On arrival at the rescue, every animal is given a health check and any necessary treatment. All animals are monitored for a minimum of 2 weeks to ensure they are fit and healthy, and to assess their temperament, prior to being put up for adoption.

CHINCHILLAS

The average life span of a
Chinchilla is 15-20 years

Chinchillas like to live in pairs or same sex groups, or neutered male with a female. Some can live for up to 20 years so are a long term commitment.

They are crepuscular, which means they are very active at dawn or dusk and sleep during the day. Their coats are very dense and shedding of fur can cause some people respiratory problems.

Their diet is important and must be strictly adhered to. It consists of good quality timothy hay, dried herbs and good quality chinchilla nuggets to prevent selective feeding. They may also enjoy a healthy treat of a tiny piece of fresh fruit occasionally.
Fresh drinking water and Timothy hay should be available at all times.

YOU SHOULD NEVER FEED YOUR CHINCHILLA ANY TREATS CONTAINING SUGAR AS THEY CAN BECOME DIABETIC AND SUFFER OTHER HEALTH PROBLEMS.

Being classed as "exotic species" means you should register with an appropriate vet well versed in chinchilla ailments BEFORE YOU NEED ONE.

Chinchillas require a large indoor cage and daily exercise out of their cage in a safe room away from other pets. Special care needs to be given to ensure there are no electrical cables present in their exercise room so ensure that all cabling is shielded.

A large metal cage or aviary suitable for housing a pair of chinchillas is required, for example LITTLE FRIENDS AVENTURA RAT FERRET CHINCHILLA CAGE, W: 92cm x D: 64cm x H: 160cm. A very tall narrow cage is not suitable as accidents can occur where a chinnie falls from top to bottom with fatal consequences - every effort must be made to ensure that there are adequate platforms and hammocks covering any potential hazzardous drop.

The cage should have a solid floor as mesh flooring can lead to injured feet. If your cage has mesh flooring you should place some ceramic tiles on top of it to prevent over exposure to the mesh. Plastic cages aren't suitable as chinchillas will chew their way out.

Another source for metal chinchilla cages is John Hopewell

Whatever cage you buy it should be filled with plenty of shelves and good gnawing material - willow or fruit tree branches.

Chinchillas cannot survive in temperatures higher than 80 F (27 C); high temperatures and humidity can cause these rodents to suffer from heat stroke. Siting of the cage away from any heat source or direct sunlight is important. The cage should have absorbent litter in the bottom (paper based - not wood shavings) which will allow them to express their normal behaviour - foraging and digging. They will also need soft hay for bedding. Toilet roll tubes stuffed with hay make great toys for chinchillas - they will eat the hay and shred the cardboard. Different size cardboard boxes are fun to explore and shred.

Hammocks, wooden toys and branches (fruit tree or willow) for climbing, as well as lava or wooden shelves to rest on. A wooden nest box/house should be included to provide a cozy secluded sleeping area.

Exercise wheels can be a good addition but ensure they are made of metal and large enough
See Tic Tac Wheels

Do not grab your Chinchilla as they can suffer fur slip. For this reason they do not make good pets for young children who like to grab and investigate.

Chinchillas require a sand bath (chinchilla sand - volcanic dust) which keeps their coat in good conditon.

Strict hygiene is essential - the cage should be spot cleaned daily (you will find that they use one area in particular as their toilet) and you will need to remove any damp soiled bedding. Cages should be thoroughly cleaned once a week using a pet-safe disinfectant.

We have a number of Chinchillas staying with us long-term because they cannot be re-homed due to old age or they have special requirements. We do not give up on animals just because they have problems - we provide them with the long term care they need.
If you would like to sponsor a Chinchilla find out more.

VIEWING IS STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.

Please complete our homefinder form to express an interest in any available Chinchillas, then we can keep you updated on any suitable animals that are cleared for adoption.

We request a donation for each animal adopted so that we can continue to help other animals in need.

Watch this space......