Life Span of Chinchillas

Chinchillas are native to the Andes Mountains in South America. The life span of a chinchilla is unusually long for a rodent, averaging eight to 10 years in the wild and up to 20 years in captivity. Owning a pet chinchilla is a long-term commitment. Their exceptionally thick fur protects chinchillas from freezing temperatures in their natural habitat, but puts them at risk of heatstroke in captivity. Understanding the health needs of a chinchilla is vital to prolonging the life of your pet.

  1. Chinchilla Behavior

    • A pet chinchilla may appear shy when purchased but typically warms up to its owner once it feels secure. Chinchillas are social creatures that require the mental stimulation of daily interaction and careful handling. A chinchilla that is ignored may become antisocial. Chinchillas rarely bite but may do so when frightened or handled roughly; some breeders do not recommend these fragile pets for families with small children. Chinchillas are energetic, requiring daily exercise for a longer life. They are nocturnal and, therefore, most active at night.

    Housing and Hygiene

    • Chinchillas require a habitat with ample room for jumping, playing and hiding. Adding a running wheel gives them an opportunity for additional exercise. An enclosure with wire-mesh sides allows adequate ventilation. Because they are sensitive to overheating, chinchillas should not be exposed to temperatures above 75 degrees Fahrenheit or humidity levels above 40 percent. Provide a solid floor for the chinchilla's cage to avoid foot injuries. A chinchilla requires a dust bath several times a week to keep its oily coat healthy; pet stores sell a specific dust for this purpose. Like all rodents, chinchillas have teeth that grow continuously so make sure your pet has chew blocks to gnaw on to grind down its teeth.

    Diet

    • Chinchillas in the wild eat plants, herbs, bark and insects. Pet chinchillas thrive on a diet of chinchilla pellets -- sold at pet stores -- and timothy hay. Leafy green vegetables may be offered as a treat but should not make up more than 10 to 15 percent of the chinchilla's diet.

      Sweet vegetables and fruits are not suitable because their high sugar content may cause digestive upset. Chinchillas need constant access to fresh, nonchlorinated water.

    Health

    • Improper feeding and unsanitary living conditions can cause life-threatening intestinal illnesses and infections in chinchillas. A chinchilla's cage must be cleaned several times a week and its water source freshened daily. Chinchillas denied chew blocks on which to gnaw may develop malocclusion because of excessively long teeth; symptoms include drooling and weight loss because the animal can't eat properly. Tearing or pus in the eye may indicate an infection of the eyes or teeth. A chinchilla experiencing heatstroke may appear listless and breathe rapidly.

    Vital Statistics

    • According to veterinarian Ron Hines, the ideal age to adopt a chinchilla is 10 weeks. Chinchillas don't require vaccinations, however annual exams by a vet can detect any health problems early. Chinchillas range in body size from 9 to 15 inches; adult females are slightly larger than males. They reach sexual maturity by 8 months. Their gestation period is 109 to 120 days, and each litter contains one to four babies that already have fur and teeth at birth. The young nurse for about six weeks. Chinchillas do not produce dander, which makes them an attractive choice for people with pet allergies.