Appropriate company for chinchillas

 

 

Make sure your chinchilla has appropriate company

 

 

Facts

• Chinchillas are naturally sociable and live in groups in the wild. They normally prefer to be with other chinchillas in groups or pairs.
   
• A chinchilla can develop abnormal behaviour and may suffer if he/she is left without company and has nothing to do for long periods of time.
   
• Chinchillas can be aggressive to each other especially when first introduced or during breeding. A chinchilla can be bullied and may suffer if he/she cannot get away from other chinchillas that he/she doesn’t like.
   
• Chinchillas that are well handled by people from a young age can become tame and learn to see humans as friends and companions. They will come and sit to be petted but even friendly chinchillas tend to resist being held and will struggle.
   
• Chinchillas that receive little handling at an early age, or rough handling at any age, may find human contact distressing. This can be expressed as fearfulness, escape behaviour, fur loss and sometimes aggression.
   
• Chinchillas will see dogs, cats, ferrets and large birds as predators and threats, and will become stressed around these animals.

 

Things you should do

• Keep your chinchilla with at least one other friendly chinchilla, unless advised otherwise by a vet or clinical animal behaviourist.  Chinchillas can be kept as pairs (a male and a female)* or single sex groups.
   
• *Do not keep your chinchilla with another of the opposite sex unless he/she is intended for breeding and provisions have been made to care for both parents and offspring, or if one or both animals have been neutered. Male chinchillas can be neutered to prevent breeding. Females can also be neutered but this is not commonly done.
   
• Provide hiding places where your chinchilla can go to get away from companions or escape if he/she feels afraid. If you have more than one chinchilla, ensure there are enough nest boxes and hiding places so they have at least one each, and provide at least one box that is large enough for them all to rest together if they choose.
   
• Handle your chinchillas every day from an early age. If your chinchilla has to be
  
  kept on his/her own for some reason you must provide him/her with companionship by interacting with him/her every day.
   
• Interact with your chinchillas by letting them come to you to be petted or offered a small food treat (see Diet). If you do have to pick your chinchilla up, do this gently but firmly to avoid damage to the chinchilla, or his/her fur, if he/she struggles.
   
• Make sure your chinchilla has places he/she can go to get away from companions if he/she wants to and that there are enough resources (e.g. food, water, nest boxes and hiding places) for all your chinchillas at all times.
   
• Introduce new chinchillas gradually and under supervision. House new chinchillas near each other for at least a week before introducing them. Seek advice from a clinical animal behaviourist if you are unsure or have problems.
   
• Never leave your chinchillas unsupervised with another animal or person who may (deliberately or accidentally) harm or frighten them. Never let your chinchillas out of their housing with a dog, cat, or ferret present.