BEFORE You Bring Your New Chinchilla Home

Here are some things that need to be ready before your new pal comes to live with you

• Make sure that you have an appropriate cage that is already set up.
  
  The cage should be large enough (the larger the better). Metal cages are better than plastic cages. Remove any plastic ramps or shelves and replace them with wood shelving (may be purchased at pet stores or online).
  
  
• Clean water bottle.
  
  
• Quality chinchilla food and hay.
  
  
• Clean bedding in cage. We highly recommend Aspen.
  
  
• A way to keep the temp between 60-70 degrees at ALL times.
  
  
• Area in your home for the cage and chin AWAY from direct sunlight, other pets, drafts, heat, and noisy activity during the day.
  
  
• Locate an exotics vet in your area.
  
  
• If you already have a chinchilla you should quarantine the new one for 30 days (in a different room or area of your home than your other chin) to prevent the spread of any disease even if none seem present, and to let the new chin acclimate to the new surroundings.