• Keep your chinchilla in temperatures lower than 75 degrees farenheit. Chinchillas do not sweat, so a fan will not work. Air conditioning is necessary if you live in a region that becomes warmer than 75 degrees at any time.
• A chinchilla's diet should consist of water, hay, and a healthy brand of pellet such as Oxbow, Mazuri, Tradition, APD, or Kline. Pellets that have "treats" mixed in such as dried fruit, nuts, seed, or veggies are not healthy since chinchillas should only have 1 treat a day if they are over 6 months old. If they are under 6 months, their digestive systems are not developed enough to handle any treats.
• Do not feed your chinchilla fresh fruit or vegetables as they are high in sugar and can also cause bloat. Safe treats for your chinchilla include rosehips, a few flakes of old-fashioned oats, or the very occasional raisin.
• Chinchillas bathe in dust instead of water. If a chinchilla gets wet, fungus can form. Be sure to use bath DUST such as Blue Cloud or Blue Sparkle, and NOT bath SAND. Dust baths should be given approximately 2-3 times a week, depending on the humidity in your area. 10 minutes is sufficient time for a supervised bath. Never leave the dust bath in your chinchilla's cage unsupervised.
• A chinchilla's cage should be at least 4 square feet with plenty of wooden ledges to jump on. Do not put anything made of plastic in the cage, as the chinchilla may ingest pieces of it. A small wooden house and wooden chew toys should also be put in the cage.
• A bedding/litter will be needed for the bottom of the cage. Do not use cedar, corn cob, or newspaper since they are toxic to chinchillas. Instead, use carefresh, kiln-dried pine, or aspen.
• Chinchillas should be given supervised play-time outside of their cage every day, if it is small. Choose a room that can easily be chin-proofed, such as the bathroom. Be sure all cords and other dangers are out of reach of your chinchilla.
• When making friends with your chinchilla, leave it alone for the first week to adjust to its new surroundings. Then, work slowly, by just sitting next to the cage for a few days, then putting your hand in for it to sniff and climb on for another few. When your chinchilla is not afraid of your hands any more, see if he will stay sitting on them as you try to move them out of the cage. With patience, you and your new friend will get along great!

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