These play sessions are a good way to bond with your chinchilla, and they provide essential exercise. You can also try and get them to come to you or cuddle up by offering up treats. After about a week, experiment with allowing them to learn each other’s scents by sharing bath dust. The size of the babies will depend on the number of kits within a litter, a … Avoid plastic cages and items as your chinchilla will likely chew through them. Puppies Are Better than Adult Dogs. A large bag will last you a decent amount of time and are a great item to always provide your chinchilla. Lastly, it’s just straightforward to fold and put away without any issue. This article has been viewed 10,489 times. Before housing them together, place the new chinchilla in the larger cage in the same room and within viewing distance of your original chinchilla. Allowing for free play outside of the cage is largely beneficial to the chin, as well. Chinchillas also need time out of the cage daily in safe areas. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. Toys certainly help keep your chinchilla entertained. Chinchillas are capable of having a litter of babies anywhere from 1 to 6 kits, although the most births are usually with 1 or 2 kits. Please consider making a contribution to wikiHow today. Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. I know I didn't mention too many tips but the ones I did, hopefully you can all utilize in some way. Like rabbits, gerbils and hamsters, chinchillas are rodents with soft fur and a tail of medium length. Chinchilla Size By Age. Do not overthink things when you are playing with your chinchilla. Every day at wikiHow, we work hard to give you access to instructions and information that will help you live a better life, whether it's keeping you safer, healthier, or improving your well-being. Your support helps wikiHow to create more in-depth illustrated articles and videos and to share our trusted brand of instructional content with millions of people all over the world. You can read more about how to give a chinchilla a dust bath here. How are you all doing? Play with your chinchilla every day. "I just got a baby girl chinchilla. You can’t go wrong, you have the room to expand and adopt a second chinchilla and your chinchilla is in a cage that she or he can move freely and remain happy and active jumping, climbing and running around the way chinchillas are born to do so. That said, there's plenty for you do to help make their playtime experience the most fun possible, both inside and outside of their cages. Begin with 5 minutes and increase to 10. 😕Adopting and caring for a new chinchilla can be intimidating and confusing. We created Planet Chinchilla to share all the stories about owning a chinchilla that you need to know. You can opt for the washable hanging dens that are softer materials or have a wood den down below in the cage resting on the bottom. If you purchase the normal fully enclose plastic balls, I like to pop both sides of the ball, so it’s a clear jump through for my chinchilla. [Way More Than You Think], Toilet Paper Rolls Filled With Hay or Oats. While tame chins will enjoy quiet quality time soaking up your affection in this way, they're actually often active and playful. Once it becomes an empty ball or the chinchilla must wedge more into the openings to get hay, it’s not hard for the chinchilla to get stuck.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'planetchinchilla_com-netboard-1','ezslot_19',115,'0','0']));eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'planetchinchilla_com-netboard-1','ezslot_20',115,'0','1'])); One chinchilla breeder even informed me that she’s aware of chinchillas getting stuck trying to wedge between them to get hay and then in a struggle to release themselves, they break their necks. How to Hold a Chinchilla. They can also get in some much-needed teeth grinding time with carousel hanging toys. Play Area: 12 square feet Allow them to play with the items they like to play with and if they choose to jump on your head and shoulders, allow them to do so. Chinchilla Toys to Hide In . As you build that bond and they grow to love and recognize you as the owner, the sky is the limit for toys if they are deemed safe of course. You can learn how to fully chinchilla proof a room here. The enclosed playpen I mentioned above is especially nice because it’s also easy to clean and we all know how often chinchillas like to leave some droppings around. However, the fun they have with their dust bath when they are out of their cage is a lot of fun to watch and necessary to keep that fur looking at it’s best. [3 Best Options] â†’, Best Chinchilla Wheels [4 Safest and Best Options] â†’, 11 Best Chinchilla Cage Accessories[Ledges,Tunnels & More] â†’, Chinchilla Breeders Near You[Best Options + Tips] â†’, Best Chinchilla Food [Best Chinchilla Pellets + Tips] â†’. You can save some time and read my recommendations for the best chinchilla toys here. Just experiment some until you figure what your chinchilla enjoys most. But with the arrival of COVID-19, the stakes are higher than ever. The higher the cage’s ceiling, the better. Chinchillas poop 250 times per day so don’t try to avoid this. Build a routine with your chinchilla and stick to it. Many individuals create their own hanging toys using chinchilla safe wood and some prefer to purchase them commercially from online marketplaces such as Amazon or even Pet Suppliers such as Chewy or Petco. A great option is to at least your chinchilla time out of the cage during a regular cage cleaning. Main Episode: http://youtu.be/m_LY6iOdvJA Get the GMM Coffee Mug! I like to tap the side of my dust bath before providing it to my chinchilla.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'planetchinchilla_com-narrow-sky-2','ezslot_17',116,'0','0']));eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'planetchinchilla_com-narrow-sky-2','ezslot_18',116,'0','1'])); Now she associates that tapping sound with getting something enjoyable. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. I'm also the author of the Digital eBook "Avoiding Critical Mistakes Ultimate Chinchilla Care Guide, From Adoption and On" That you can see below or by visiting the E-Book Store. Here is the good news.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'planetchinchilla_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_7',108,'0','0'])); You do not really need to do anything in order to play with your chinchilla and interact with them. This article was co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS. At the end of the day, your chinchilla will be happy if you are spending time with them. Some common items that chinchillas enjoy to play with can include the following (we will also cover these items in-depth later in this post). It’s fully enclosed which helps prevent any possible escape.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'planetchinchilla_com-mobile-leaderboard-1','ezslot_13',114,'0','0'])); I have a 4-year-old that is wild so having something like this surely helps and makes me feel safe that my chinchilla isn’t going to escape or get herself into any trouble or danger. This article has been viewed 10,489 times. There are many things to think about before having play time, including the location, safety, temperature, supervision, time, length and frequency of play time, age of the chinchilla, separate play times for each of the genders and vacations. Planet Chinchilla Was started to share our journey with all of you. It also uses mesh screening which makes me calmer knowing that it’s breathable and I don’t have to worry about her overheating while running around and playing. Make sure there are lots of places to climb and play, like shelves, an exercise wheel, toys, and hiding spaces. As we have covered in this post, playing with your chinchilla daily is a fantastic way to build a bond. The chinchilla needs to get used to you and to the free time. The content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Safe Play Area. Last Updated: April 5, 2020 They last much longer compared to the commercially purchased options. Life gets busy, but it’s important to at least spend some time with your chinchilla out of the cage daily. Marshall also makes playpen mats to help protect your floor and carpet during chinchilla exercise time. My chinchilla even frequently chews on the wooden boards that are installed on the cage. If you need to hand-feed your chinchilla, ask your vet to demonstrate the proper technique. The earlier in a dog’s life you start training it, the better. When the chinchilla can count on this playtime, it will look forward to it each day. If your chinchilla is in his or her cage, be sure to offer a hiding box, a wheel, and other chewable toys that are safe. Look out for wires, cables, clothing of any kind, and any small debris you might come across. They love to spin around, get crazy, and have a blast inside their dust baths. It’s the perfect setup and what I currently use for my chinchilla. What I especially love about these lava blocks is that they include the pre-drilled inserts so you can place the blocks at various levels of the cage. So, what do chinchillas like to play with? Follow all of your vet's instructions carefully. I surely have no regrets adopting my chinchilla and she has been nothing but a joy since owning her. While it is perfectly fine to get your chinchilla out of the cage and let them play freely, it is a nice added benefit if you understand how you can play with and interact with your chinchilla as well. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Chinchilla adoption is a wonderful way to provide a Chinchilla a second chance and caring environment. This can encourage your chinchilla to jump around and play more naturally within its cage which in turn can encourage more playtime and stimulate muscles and help your chinchilla remain healthy. If you are about to adopt a chinchilla, it is important to understand what a chinchilla likes to play with and how to play with a chinchilla correctly and safely. Here is my post detailing the need for a nest box and the best nest boxes you should be considering. It’s excellent for your chinchillas’ teeth to have access to chewing material and something they enjoy doing. You do not really need to do anything in order to play with your chinchilla and interact with them. [Yes, But Be Careful]. [Play it Safe], Do Chinchillas Recognize Their Owners? with everything that a chinchilla needs. Hey peeps! Avoiding Critical Mistakes Ultimate Chinchilla Care Guide, From Adoption and On eBook, Visit The Information Page For This Digital eBook Here, Ensure You Always Have the Best and Recommended Accessories For Your Chinchilla, Best Chinchilla Cages[Reviews, Advice +19 Buying Tips] â†’, Best Chinchilla Bedding[Options+No Odor & Tips] â†’, Best Chinchilla Toys [13 Toys Your Chinchilla Will Love] â†’, Best Chinchilla Hay [Best Hay for A Chins Diet+Tips] â†’, Best Chinchilla Hammocks [5 Fantastic Options] â†’, Best Chinchilla Litter[3 Best Litter Options For Chinchillas] â†’, What Is the Best Dust for Chinchillas? This week's video is going to be a quick one on how you can get closer to your chinchilla and strengthen your relationship with them. My chinchilla loves the lava ledges and the lava blocks (Link to Amazon)eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'planetchinchilla_com-mobile-leaderboard-2','ezslot_14',112,'0','0'])); They can also come in fun festive colors which is a nice perk to tailor towards your male or female chinchillas. Consider a multi-level cage for them or one with many sturdy platforms. It’s good to keep your chinchilla active, and it’s also good to help your chinchilla to have plenty of chew options to help build up their teeth to prevent dental issues in the future. Be prepared to purchase a variety of toys and use some trial and error to find the best options and to find out what your chinchilla likes to play with most. Depending on how serious the choking incident was, your vet may recommend that your chinchilla get plenty of rest and be hand-fed for a while during its recovery. It’s important always to have enough chewable items around. How did you learn to play with your chinchilla and what do you do now to interact and play with your chinchilla? Chinchillas have been known to literally bounce off the walls, once they get going. Please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Part of being a chinchilla parent is accepting your baby for who he or she is. Does Your Chinchilla like to play with any toys or accessories we haven’t discussed in this post? It does not have to be so do not let it be. Overall, it is the only way I ever recommended even purchasing a chinchilla ball. [Yes, But Be Careful], What Do Chinchillas Like To Play With And How To Play With A Chinchilla, How To Use Accessories And How To Play With Your Chinchilla, Breaking Down Toys And What Chinchillas Like To Play With, The Chinchilla Wheel Is A Chinchilla Favorite, A Playpen Makes Playing With A Chinchilla Easy, Chinchillas Have Plenty They Enjoy To Play With, Just Be Sure To Participate, Avoiding Critical Mistakes Ultimate Chinchilla Care eBook Offer. Once your chinchilla has had some time to get settled in his or her new home, you can talk to your chinchilla in a … Place one chinchilla in each cage. You can learn more about this eBook offer using the link directly below. Handling a Biting Chinchilla Allow a chinchilla to nibble if it is harmless. Be sure to leave out plenty of food and water during the play session so your chinchilla’s blood sugar doesn’t dive from all their exercise. Be sure to check out my full digital eBook “Avoiding Critical Mistakes Ultimate Chinchilla Care eBook” to have the best advice, tips, and tricks and supply recommendations to make adopting and caring for a chinchilla much more comfortable and easier to understand. Chinchillas need a minimum of 30 scheduled minutes a day to play and interact with you. I’m honestly shocked these toys are advertised and sold for chinchillas, but I’d highly recommend against using them. We've been helping billions of people around the world continue to learn, adapt, grow, and thrive for over a decade. Amid the current public health and economic crises, when the world is shifting dramatically and we are all learning and adapting to changes in daily life, people need wikiHow more than ever. This works especially well when you are using the proper size dual-level cages that allow chinchillas adequate space to jump and around. This … Play time can be fun for both owner and chinchilla and helps to strengthen the bond between the two. Avoid plastic cages and items as your chi… I also like the fact that I can have my dog around and know that my chinchilla is safe if need be. Add two huge circles to be your chinchilla's legs, and two small ovals coming from your chinchilla's chest as its front feet. Nov 10, 2014 - Chinchillas are so soft and silky, it's tempting to spend your bonding time just petting them. Is a Chinchilla the Right Pet for You? References. Which, in turn, creates a chinchilla that ultimately shows more affection to you in the future. Most pets arrive at shelters because the owner had to move, could no longer afford the pet, had a death in the family, or simply gave up the responsibly of being a care taker for a Chinchilla. [Moderation Is Key]. But these behaviors do not necessarily mean they are fighting. Rabbits, gerbils and hamsters may be more common choices, but chinchillas make great pets, too. The JesPet (Link to Amazon) has been my recommendation for the past 4 years or so for the most ideal playpen and that is because it is what I am still using 4 years later. Depending on your chinchilla’s personality it’s possible that he or she grows out of enjoying certain chew items. Chinchilla playing behavior can be easily mistaken for fighting behavior sometimes. It is also excellent for a new chinchilla owner to consider so they can learn how to get their chinchilla to enjoy being held and touched more frequently. Chinchillas want to explore everything around him or her and stretch out a bit. Too much risk for a heat stroke if you ask me. Some examples of chew items that are often mistaken as safe could include cardboard that still contains dyes or dangerous toxins.eval(ez_write_tag([[336,280],'planetchinchilla_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_5',106,'0','0'])); You can see my post about if cardboard is safe for chinchilla’s here. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/6b\/Play-with-Your-Pet-Chinchilla-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Play-with-Your-Pet-Chinchilla-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/6b\/Play-with-Your-Pet-Chinchilla-Step-1.jpg\/aid10350405-v4-728px-Play-with-Your-Pet-Chinchilla-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"