General Care

A single chinchilla needs to be kept in a 3/4"X3/4" galvanised cage about 24"X18" square to about 24" high with the floor raised so that the droppings can fall through to the tray below. Newspaper or wood shavings can be placed in the tray to soak up any urine. I prefer newspaper as this can be changed quickly as often as you wish. The cage should be placed in a draught free position off the floor and away from direct heat. They prefer a cool dry atmosphere and cannot tolerate extremes of heat. ie: 75f and over. Cages and galvanized steel cage trays can be supplied to order also sandbaths and food troughs cage sizes can be made to suit your requirments

In my eight years experience with chins I have found that most do not like to be caught (even the hand reared ones) so be patient, give your pet time to settle in, he may be nervous for a few days. Open the cage door and talk to him quietly, offer him a small piece of raisin. try to do this every day at the same time so that he will look forward to his treat and after a week or two when he has gained confidence you can let him out to run around for ten to fifteen minutes, if you leave him out too long he may get over heated. You must keep a close eye on him or he will nibble your furniture and even electric cables. Make sure that any small gaps are blocked off so that your pet cannot get trapped behind them.

Help and advice freely given.

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