Your chinchilla should come with a health guarantee that requires a checkup by a veterinarian within a few days (usually 48 hours) after purchase All pets including chinchillas need regular examinations.
How much does it cost to take a chinchilla to the vet?
Depending on the vet you choose, a basic checkup will cost around $50 , but because Chinchillas are classed as
exotic animals
, these fees can be more, and you should budget around $100 just to be safe.
What problems do chinchillas have?
Common conditions of pet chinchillas include
bite wounds
, respiratory diseases, overgrown and impacted teeth, gastrointestinal stasis, bloat, diarrhea, skin problems, and heat stroke.
How long do chinchillas live as pets?
Chinchillas are clean, quiet and
attractive rodents
that don’t smell. They can live for 10-20 years , and they’ve been bred and farmed for their soft, dense fur. They’re quite shy and are more appropriate as pets for adults and older children.
How can you tell if a chinchilla is in pain?
Changes in their normal behaviour can be early signs they’re ill or in pain, but because chinchillas sleep during the day, you may not easily notice if they’re unwell. If your chinchillas aren’t eating or are quieter than usual , they’re highly likely to be ill or in pain.
Do chinchillas need any vaccinations?
Vaccinations. Chinchillas do not require vaccinations.
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 like to be 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.
Why is my chinchilla laying on his side?
Sleeping on their side: If a chinchilla sleeps on its side, it can mean it is hot, tired after exercise, pregnant or just likes sleeping that way Hopping and jumping: This is quite normal behaviour for a chinchilla when it is playing.
What helps a sick chinchilla?
Give the chinchilla an inexhaustible supply of fresh timothy hay. Feed your chin yogurt with live cultures on a popsicle stick Lactobacillus is the active ingredient in live-culture yogurt. It is a beneficial supplement with no side effects or risk of overdose.
What diseases can chinchillas pass to humans?
These
little animals
are associated with human salmonellosis, and they carry various mycobacteria. ▸ Chinchillas. About 80,000 households own chinchillas, which carry Microsporum gypseum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes associated with inflammatory tinea capitis These animals also harbor Aspergillus niger.
Is it OK to 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 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!.
Are male or female 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.
Do chinchillas need
rabies shots
?
It is not common practice to vaccinate chinchillas and no rabies vaccine exists for use specifically on chinchillas You should never attempt to vaccinate your chinchilla with a vaccine that is not approved for use on chinchillas without the cooperation of your veterinarian.
Are chinchillas scared of the dark?
Chinchillas are not truly nocturnal animals , but they do have excellent vision that allows them to see well in the dark. This makes them successful at nocturnal life, although they prefer a crepuscular lifestyle.
What can you give a chinchilla for pain?
Buprenorphine is currently the most commonly used opioid analgesic in chinchillas This partial-µ opioid agonist is widely used in rodents because it is potent (25 to 50 greater than morphine), and has a relatively long duration of action.
Do chinchillas need a friend?
Chinchillas are naturally sociable animals and live in groups in the wild. That’s why you’ll need to keep your pet chinchilla with at least one other friendly chinchilla, unless advised otherwise by a vet or clinical animal behaviourist.
Are chinchillas high maintenance?
Chinchillas are pretty low maintenance Once you have a cage set up, all they need is refilled water, food, and hay every day, and weekly cage cleanings & new things to chew.
How do I know if my chinchilla is lonely?
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.
How cold is too cold for chinchillas?
The lowest temperature a chinchilla can tolerate is between 25° to 40° Fahrenheit (-4°C to 4.5°C) However, it is unlikely that your home will ever reach such cold temperatures because it will be uncomfortable for you.
How can I tell if my chinchilla is depressed?
- Making noises, such as barking or whistling.
- Hiding.
- Chewing fur – either their own or another chinchilla’s.
- Patches of fur coming away when handling them.
- Changes to feeding or toileting habits.
- Over-drinking or playing with the water bottle.
What is bumblefoot in chinchillas?
Bumblefoot, medically known as ulcerative pododermatitis, is an inflammation of the foot pads It is most commonly found in captive birds and rodents. Chinchillas are most susceptible to Bumblefoot when exposed to housing conditions that are less than optimal.
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.
Should you brush a chinchilla?
It is not necessary to brush a chinchilla , and most do not enjoy being brushed. A long-toothed comb can be used to help remove mats from their fur if absolutely necessary, but it should be done very gently and with as little stress to the animal as possible.
Can you tell the age of a chinchilla?
We’ve seen some chinchillas exhibit signs of old age as young as 9 years and others who don’t show it until they are in their 20s Chinchillas tend to become quieter and a little less energetic as they get up in years. Some may actually look “older,” lose some weight and appear a little more frail.
Do chinchillas carry rabies?
Mammals, particularly raccoons, skunks, foxes, and bats are most commonly infected. Other mammals can be infected through bites from these animals, including pets and livestock. Small terrestrial rodents (such as squirrels, rats, mice, hamsters, gerbils, chinchillas) and rabbits are rarely found to have rabies.
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.
Do chinchillas like watching TV?
Television! Yes, chinchillas like to watch TV.
What should I name my chinchilla?
- Baget.
- Ball ‘O Fluff.
- Burrow.
- Chewie McChewerton.
- Chilla.
- Chinny Chin.
- Chunky Cheeks.
- Cutie Patootie.
Why is chinchilla so expensive?
The reason chinchilla fur apparel is so expensive is largely due to the process used to make it ; chinchilla fur is notoriously fragile and must be tended to closely in order to be converted into a coat.
How much does a chinchilla baby cost?
So how much is a baby chinchilla? all of that being said, chinchillas cost anywhere from $150-$350.
Are chinchillas good pets for 10 year olds?
Chinchillas are certainly cute and cuddly, so it’s no wonder that your children naturally might be drawn to these animals. Because they can bite and are very delicate, chinchillas are generally not good with children If you’re planning to get a family pet, think twice before purchasing a chinchilla.
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.
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.
Do chinchillas need sunlight?
Keep Your Chinchillas Away from Direct Sunlight: Chinchillas should not be exposed to direct sunlight without supervision , and should not experience direct sunlight for an extended period of time (I will allow my chinchillas to be photographed by the window for no more than 5-10 minutes on a partly cloudy day).
What do chinchillas do at night?
Chinchillas are awake and energetic during nighttime hours and sleep most of the day. They sleep on all four feet most of the time but sometimes sleep curled up inside a nest box or other small space in their enclosure.
Should chinchillas have bedding?
Chinchilla bedding or litter is an essential supply for your chinchilla’s cage It’s used to absorb urine and help reduce mess and odor. You will need some sort of bedding or litter for your pet chinchilla, whether you’re using a cage with a pull out tray, a drop in pan, or if your chin is trained to use a litter box.
Citations
https://www.birdexoticsvet.com/nyc
https://qualitycage.com/blogs/news/chinchilla-vet-near-me
https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/chinchillas-owning
https://ask.metafilter.com/169981/Recommend-a-Chinchilla-Vet-in-NYC