Avian & Exotic Pet Clinic of Roanoke

Did You Know....

• The chinchilla was named after the Chincha people of the Andes region of the Andes Mountains in South America.
• Chinchillas are nocturnal - so be prepared for your pet to be very active at night.
• Chinchillas can NOT have fleas or ticks. Their fur is just too dense having 80-100 hairs per follicle.

New Owner Corner

Here are some documents to help get you started with your chinchilla friends

• How to Feed Chinchillas

And some links for you to investigate

• Chinchillas.org
• Valley View Chinchillas

F.A.Q

Life expectancy: 7 - 19 years
Free choice Timothy Hay, appropriate measured amounts of Oxbow Chinchilla pellets and a tbsp-sized portion of appropriate greens such as romaine, spring mix, dandelion greens, escarole, endive, green leaf lettuce.
A very large enclosure (4’x4’x3’) with shelves, a wooden nest box and dry clean bedding (aspen or Care Fresh). Provide 50-60 degree temperatures optimally.
Cost: $100 - $250
Do not overheat. Higher than 80 degrees can be fatal.
Health tips: Annual veterinary check-ups are needed to evaluate and optimize overall health, dental condition, diet and husbandry. Provide daily dust baths with appropriate chinchilla dust for 10 minutes.