The chinchilla
Exceptional coat, demanding needs
The chinchilla lives a very long time and has the densest fur in the animal kingdom. Originally from the Andes, he copes badly with heat and humidity and needs a cool, dry environment.
| Life expectancy | 12 to 18 years |
|---|---|
| Social life | Gregarious |
| Level required | Intermediate |
| Legal framework | No permit required — find out more |
Its essential needs
- A cool temperature (ideally below 22 °C): he is very prone to heatstroke.
- A sand bath (never water) to look after his coat.
- A large, tall cage with wooden platforms.
- Unlimited hay; avoid sugar and fatty treats.
Key health points
- This is the number one danger in summer: his fur is the densest in the animal kingdom and he does not sweat. Above 25 °C he is already struggling; at around 28-30 °C, heatstroke is a threat. Signs: he lies flat, pants, has very red ears, drools. Cool him down gently and see a vet immediately — this is an emergency.
- His teeth grow non-stop and only wear down on hay. When they wear badly, they meet unevenly (a malocclusion) and injure his mouth; their roots can also grow towards the eye. Watch out for: a wet chin, food spat out, a runny eye, weight loss.
- His gut is fragile and tolerates neither sugar nor fat. Hay must make up the bulk of his ration; treats and dried fruit cause soft droppings, bloating and pain. Droppings that become smaller, less frequent or soft are a warning sign.
In Switzerland: no permit required No permit required, but keeping is subject to the TSchV requirements on living conditions: minimum space, social contact, and appropriate feeding and care. Legal framework in detail →
A word from the Au Furet practice If your chinchilla loses a tuft of hair when he is picked up, this is a normal defence mechanism (‘fur slip’): handle him gently.
Need a vet for this species? Few practices are trained in exotic pets. Find an exotic pet vet · Au Furet practice.
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