Diet & Nutrition
Chinchillas should be fed high-quality, plain pellets. Recommended brands include:
Avoid: Kaytee and other mixes with seeds, fruits, or colored bits, which are high in sugar and decrease lifespan. Pellets should be free-fed—provide more than your chinchilla needs, and let them self-regulate.
Hay is critical for digestive health. Offer unlimited access to hay. Preferred types include:
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Alfalfa Hay (use sparingly for adult chinchillas)
Hay should be available daily, not necessarily replaced every day.
Provide fresh, clean water daily. Water bottles should be scrubbed weekly to prevent bacterial buildup. Glass bottles are recommended.
Treats
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Under 6 months: No treats.
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Avoid commercial chinchilla treats, fruits, and vegetables (fresh or dried) due to their high sugar content.
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Raisins are especially harmful and may lead to liver/kidney disease and diabetes.
Approved Treats (for chinchillas 6+ months)
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Rolled oats (old-fashioned)
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Shredded wheat (plain)
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Apple sticks or other chin-safe wood
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Hanging chew toys (safe materials only)
Housing & Cage Set Up
Temperature
Chinchillas thrive in cool environments. Ideal ambient temperatures should remain at or below 72°F (22°C). During warmer months, air conditioning is essential, as temperatures above 75°F (24°C) may result in heatstroke and potentially death. Ensure your chinchilla is not placed directly in front of air vents or in drafty areas.
They tolerate colder conditions well—even temperatures we might find uncomfortable. As long as their water bottle does not freeze, chinchillas remain content and often more active in cooler environments.
Bedding
Use only kiln-dried pine or aspen bedding. Avoid paper-type bedding (such as CareFresh), which can cause intestinal blockages if ingested. Cedar bedding is toxic and can be fatal.
Non-Pill or Blizzard Fleece liners are a suitable alternative. Liners must be cleaned and replaced at least once weekly—more frequently if soiled. Some chinchillas can be litter trained to urinate in a small glass or metal baking dish, but not all will learn this behavior.
Water Bottle
Given their tendency to chew, glass water bottles are recommended. These can be found in the small animal or bird sections at most pet stores.
Food Bowl
Avoid plastic bowls. Instead, use heavy ceramic, glass, or metal (coop cup) bowls that attach to the cage, preventing movement and tipping.
Cage Requirements
Chinchillas require space to jump and hop. Aquariums and C&C style cages are not suitable. Ideal cages are all-metal or wire cages with fleece-covered plastic components. Wood cages can become urine-soaked or chewed out of.
Recommended models include:
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Exotic Nutrition Mansion (remove ramps)
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Critter/Ferret Nation cages with replacement or covering of plastic pans. I recommend replacing with Bass Equipment Pans.
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Full Cheeks Chew Proof Small Pet
Shelving
Replace any plastic shelving with kiln-dried pine or cover with fleece. Wire shelves are acceptable if the spacing is small and the chinchilla has solid surfaces for rest, such as ceramic tiles or wooden planks. Avoid setups that create large open drops, which may cause injury. You can make your own or purchase shelves. I buy mine here.
Hideout
As prey animals, chinchillas require a safe place to retreat. Wooden hidey houses are ideal. Avoid plastic shelters, including igloos or tiki huts. My go to hides are these.