Reasons Chinchillas Make Great Pets
Cute and perky, chinchillas have many outstanding characteristics; however, they are not the perfect pet for everyone. Domestic chinchillas do- not tolerate hot, humid weather very well and can be uncomfortable in regions with this type of weather conditions. Low maintenance in both diet and grooming, chinchillas do not release any unpleasant odor and make no loud, annoying noises. Chinchillas have a longer lifespan than most rodents and typically live up to 15 years, but living between 18-22 years is also not uncommon. Boisterous and inquisitive by nature, chinchillas are a playful, friendly and interactive pet. They are very active and do not like to be held. If chinchillas are squeezed too tightly, they may bite, making them not the best pet choice for small children. Chinchillas are still very affectionate with their pet parents and can become quite attached and loving.
Chinchillas are crepuscular animals, which means that they are primarily active at dawn and dusk, and prefer to sleep and not be disturbed during the day. This schedule makes the chinchilla an ideal pet for the working person who can head off for the day without feeling guilty. As they are somewhat high strung and have fairly short attention spans, it takes a little patience to train chinchillas, but they are trainable! As creatures of habit with strong internal clocks, it is best to train your chinchilla at the same time each day and use treats such as raisins for encouragement.