Can i keep chinchillas outside

I have owned a chinchilla for quite some time and have done plenty of research on the topic, so here is what I can offer you on this topic.

So, can chinchillas live outside? Chinchillas must remain at regulated temperatures between 50 degrees F and 70 degrees F. Temperatures above this will cause overheating and death. Temps below 50 F will cause illness and death. Chinchillas need to remain indoors only. Many of you who own chinchillas or many of you considering purchasing a chinchilla are familiar with the fact that chinchillas naturally are wild animals.

Chinchillas also originate from Bolivia, Peru, Argentina, and Chili but for the most part, wild chinchillas are typically only found in Chili. This would leave many of us to believe that chinchillas although hunted and the preyed upon species can certainly live outside.

The reason chinchillas can thrive in the geographical locations mentioned previously and live outdoors is due to the mild temperatures, low humidity, and minimal amounts of rain. Keeping a chinchilla at ideal temperatures is a significant factor, and not doing so can easily cause death.

Heatstroke is not uncommon with chinchillas. This is due to their inability to sweat and release heat and the fact that a chinchilla has the densest fur out of any land animal. The inner cardboard tubes found in toilet and kitchen roll make great chew toys.

Plastic tubes and toys are also great fun for your Chinchilla and can be purchased at a wide range of pet stores. Use these toys when you bring your Chinchilla out to play in your home. You will find they are totally smitten with them and this can be a great way for the two of you to bond. We have also created a full guide that shares how much time your chinchilla needs out of their cage each day and you can check out the guide here….

There are many items you can buy to go directly into your Chinchillas cage that will keep them fully entertained at times when they are not out to play. Here are a few of the best ones:. If you are looking for a full list of our recommended toys and activities for your chinchillas, then head over to our new post that contains all of our top recommendations and well as where to pick them up for the cheapest prices….

Chinchillas have not been designed to walk in a harness and this is not something that you should attempt with your Chin. Chinchillas have small, delicate bones that could be injured in conjunction with the use of a harness.

It is likely a harness will not fit them well and they will easily slip out of it. There is also a risk of overheating in a harness thanks to their thick fur. Harness training even for dogs and cats takes a considerable amount of time and patience. Although it is possible to train your Chinchilla to a degree you are unlikely to be able to achieve this to the same level you would with other species. In conclusion, Chinchillas are most definitely indoor pets. They do not like the extreme elements and can become frightened and stressed in unfamiliar territory.

You must let your chinchilla out of their cage several times a day, ideally for an hour at a time. The best way to do this is to let them out in your home rather than outside. It means they get the full benefits of exercise without the confines of the cage, but with less risk of them disappearing on you. Provide plenty of exercise and enrichment toys indoors and you will find your Chinchilla will be happy as Larry. Hi, My name is Adam. I'm the main author of Pocket Pets Forever.

I'm a pocket pet enthusiast and I love sharing my knowledge and passion for these amazing animals. Thank you for supporting us on our journey as we continue to publish content with the aim of helping owners care for their pets in the best way possible!

One of the questions we were asked recently was whether Chinchillas were territorial and we felt compelled to delve into this subject a bit deeper and provide you with some more useful information Chinchillas are quite possibly at their happiest when using a dust bath and it is important we provide them with this little delight regularly to keep them content and in good health.

One of the Skip to content. Read On to Discover…. They Will Do a Runner. Some symptoms of heatstroke to look out for in Chinchillas is as follows: Heavy Breathing Red Ears Sprawled out on their side. It Can Be too Cold Outside. Chinchillas Can Become Scared Outside. This can lead to fear and worry for your Chinchilla which could have been avoided.

Check out the graph below showing the overlap: You must look at this from your Chinchillas point of view and not your own. There are a few things you should consider if you decide to take this route with your Chinchillas: Always ensure the cage is fully locked before attempting to transfer your Chinchilla outside Choose a quiet area in the garden with minimal noise Place the cage on hardstanding ground rather than grass Do not leave your Chinchilla unattended.

Keep an eye on them at all times. Recommended Temperature For Chinchillas. Be prepared for lots of Chinchilla poop everywhere. Chinchillas originate from the Andes mountains areas in South America. Can Chinchilla Live Outside? Always have a thermometer in hand to check the temperature. To sufficiently warm a cage with a height of 18 inches, a bulb with 40 — 75 watts is okay. The bulb wattage depends on the distance to the chinchillas and also the room temperature.

Placing towels around the cage can help to prevent heat loss. It is best to keep the chinchilla inside where you can control the temperatures. Can chinchillas live outside in a shed? It is never a good option to keep your chinchillas outside in a shed. Most sheds are cold and gusty.

Such conditions can have adverse effects on your chinchillas. Can Chinchillas Live Outside in a Hutch? If you do proper research on accommodating chinchillas, you will find out that; A hutch is too small for a chinchilla. Chinchillas require large and tall cages that have many different levels and floors. Chinchillas need to remain indoors in a controlled temperature setting. Chinchillas should not be exposed to direct breezes as these may lead to lung infections.

There are wild animals outside the home, a risk to your chinchillas. Chinchillas prefer lower temperatures, as they can generally be more active without overheating. Chinchillas do not like loud noises or too much movement. Nest boxes: a place to hide and rest In the wild, chinchillas play a role of being prey to other animals.

Ideal nest boxes should: Measure about 25cm by 25cm by 25cm, and be in a quiet and secluded place. Be lined with clean, dry bedding, such as hay, recycled wood pulp, shredded paper, or cardboard litter.

Have dust-free bedding. Shredded newspaper is not ideal as the ink can be toxic to your chinchillas. A safe enclosure Ensure that any enclosure you use for your chinchillas is indestructible, as these rodents love to chew on things. An ideal cage should be made of wire, which is durable and easy to clean.

How To Keep Your Chinchilla Home Clean As a chinchilla owner, ensure that you clean out their cages and nest boxes regularly, to maintain hygiene and safety. Related Questions: Can chinchillas live in the cold? Many other small pets such as guinea pigs and rabbits use straw as bedding for inside their cage.

You may be left wondering whether straw is a suitable bedding alternative for hamsters? Is straw safe for hamsters? Straw should never be used as bedding in a hamster cage as it can be sharp and could […]. Continue Reading. Toys are essential to making sure your hamster gets enough exercise and lives a healthy and happy life.