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Chinchillas typically live about 15 years and have an average body length of 10-14 inches (tail length: 5-6 inches). With gentle handling from a young age, most chinchillas will become quite tame and bond closely with their owners. They are very active and playful, and usually will do fine as same sex pairs especially if they are littermates or introduced at a young age. Chinchillas are nocturnal animals. They should be kept in a fairly quiet area during the day. They prefer a consistent routine for handling and feeding times and may be stressed out by changes to their routine. They need a roomy cage for exercise as well as daily playtime. These animals require a lot of roughage; diet should mainly be made up of quality grass hay along with pellets made for chinchillas. Treats can include fruits, vegetables, sunflower seeds, and rolled oats. The digestive system is fairly sensitive so any diet changes should be gradual. Cages need to be large; multi-level cages with platforms, ramps, and perches are ideal. Along with regular access to a dust bath, chinchillas need a variety of toys to keep them busy and active, especially items for chewing. |
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