It is unlikely that there will be at least one person who will remain indifferent to these animals after they admire them live. Fluffy and cute chinchillas are a separate and unique species of animals. They are distinguished by their energetic character and soft, plush fur. To know about all the nuances of the pet’s behavior, as well as to have an idea of home care for it, you need to properly understand the needs of this animal.
Chinchilla Description
Most breeders breed long-tailed chinchillas. Their length can vary from 20 to 40 cm. Approximately 10-20 cm will fall on the tail of the animal. The male always weighs less than the female (from 700 to 800 g). At the same time, chinchilla boys will be much kinder and more complaisant than girls.
It is difficult to say how many years the chinchilla will live at home. It all depends on the care of the animal. There were cases when a pet lived to be 20 years old. The average lifespan of a chinchilla ranges from 15 years.
The benefits of the animal as a pet
Choosing an animal to live in a cage, many can not decide for a long time which of the pets to prefer: rabbit, hamster, rat, chinchilla or guinea pig. All these animals are small in size, and also very unpretentious in care. However, it is chinchillas that have the most impressive list of advantages. Among them, the following advantages can be distinguished:
- Despite the complaisance, chinchillas are very independent. When the owner is at work all day, the animal will not miss it too much and suffer from a lack of attention.
- Chinchillas are completely odorless. The fur of these pets is anti-allergenic.
- Animals can be trained. They perfectly remember the teams, if you do not forget about training and treat them kindly.
- Chinchillas are very kind and tame pets. They will never just bite a person, unlike hamsters or guinea pigs.
- They are positive and energetic, move funny, constantly jumping and frolic.
Do not forget about the appearance of these creatures. Amazingly soft and plush fur, a fluffy tail and a cute muzzle will not leave anyone indifferent. In addition, the animals have a cheerful and kind disposition. All this makes them ideal pets.
Why chinchillas scream at night
These rodents have one unpleasant feature. They can make loud noises at night and even wake them up with their masters. Owners often learn about this only when they bring the animal home. Being nocturnal animals, chinchillas like to lead an active lifestyle at this time of day. Therefore, do not be surprised why the chinchilla screams at night. It is during this period that animals have a peak in activity. Furry creatures may just not like something. In this case, they are likely to make sounds similar to the quacking or even chirping of birds. If chinchillas get angry or frightened, they will most likely growl or scream loudly.
Many owners of these pets do not know about the features of their behavior. Therefore, they often ask themselves the question: "Why is the chinchilla screaming at night?" At the same time, it seems to them that the animal is hurt or sick. Of course, to show a domestic rodent to the vet will not be amiss, especially if he screams for several nights in a row. But it’s better to make sure that there’s nothing scary in the pet’s cage. It is also necessary to inspect the animal’s dwelling for sharp rods or other objects with which it can hurt itself by accident. If the chinchilla yells at night constantly, it is necessary to take it to the veterinary clinic as soon as possible.
Character, habits and features of chinchillas
Before you start a pet, you should make sure that he is completely satisfied with his habits of all family members. Otherwise, it will be difficult for some to understand why the chinchilla screams at night and constantly sleeps in the daytime. Also, it is impossible to allow the small animals to touch and torment the beasts. Despite the good nature and complaisance, the chinchilla will be able to protect herself if she is hurt. In addition, you need to consider the following features of a furry friend:
- Chinchilla is the same rodent as a hamster. Therefore, you should not expect that the animal will not gnaw everything that falls into its paws.
- They run very fast. Letting the chinchilla frolic in the room, there is a risk of not noticing it in time and accidentally crushing it.
- Chinchillas do not tolerate heat. In a room with a cage, you must not allow temperatures above 26 degrees.
- Rodents have a very weak spine. Therefore, they are contraindicated in various decorative collars and harnesses.
- They love to scatter sawdust, sand and other cage contents around them. Therefore, lovers of perfect cleanliness will have to constantly sweep and clean up the garbage that will fly out of the chinchilla's house every now and then.
- These furry creatures are extremely shy and vulnerable. Chinchillas squeak and even sometimes scream at night.
Despite some flaws, chinchillas are very cute and funny creatures. They will always cheer up all family members, as well as decorate any home.
Chinchilla house
Care and maintenance of chinchillas at home begins with the acquisition of a home for them. These animals need a large and spacious cage. It should not be painted, as the chinchilla will often nibble twigs. For the convenience of cleaning, the cage should have a pallet. Inside the house there should be a small shelter for the animal. It is necessary to place the litter in it so that the chinchilla is comfortable lying.
Some owners often ask: "How to teach a chinchilla to sleep at night?" So, a cozy shelter can help a little in this matter. But do not forget that Chinchilla is a nocturnal animal that does not like to sleep at night. You should also take care of the feeder, drinking bowl and bath with sand for swimming. Several shelves must be attached to the cell walls. Chinchilla will be happy to jump from one to another. Swing, ladders, all kinds of transitions and tunnels will not be superfluous in the house for the rodent.
Chinchilla Care
Daily care and maintenance of chinchilla at home is as follows:
- Cleaning feeders and drinking bowls. Then fresh food and clean boiled water are poured into them and poured.
- Cleaning of fallen hay, replacing toilet filler in the pan.
- Sweeping garbage from shelves, swings and ladders.
- Garbage collection in and around the cage.
Once a week it is necessary to carry out the following actions:
- Wash using a detergent tray in a cage.
- Disinfect the drinker.
- Change the sand in the pool.
- Wipe the dust in the cage.
- Completely replace the contents of the litter at the bottom of the cage.
Chinchilla Feeding
These animals feed on special food that is intended for their breed. It can be purchased at any pet store. In addition to food, chinchillas are very fond of hay, dried fruit, dry leaves of dandelion, plantain and vegetables. Also, they will not refuse special treats: salt wheels, dry vitamins from pet stores, various branches.
Coniferous plants, seeds and nuts should not be given to chinchillas. It is also necessary to monitor the animal during his walk around the apartment. Chinchilla can become addicted to wallpaper and many other inedible objects. The water in the drinker should always be clean (boiled or bottled).