Chinchillas are small mammals native to the Andes mountains of South America. They have a soft, fine-haired coat and come in a variety of colours, including greys, blues, yellows, browns and blacks. These adorable rodents can live for up to 20 years. As well as being great pets for families that enjoy cuddly companions or as part of a small Herp refuge, chinchillas are also an excellent addition to many types of captive enclosure. Due to the speciesג€™ adaptability and ease of maintenance, it is quite easy to keep one as a pet. But there are a few things you should know first before bringing home your new friend.
In Which States Are Chinchillas Illegal?
In the state of Florida, chinchillas are illegal. However, this law does not apply to domesticated chinchillas that were raised in captivity.
Chinchilla laws vary by state. Some states only make them illegal for commercial purposes and others prohibit ownership outright. Many people believe that having a pet chinchilla is illegal in the United States but this isnג€™t true. Chinchillas are considered domesticated animals and are therefore allowed to be owned by anyone from certain states, such as California, where they have been legally bred or domesticated for over 50 years.
Do Chinchillas Count As Exotic Pets?
The simple answer is no, they do not count as exotic pets. In the US and most countries, chinchillas are considered domesticated animals and are therefore allowed to be kept as pets. The only countries that do not allow them to be kept as pets are Argentina, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia.
Chinchillas have a lifespan of around 15 years on average, meaning it can take quite some time for them to become too old to care for. Remember also that you will need a large cage in order to keep your chinchilla happy and healthy, which can cost hundreds of dollars if you donג€™t already own one yourself (and even then it may take a while). So if you really want to get a pet chinchilla but canג€™t afford one now or don’t have space for them in your home, this might be the way forward.
Can I Have a Chinchilla as a Pet?
The simple answer to this question is yes, you can have a chinchilla as a pet. In terms of the law, it is legal for people to own a chinchilla in the UK.
There are several things you should know about keeping your new friend though. First, chinchillas need plenty of space. Although they are small and lightweight, they require a large enclosure in which to live and roam freely. The minimum recommended size for an indoor enclosure is 150cm x 100cm x 80cm and the height should be no less than 40cm. Chinchillas also need hay, fresh vegetables (such as watercress) and fruit to eat daily including vegetables such as courgettes or cucumbers. To make sure your pet has access to fresh food, you should have many feeders throughout the day so that he doesnג€™t develop health problems over time.
Chinchillas also need regular grooming with a soft brush to ensure their coat remains healthy. If you donג€™t want your pet fur to get too long then it is important that they are not allowed outside of their enclosure during shedding seasons ג€“ these usually occur twice a year around February and September/October when they shed their old skin and grow a new one underneath. Another thing worth mentioning is that chinchillas can smell if there is another animal in their home or in the same room as them so itג€™s important not to keep any other animals near them
How Do You Tell if a Chinchilla Likes You?
Chinchillas are highly social animals that thrive on attention and interaction. They enjoy a range of activities, but when it comes to the basics, chinchillas require food and fresh water. You should also keep a chinchillaג€™s environment clean and well-ventilated with lots of natural sunlight.
Chinchillas are prey animals that need to be kept in enclosures with metal mesh floors and walls. These wire cages shouldnג€™t be too large and should offer plenty of space for your pet to run around as well as hide in small spaces. Chinchillas can jump up to 10 feet high and they need a safe place to land. To prevent escape, you should either secure the top or wrap your pet’s cage in a tarpaulin or towel so it doesn’t have anywhere else to go.
Owners are also advised not to put any type of bedding inside their cages because these will quickly become soiled if theyג€™re cleaned regularly. The best option is paper towels or sawdust, which is easy to wash off the floor before your new pet comes over again for more cuddle time!
