The Pros and Cons of Chinchillas

Sep 19, 2010
Stephen Scheib

Some chinchillas become cage aggressive. - Photo by Stephen Scheib

One of the softest exotic pets out there, chinchillas are just too cute not to love. Do not let looks dictate your decision to own one, though.

Chinchillas are hands down one of the cutest and softest pets available for those looking for something more lively than a hamster, but easier to care for than a dog. It is easy to get caught up in their adorable faces with their constantly twitching whiskers and noses. However, as with all living things, the consideration of time and resources is a must before acquiring one of these cute critters. Research is a must!

Pros:

Chinchillas are relatively odor free. Change their cage once a week and you will never smell them. Most animals have a strong smell to their urine (rabbits, for instance). This does not seem to be the case with chinchillas.
Chinchillas consume a pretty well established pelleted diet that is on the market. Add some fresh veggies and a few fruits, perhaps a peanut or two for a snack sporadically, and you will have a happy and healthy pet.
Chinchillas can be very tame and social when properly handled. They do not require as much time when it comes to bonding as with other exotic animals such as sugar gliders (for more information see The Pros and Cons of Sugar Gliders and Owning a Sugar Glider).
Chinnies are crepuscular, meaning awake during the twilight hours (dawn and dusk). This is more favorable for many as they see and interact with their fluffy friend before and after work. No need to be up late at night to see your pet!
Chinchillas are somewhat trainable when it comes to handling. They develop routines easily (so if you come up to the cage and offer a treat every time, soon they are going to expect a yummy present when they see you walk near them).
Chinchillas are relatively clean critters. They keep neat by grooming themselves. However, watch for fur chewing (read more about Medical Conditions and Diseases of Chinchillas). They do not require baths with soap and water, rather just a simple dust bath two to three times a week is sufficient.
Chinchillas do not require regular vaccination by law.
Chinchillas are great pets when owned by a family with older children.
Chinchillas can live up to 20 years in captivity, barring any complications. That is a lot better than a hamster, which does not typically last beyond three years of age.
Chinchillas are relatively quiet creatures. Aside from running in a wheel and occasionally chirping or grunting when mishandled (by another chinchilla or a person), they do not vocalize very much.
When properly tamed, they will sit on your shoulder and be very content. However, do not try this until you have worked with them thoroughly. Falling from the height of your shoulder can be detrimental to their health.

Cons:

A chinchilla that has not received proper socialization may become aggressive and bite. Chinchillas have teeth that can crack through tough shells, so a finger is a breeze.
Chinchilla hair and dust from their dust bath can trigger allergies. They are unfortunately not hypoallergenic. For more information, refer to the article Should I Buy a Chinchilla?
Chinchillas love to move! They need multiple level cages and plenty of spacing to get around. A big cage is quite demanding on people with limited space in their homes.
Chinchillas can be quite expensive to purchase, depending on where you get them and their coat color. Also they can be difficult to find in some areas and in some states they are even illegal to own! Always do your research first.
Due to limited genetic availability (the chinchillas we have as pets came from a speculated eleven many years ago) and the difficulty of breeding successfully, chinchillas are not a pet you should get with the intent to make money off of their babies. They take on average 111 days to produce young after conception. Besides that, there are legal issues such as permits with the United States Department of Agriculture or similar state agency by which one MUST abide.
Finding a reputable exotic veterinarian can be quite the challenge in some areas. Some veterinarians will still see clients with chinchillas, but their experience and knowledge of the fuzzy exotic is limited, often leading to misdiagnosis (a costly mistake, both financially and in the case of the animal's health).
Chinchillas are able to catch diseases such as respiratory infections from improper environment, gastroenteritis, and some skin diseases. See Medical Conditions and Diseases of Chinchillas for more information. They are also able to contract Streptococcus equi, or the strangles. While any pet can become diseased, it is particularly depressing to purchase an animal like a chinchilla, which is expected to live 15-20 years, only to have to put it down due to the extremely high cost of exotic veterinary medicine. Being rodents, often times chinchillas do not even exhibit signs of illness until it is too late.
Chinchillas are not the well-suited for a young child. Chinchillas love to run, and when a small child is trying to hold one, it can struggle and squirm, potentially harming its back or legs very easily.
Chinchillas are cool-weather critters. Coming from the high altitudes of the Andes mountains, they prefer temperatures under 72 degrees Fahrenheit.

In Conclusion...

This list is not intended to be all-inclusive. Of course chinchillas are unique creatures; none being fully alike from another. They have very unique personalities from one chinchilla to another (a notable feature that causes avid owners to love them more). Always do your research before ever selecting a pet.