Chinchillas[1] are shy, but lightening fast balls of fur that live up to 20 years. Their soft sought-after fur comes in several colors[2] , with solid black or white ones costing the most.
Typical costs:
Chinchilla fur is very thick which makes it resistant to fleas and ticks. Color varieties include standard gray starting at $50 for males and up to $113 for females, black velvets, with a black back for $125-$160, beige for $100-$135, Afro-violet, which is a soft lavender gray with a white chest for $125-$160, white for $162-$187 and charcoal for $100-$125.
Cages run $50 for a simple chinchilla/rat cage with an exercise wheel; multi-tiered ones cost around $140 for a 30x30x15-inch cage kit that includes a glass water bottle, bottle holder, dust bath tub and pellet feeder.
As nocturnal animals, these pets need a hiding place for daytime hours, which can be a small wooden hut for about $18. Habitat toys include an exercise wheel $12. Litter pans cost $4-$9 and straw litter runs under $1 per pound. Chinchillas require a sand/dust bath two times a week for about $5-$6 per month. Water bottles run around $9, pellet feeders $7 and dust bath tubs $11.
Chinchillas love to gnaw and appreciate wood chews. Alfalfa cubes, balls or nibbles cost $2-$4. Feed pellets run about $1-$2.50 per pound, with the large 25-pound bags costing the least. Feed should be checked daily to ensure the pet is not urinating in the food. They will eat about 2-pounds each month, or about $2-$5.
A carrier to transport chinchillas away from home costs $10-$25.
Chinchillas can be neutered, but due to allergies to anesthetics, it may be risky. Ask a veterinarian who handles these small pets for additional information. Neutering runs around $120, spaying about $160. Other signs to see a veterinarian include runny eyes or nose. The Chinchilla Community Magazine offers a listing of veterinarians[3] .
Shopping for a chinchilla:
Petfinder.com offers a listing of rescued chinchillas awaiting adoption. Using the Quick Pet Search[4] , enter "small and furry" under animal, "chinchilla" under breed and the local zip code at the bottom.
When looking for a particular color of pet, they are often easiest to find through a breeder. Chinchillas.org offers an online list of breeders[5] by area.
10 Quick and Inexpensive Home Makeover Projects To Do While At Home You may not be able to host the large family gathering for the holidays, but there are still many ways to pick up items curbside to spruce up your indoor space for your everyday enjoyment and to bring a more festive spirit. || Posted December 30 2020
10 Key Ways to Prepare for Extreme Snow Forecasters are predicting a true nor'easter will hit the eastern and central states with rain, thunderstorms, ice, snow and high winds over the Thanksgiving weekend. It's crucial to plan ahead, before bad weather hits. || Posted November 26 2013
CostHelper is based in Silicon Valley and provides consumers with unbiased price information about thousands of goods and services. Our writers are experienced journalists who adhere to our strict editorial ethics policy.
CostHelper Community
shoulder mri Paid: 8000.00 Seriously, 8K for an MRI before all the secret insurance kicks in. I was stuck with a 1200 bill and my insurance is pretty good. This is insane for a 20 minute procedure with no nurse assistance... [more]
what should have cost under 100 Paid: 399.67 had my back wheel stuck on someone's driveway and I was pulled out as easily as a tractor could have done... [more]
Why is dental insurance stuck in the 80's? Paid: 55000.00 In 1986, I started my first full time Big Girl job, which came with options for medical insurance that ranged from "Volkswagon to Cadillac, and everything in between" which was up to me to choose based on my needs, what I could af... [more]