Back to top of page. Shavings should be white pine to reduce fur staining and should be changed weekly. Feeders should be mounted on the side of the cage to prevent contamination from soiled shavings. A room with good circulation, temperatures below 80 degrees and free of sudden changes below 60 degrees is important. Depending on the humidity, the animal needs a dust bath in special ground lava rock, ideally every day, but at least three times a week.
Dust baths help prevent matting and aid in removal of dead fur.
Clean water should be in the cage at all times. Wash water bottle at least three times per week with soap and water and sterilize in the dishwasher once a week. Back to top of page. The Chinchilla diet is simple. Ideally, the pellets should be supplemented with loose hay or hay cubes.