Chinchillas do make wonderful pets. Before you go out and buy one though, be sure you do a little research on these beautiful little creatures. Check up on things like how to care for them, their nutritional needs and all of the items you will need to make a home for them.

The following should of great help in getting you started:

When choosing a chinchilla be sure to look for possible signs of illness, such as hair loss, lethargy or any kind of eye or nose discharge. These things could mean something is seriously wrong with the animal. Some hair loss or signs of any lethargy though, may simply be due to stress.

This stress could be the result of lack of handling or attention, nothing that a good home, love, patience, proper care and nutrition can’t very well correct. Also, if you already have a chinchilla at home, be careful not to choose a cage mate that seems to be ill, as it could be contagious and may sicken your other pet(s).

Chinchillas need a large roomy cage and it is best to have a cage set up before you bring them home. They also like toys to play with, and to chew on. You will need to have a few other certain items present before you bring them home. such as a nest box to lie in, a water bottle to drink out of and the materials needed for them to take a “dust bath” in.

You should never give your chinchilla a bath in water, this could cause a fungus to grow on the skin. Chinchillas require and love to take a “dust bath,” you can purchase the needed products at your local feed or pet store.