas favorite thing to do?

Chinchillas love to explore and this is the number one thing they will choose to do if allowed outside their cages. Exploring provides a wonderful opportunity for your chinchilla to exercise not only its body but its mind. Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise.

Are Cheerios OK for chinchillas?

Cheerios are a popular, healthy breakfast cereal that many people enjoy, but can chinchillas eat this famous cereal? Yes, chinchillas can eat Cheerios, but they should only be given in moderation. Cheerios have a higher concentration of phosphorus than chinchillas need, so too much can cause a nutritional imbalance.

How do I keep my chinchilla entertained?

How long should you let chinchillas run around?

Allowing the chinchilla to run around for an hour or two when it is not used to so much activity can result in seizures due to low blood sugar. Working up to an hour or more, if it is done slowly, allows time for the chinchilla's body to adapt to the increased level of activity.

Is a female or male chinchilla better?

Male or Female Chinchillas

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.

Can you grab chinchillas by the tail?

Holding the center of the tail will result in a fracture or break. Holding the tip of a Chinchillas tail will result in a disconnected bone or the tip will rip off. Always handle gently by the base of the tail.

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.

Can I pickup my chinchilla?

Adults should pick up Chinchillas by: 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.

How can I make my chinchilla happy?

Do chinchillas like TV?

Television! Yes, chinchillas like to watch TV.

Do chinchillas like balls?

Exercise Balls

Exercise balls are commonly used by rodent owners to give their small pets some exercise to run freely around the house. While they seem like a fun and cute way for your chin to exercise, they are extremely dangerous for chinchillas. There are several reasons these balls are bad for chinchillas.

Do chinchillas like music?

Our chins hear the same tones and pitches as us! As we know ambient sounds are universally soothing, we can also deduce (and observe!) that the experience of television and soft music is a real treat for chinchillas.

What does it mean when chinchillas roll around?

Circling and Rolling

The eardrum sometimes swells and thickens because of this and affects the chinchilla's inner ear, causing chinchillas to circle or roll around. In some cases surgery may be necessary to open the ear canal.

What do chinchillas do when they are sad?

For a chinchilla, one of your first indications that anything is wrong is symptoms of depression. When depressed, a chin will eat very little, will refuse to play or interact with his toys, and will neglect to move around his cage. A depressed chinchilla may chew his fur and become indifferent to his surroundings.