With patience and proper training, a chinchilla can make an ideal pet. Chinchillas live about fifteen to twenty years and grow to about 15-20 inches, nose to tail. Owning a pet chinchilla can be very rewarding, as they have the tendency to bond quite closely with their caretakers.

Chinchillas are nocturnal animals, originally from the Andes region of South America. They are cold weather creatures with an extremely thick fur coat, so care must be taken that they do not become overheated. Their lush, dense fur is parasite free. They are most active at times of dawn and dusk, and because of their playful nature, chinchillas require a great deal of room to run and climb. Choosing a proper cage is an important part of caring for your pet chinchilla. The cage should be very large, with wheels, ramps and platforms for running and climbing.

Approximately twice a week, you should provide a dust bath for your chinchilla, as this is how they keep their thick fur clean and healthy. Ten to fifteen minutes is generally long enough; any longer and you risk drying out your chinchilla’s coat. Always use commercially available dust made specifically for chinchillas, as it is specially designed to mimic the dust available in their natural habitat and to remove oils and dirt from their luxurious coats. A small goldfish bowl or other partially enclosed container will help reduce the amount of dust scattered as your chinchilla rubs and rolls in the bath.

Chinchillas are fairly easy to train, if you have the patience to take them through the steps of handling gradually. Begin by sitting near the cage so your chinchilla can get used to your presence. Avoid loud noises and quick movements so you do not startle the animal. When you begin interacting with your pet, do so in the evening as you will receive a more lively reception. Once your chinchilla is used to being touched, maintain socialization with frequent handling.