Buying a chinchilla
You can buy a pet from a variety of sources including breeders, pet shops and rescue centres.
Cost of keeping a chinchilla
In addition to the initial cost of buying a chinchilla, idon't forget about ongoing costs such as food and equipment.
Choosing a chinchilla
Before you buy a chinchilla it’s wise to think long and hard about whether your new pet will suit your personality and lifestyle. Considerations should include:
- Whether you’d like to purchase a male or female?
- Does the chinchilla you’re considering suit your home, family etc?
- Can you make a lifelong commitment to your chinchilla?
- Will your new chinchilla get on with other pets in the household?
- Lastly, whether you can afford to keep a pet.
The secret to choosing a chinchilla is to do lots of research and it’s also advisable to find out more about potential health problems and characteristics.
Breed guide
There are two living species of chinchilla, Chinchilla brevicaudata and Chinchilla lanigera and domestic chinchillas come from the langiera species. They are available in a variety of colours including grey, beige and ebony.
Hints and tips on new ownership
Once you’ve decided that you’re going to purchase a chinchilla, do a bit of planning so that your pet’s first days in his new home are as easy and pleasurable as possible.
- Equipment for your chinchilla should include a cage big enough for pets to run around in and food and water bowls or bottles
- Buy some pet food for your chinchilla. Complete food provides all the nutrients in the correct amounts and proportions
- Good quality grass hay (eg Timothy hay) must be available at all times.
