Learn Chinchilla Pros And Cons Before Keeping Them As Pets!
Adorable and visually appealing rodents, chinchillas have robust hind legs and silky fur. Many breeders and pet enthusiasts keep them as pets due to their appealing look and curious nature. Compared to gerbils, rats, and hamsters, these exotic pets are more noteworthy and distinctive. They are kept as domesticated pets because of their unique appearance and rarity. Even though chinchillas are tidy, inquisitive animals that pet owners adore, it’s important to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of owning one.
Top 6 Pros About Keeping A Chinchilla
These little creatures are sensitive pets that require your attention and Chinchilla care. Some benefits of keeping them as pets are listed below.
1. They Are Social Pets
These little creatures are naturally social pets. They don’t prefer to live alone and are found in groups in their wild habitat. This socialization allows them to thrive in their native environment. Keep them in pairs while adopting. This social interaction enhances their life expectancy. They show snuggling behavior after being accustomed to their owners.
2. They Don’t Produce Bad Smell
Usually, animals, especially rodents, are considered dirty pets. But it might surprise you that these little creatures do not produce any foul smell. They smell nice because their droppings are also nearly odorless. Their cage and bodies smell fresh to be kept as pets. Understanding chinchilla pros and cons will help to keep them as pets.
3. They Are Low Maintenance Pets
Chinchillas are pets that don’t require high maintenance to survive. Water, food, and a suitable enclosure are what they need. Their dietary needs include hay and fiber. For their teeth, it is recommended that they be given a hay-based pellet once a day. It is advised to keep their enclosure clean.
4. They Have Longer Life Expectancy
Chinchillas are rodents that have a longer life expectancy. These are considered the longest-living pets if given proper care and nutrition. Undeniably, their average lifespan is ten years, but it could exceed 15 if given appropriate care and a suitable environment. Keeping them in good Chinchilla health will increase their life expectancy.
5. They Like To Play
These little creatures love to play. They are curious and explorative and, therefore, like to play outside their cage. Providing entertainment sources and toys in their cage is advised to fulfill this instinct. Chewy wooden toys that help them gnaw and wear down their overgrowing teeth are also recommended. Fulfilling their instinct of burrowing tunnels will help to keep them happy. Because they are excellent at running and climbing, they are provided with exercise wheels and objects for crawling.
6. They Are Very Intelligent
Having an intelligent and active pet allows you to flex among pet keepers. Chinchillas are one such rodent that can be trained because of their intelligence. You can train them for specific voice commands, like recognizing their name in a particular voice. They understand the time of playing and sleeping.
Cons About Keeping A Chinchilla
Adopting these little creatures has pros and cons. Before adopting one, you should learn about chinchilla pros and cons.
1. They Have Specific Dietary Needs
These little creatures have sensitive GI tracts. They cannot eat all types of food, and eating human food or other pets’ food could affect their health. Obesity and dental issues are the two common health issues that these rodents face after eating improper food. Giving them veggies and fruits in limited quantities is advised while providing hay and fibre-rich food is better for their health.
2. They Don’t Take Water Bath
A dust bath is considered an essential part of chinchilla care. Like other animals, chinchillas don’t take water baths for cleaning and grooming. A dust bath is the only source that makes their fur look shiny. But sometimes, they experience skin infections and allergies because they take a dust bath more than usual.
3. They Are Nocturnal
You will need to adjust your routine according to your pet chinchilla. Because these little creatures are nocturnal, they stay active during the night. This means the sound of their playing and eating won’t let you sleep. They remain active and energetic during the night while taking naps during the day time.
4. They Can’t Stay With Other Pets
Undeniably, these little creatures are social pets, but they thrive in the company of their counterparts, not with other pets. Besides this, they develop a bond with their owners. They are sensitive and get threatened when they see new pets. They might shed their tail in response to fear, their natural defense mechanism. They become anxious to dogs, cats, rabbits, and other pets. Introducing them to different animals could hurt them.
5. They Require A Specific Temperature
These little creatures have dense and thick fur, so they can’t bear excessive heat and temperature. They need a more relaxed place to live. Keeping them in a warm place or under direct sunlight could cause heat stroke and even death of these rodents. The ideal temperature for these rodents is 60-70 Fahrenheit.
6. They Conceal Illness
They can conceal diseases for a longer time frame, so their health goes unnoticed. When you or a vet identify their disease, it is too late. Consequently, it is better to provide them with healthy and well-balanced food. It will protect them from any disease and ensure a healthy lifestyle.
Final Verdict!
Keeping a pet chinchilla is a different and unique experience. They are cute little fluff balls with a distinctive appearance and curious nature. Keeping them as pets eliminates your worries, but isn’t it better to learn about their lifestyle? Understanding chinchilla pros and cons before adopting them will help to give them a better life. Undeniably, there are different positive aspects of keeping them as your little companion, but they have some cons.
