About the species
A mountain rodent with an exceptionally dense coat
The chinchilla comes from the cold Andes mountains of South America, where it developed an exceptionally dense coat adapted to cold and high altitude - each hair follicle grows a cluster of many fine hairs instead of a single one, as in most mammals. That density of fur is also the reason a pet chinchilla has quite different care needs from most other rodents.
Why it can't live alone
The RSPCA recommends giving a chinchilla the company of at least one other friendly chinchilla, unless a vet advises otherwise for health reasons, since it's a naturally social animal that lives in groups in the wild. A chinchilla kept alone from a young age needs daily, regular interaction with its owner to make up for the lack of its own kind - though that's a stopgap, not an equal substitute.
Heat is more dangerous for it than cold
Because it comes from cold mountains and has such dense fur, a chinchilla copes with cold far better than with heat. The RSPCA recommends housing it at around 10-18°C, since higher temperatures combined with humidity can quickly lead to overheating - heatstroke is one of the more serious risks for this species, so its cage should always be kept away from direct sunlight, radiators and poorly ventilated rooms.
A dust bath instead of water
Its dense coat would mat and dry poorly in water, risking skin problems, so a chinchilla rolls in special fine chinchilla dust instead, which absorbs excess oil and moisture. A dust bath should last around 10 minutes at most and be offered regularly, or the chinchilla may start using it as a toilet rather than a grooming tool.
'Fur slip' - a natural defence mechanism
If a chinchilla is startled or grabbed roughly, for example by the tail, it can release a clump of fur at that spot - this is a natural defence mechanism called 'fur slip,' which in the wild helped it escape predators that had caught it by the coat. The fur grows back over time, and the event is mainly a sign that the animal was frightened or handled incorrectly, so it should always be picked up with both hands under its body, never by the tail or fur.
A tall cage for climbing and jumping
A chinchilla is an exceptional jumper, leaping between rocky ledges in the wild, so at home it needs a tall, multi-level cage with shelves, ladders and solid flooring rather than just floor space. It's crepuscular to nocturnal, so most of its movement and exploring happens in the evening and at night.
A long-term commitment - up to 20 years
A chinchilla can live up to 20 years, considerably longer than most other pet rodents, so taking one on is a long-term commitment rather than a short-lived project. Prospective owners should factor this in before buying, since the animal can outlast their children's entire childhood.
Who it suits
Because of its temperature sensitivity, unusual bathing method and long lifespan, the chinchilla counts as a more demanding pet, best suited to experienced keepers or to beginners willing to research it thoroughly before buying. Today's pet chinchillas descend from the long-tailed chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera) of the Andes in northern Chile, which centuries of fur hunting brought close to extinction and which is still considered endangered in the wild today - pet populations are now numerous, while wild populations remain rare and strictly protected.
Temperament
agile, curious, nocturnal, sensitive, calm once it trusts
Suitable for
experienced keepers who can provide a cool space and a tall aviary
Living environment
a tall, spacious aviary with shelves and climbs, a cool airy room
Grooming
hay and chinchilla pellets, a dust bath (not water), temperature below 25 °C, plenty of evening jumping
Pros & cons
Advantages of the species
exceptionally long-lived, incredibly soft fur, clean and nearly odourless
Things to consider
heat-sensitive, needs a tall aviary and dust bath, not for small children
Notes
The densest fur of any mammal (up to 60 hairs per follicle). It bathes in special dust, not water. Intolerant of heat above 25 °C.
