Can chinchillas get wet? (+How to avoid it and what to do) (2023)

Can chinchillas get wet? (+How to avoid it and what to do) (1)You may have heard that chinchillas cannot get wet.

You may also have seen pictures or videos of people bathing their chinchillas.

What gives?

Can chinchillas get wet for bathing but not at other times?

And why shouldn't they get wet?

What if they do?

And what should you do?

Continue reading. All of these questions are answered below. We cover absolutely everything you need to know about wet chinchillas.

Contents

  • 1 Can chinchillas get wet?
  • 2 Why chinchillas can't get wet
    • 2.1 Avoid water baths
  • 3 What happens when a chinchilla gets wet?
  • 4 What to do if your chinchilla gets wet?
  • 5 Can you bathe a chinchilla?
  • 6 Do chinchillas get wet in the wild?
  • 7 What do chinchillas do when it rains?
  • 8 Chinchillas Can't Get Wet: Final Thoughts

Can chinchillas get wet?

No, chinchillas must not get wet. You cannot take traditional baths in water. If a chinchilla gets wet, it can cause fungal infections and other diseases.

If your chinchilla gets wet, do what you can to remove any water or moisture.

In most situations, you won't have any problems with this, as chinchillas don't usually get wet for one reason or another. Nor should they.

But it's important to understand what to do if your chinchilla gets wet, and some common reasons why they might get wet in the first place.

Can chinchillas get wet? (+How to avoid it and what to do) (2)

That's exactly what we're going to cover in the rest of this short post.

Hopefully by the end of this post you will have a clear understanding of the dangers of getting a chinchilla wetHow to wash your chinchillawithout water and keep it in tip-top shape the right way.

😕Adopting and caring for a new chinchilla can be scary and confusing. But it doesn't have to be.

(Video) Can Chinchillas Get Wet? Never Allow Your Chinchilla To Get Wet

Be sure to check out my full digital eBook, Avoiding Critical Mistakes: Ultimate Chinchilla Care eBook for the best advice, tips, tricks, and recommendations to make adopting and caring for a chinchilla much more convenient and understandable.

You can learn more about this eBook offering by using the link directly below.

Read more here: 👉Avoiding Critical Mistakes: Ultimate eBook Deal on Chinchilla Care

Why chinchillas can't get wet

Chinchillas and water don't mix. Therefore, a chinchilla must never get wet. Always.

With over 80 hairs per follicle, these rodents have the densest fur of any land animal. I can't blame them for not wanting water in or around thesedense fur coats.

Even small amounts of water can stay wet on a chinchilla for hours (more on that later). The density of the fur makes it practically impossible to dry out.

The dense fur is also the main reason why chinchillas have problemsdealing with heatand have an inability to sweat.

Can chinchillas get wet? (+How to avoid it and what to do) (3)

When a chinchilla gets wet, the fur becomes matted, thick, and almost lumpy.

If a chinchilla stays wet for too long, other problems arise. There are numbersDiseasesthat your chinchilla can develop.

Not to mention that a chinchilla is not comfortable getting wet or staying wet for long periods of time. Don't expect your chinchilla to be overly happy eitherfreundlichwhen it gets wet.

At least until you correct the situation. We'll discuss how to do that soon.

Let's talk about bathrooms first. Of course, since they can't get wet, you can't bathe your chin in water like you can with other pets.

Avoid water baths

New chinchilla owners are often curious about whether chinchillas can have a water bath, as they shouldn't get wet.

The answer is no. You should notwashing a chinchillain water. As mentioned before, they just can't get dry when they're wet.

A water bath risks giving your chinchilla fungal and respiratory infections, and just makes your chinchilla extremely uncomfortable.

Give your chin a dust bath instead!

Can chinchillas get wet? (+How to avoid it and what to do) (4)

That's right, all you need to keep your chinchilla clean is some dust. But before you go outside and collect any dust you can find, you should know that you need special chinchilla dust.

(Video) A Wet Chinchilla

The good news is that evenThe best brands of chinchilla duston the market are very cheap.

The same applies toTop quality dust bath houses. Also, you can just use a regular bowl, although it will be a little messier.

So now you know. The solution to never using water on your chinchilla is simply to offer the regular dust bath. 2 to 3 a week is ideal.

dust bathsvery similar to what your chinchilla is used to in the wild. That's how chinchillas aremanages to stay cleanwithout ever touching water.

The special dust for chinchillas absorbs oils and keeps your chinchillaodorless.

All you have to do is put the dust in a chinchilla dust bath bowl andLet your pet out of the cage.

Make sure your chinchilla is in a safe space where they cannot gorun away. They will also use a space that has beenChinchillasikretto avoid injury or other potential damage.

Again, a simple dust bath will keep your chinchilla smelling clean, looking clean and avoiding ever encountering the potential dangers water can pose to your furKuschelchinchilla.

What happens when a chinchilla gets wet?

Can chinchillas get wet? (+How to avoid it and what to do) (5)

Prolonged dampness or wetness can lead to diseases or fungal infections.

It is very difficult to dry your chinchilla after it gets wet. This increases the likelihood of a viral infection or other illness.

I know it sounds bad, but if it happens, don't panic.

We'll cover what to do if your chinchilla gets wet here in a moment.

But first I want to stress that you should contact your vet if you think your chinchilla may be getting sick from being wet.

They offer the best solutions to all sorts of diseases that may arise. It's important to stay ahead of the curve because the sooner you can step in and take care of it, the better.

What to do if your chinchilla gets wet

If a chinchilla gets wet in the wild, it's out of luck. But in captivity, you can help your pet when it gets wet and prevent ill effects.

One of the most common reasons a chinchilla accidentally gets wet is because of herwater bottledrip or spill on it.

It can happen. Ideally, your chinchilla will move away from the waterway quickly, which will limit wetness. But sometimes they get completely soaked.

Before I get into what to do if your chinchilla is wet, I want to stress that you should regularly check the water bottle for problems like excessive dripping or leakage.

(Video) Avoid Fungus in Chinchillas

It happens fairly frequently and can be easily fixed by simply getting a new water bottle.

If your chinchilla gets wet for any reason, make sure you dry it sufficiently and as soon as possible.

I'm not sure why other blogs say never to use a blow dryer, but you certainly can if your chinchilla is wet enough to be concerned.

Can chinchillas get wet? (+How to avoid it and what to do) (6)

I did that and had no problems. However, I have been very cautious and it is important that you are too.

Make sure the blow dryer is on the lowest setting and keep a reasonable distance from your chinchilla while drying.

You can also pause every 60 seconds or so during the blow drying process to ensure your pet isn't exposed to the hot air for too long.

You also want to do this in a relatively cool room, below 70 degrees if possible.

This is to ensure that the room temperature, in addition to your low and spaced blow dryer, doesn't cause your chinchilla too much heat.

Chinchillas need to stay on oneideal temperatureor they risk overheating very quickly. I think you can see where I'm going with this.

A hair dryer next to a warm room can easily become a problem for a chinchilla. I would also recommend without any problemsBrush your chinchillawhile you do this to speed up the process.

Of course, some Chins just don't accept the hair dryer. Fortunately, you have other options. Our article tohow to dry a wet chinchillagives you 3 alternatives to a hair dryer.

Can you bathe a chinchilla?

So far in this post the answer should be obvious. You should not shower your chinchilla. Obviously it's possible, but it's a very bad idea that has way too much potential for harm and no real benefit.

Do chinchillas get wet in the wild?

No, they rarely get wet in nature.Chinchillas live at high altitudesand high altitudes in the Andes.

This geographic location does not receive much rainfall.Chinchillas in the wildare also masters at hiding and finding cover to keep them protected from the rain.

Can chinchillas get wet? (+How to avoid it and what to do) (7)

Additionally, chinchillas use natural dust and dirt to bathe in the wild, as opposed to the commercially purchased chinchilla dust we use at home. But this commercial dust mimics the volcanic composition of the dust they use in the wild.

Aside from never getting your chinchilla wet, there are a few other things you can do to keep your chinchilla as clean as possible.

First,Chinchillas cottage, and Chinchillas wereto pee. It's rare for these to be treated like peeing in a litter box, although it can be done.

(Video) Can Chinchillas Get Fleas? | How to treat it

And not meChinchillas can be potty trained. However, my point is simple.

If you want to keep your pet clean, be sure to follow themregular cage cleaning for your chinchilla.

Trust me, your chinchilla also wants to stay clean. It will notsleepin his own urine or feces, day after day.

So let's summarize these main points.

  • No water and a chinchilla must not get wet.
  • Only dust baths.
  • Clean your chinchilla cage.

Pretty easy right?

Mostly, as far as other hygiene measures are concerned, chinchillastake care.

What do chinchillas do when it rains?

As mentioned in the previous section, it rarely rains in the chinchillas' natural habitat. And when it rains, they quickly find shelter somewhere. They usually hide anyway, but even when caught in a surprise downpour, they're adept at finding cover quickly. They must be to escape their many enemies.

Chinchillas can't get wet: final thoughts

At the end of the day, caring for a chinchilla is easy. That's one of the reasons they do it this waygood pets.

They are affectionate and just need a little attention, dust baths and a clean and safe environment and they will be perfectHappywith you.

Always avoid water on or around your chinchilla and you will be fine.

Chili and I wish you the best of luck with your new chinchilla and the journey that lies ahead.

Now we hand it to you.

Do you have any additional information that you think should be mentioned when a chinchilla gets wet?

Have you had other situations where your chinchilla got wet?

How did you do that?

Make sure to share these thoughts, stories and concerns by leaving a comment below.

As always, Chili and I appreciate you stopping by and reading today and see you next time!

Related

FAQs

Can chinchillas get wet? (+How to avoid it and what to do)? ›

What Should You Do If Your Chinchilla Gets Wet? If your chinchilla accidentally gets wet, gently towel dry it as best you can. Place your chinchilla on towels in front of a fan set on low or a hair dryer that has a cool setting to provide constant, cool airflow.

How do chinchillas survive in the wild if they can t get wet? ›

Additionally, chinchillas use dirt/volcanic ash to roll in to cleanse their fur and help keep oils at necessary levels. Overall, chinchillas simply stay dry by living in natural habitats that significantly limit their chances of getting wet due to dry weather conditions.

How do chinchillas survive rain? ›

As a chinchilla's fur coat is so dense, it absorbs water easily, but is difficult to get dry. As such, getting a chinchilla wet means it can stay wet/damp for a long time.

Can chinchillas shower in water? ›

Chinchillas shouldn't be bathed in water to avoid fungal infections and other health issues. Luckily, they're generally self-cleaning machines and don't need too much help to stay fresh and soft. Just provide the dust in a safe bath hut for 10 minutes or so a few times a week.

What to do if your chinchilla accidentally gets wet? ›

If your chinchilla accidentally gets wet, gently towel dry it as best you can. Place your chinchilla on towels in front of a fan set on low or a hair dryer that has a cool setting to provide constant, cool airflow. This may take a long time depending on how wet your chinchilla was.

How long can chinchillas go without a bath? ›

Over-bathing can cause chinchillas' skin, feet, and ears to dry out, so it is important to limit bath-time to 2 – 4 times a week based on each individual chinchillas' needs. In very hot, humid weather or climates, chinchillas often need access to their dust baths closer to 4 times per week.

Do chinchillas like cold or hot weather? ›

With their dense fur coats, chinchillas do not tolerate high temperature or humidity well. Ideally, their cage should be placed in a cool, dry area with adequate ventilation. The ideal temperature should be kept between 60°F and 75°F, and humidity should be kept at less than 60% relative.

Are chinchillas afraid of cold? ›

Chinchillas are fine in normal household temperatures and should not be kept outside. They should be kept as constant as possible, so away from radiators and any draughts. They bear the cold well due to their thick fur coats, but be careful that the room does not exceed 28ºC as they may start to overheat.

What is the life expectancy of a chinchilla? ›

Chinchillas are clean, quiet and attractive rodents that don't smell. They can live for 10-20 years, and they've been bred and farmed for their soft, dense fur. They're quite shy and are more appropriate as pets for adults and older children.

Can I give my chinchilla a bowl of water? ›

Because their fur is so thick, it's hard for them to dry out if they encounter more than a few drops of water. Because of this, a chinchilla water bowl isn't the best idea—instead, you'll find a selection of small glass water bottles in Petco's Chinchilla Shop.

Can you give chinchillas tap water? ›

Chemicals and parasites that are present in tap water can be at levels low enough to be acceptable for human consumption while still causing problems for chinchillas. For this reason, chinchillas should never be given tap water. Instead, filtered water should be used for them.

Can chinchillas eat apples? ›

Yes, chinchillas can eat apples, but be sure to keep the serving size small and infrequent. The high amounts of calcium and acidity in apples can lead to digestive issues in chinchillas.

Why did my chinchilla pee blood? ›

Signs of bladder sludge can include blood in the urine, frequent urination, painful urination, or visible crystals in the urine. Any of these signs, again, warrant a trip to your trusted veterinarian.

What to do if chinchilla overheats? ›

In order to treat heat stress the chinchilla's body must be cooled off slowly by giving it cold water baths; cold water enemas may also be administered by your veterinarian.

Can chinchillas choke on water? ›

Chinchillas can choke on bedding, food, and water. Each has an esophagus and a windpipe like other mammals, so if its windpipe is blocked, the chinchilla can't breathe.

Do chinchillas have to be let out everyday? ›

Chinchillas are active and need toys to play with and chew upon, as well as plenty of out-of-cage time (minimum 2-4 daily hours) to hop around and explore their environments (which need to be “chinchilla proofed, see below).

Can chinchillas be left alone for 2 days? ›

In a nutshell, if you use a chinchilla pet-sitter, you can leave for as long as you feel comfortable. But if your chinchilla will be completely alone, I would never go past 24 to 72 hours maximum.

How messy are chinchillas? ›

They are messy. Unlike rabbits, they are not easily litter trained and will poop everywhere. They also require regular dust bathing, which in itself is a messy activity. They are a long term commitment.

Do chinchillas like ice cubes? ›

Bowls of ice cubes are also fine. A fan or air conditioner in the chinchilla's room is a great way to bring down the temperature.

What do chinchillas love most? ›

Toys - chinchillas like gnawing and chewing, so give them wooden, rope, cardboard and pumice toys to chew. Avoid plastic toys.

Do chinchillas like cuddles? ›

While chinchillas prefer not to cuddle, they are still very affectionate with their pet parents. They are naturally curious and enjoy being out of their chinchilla cages whenever possible—supervised by their pet parent, of course!

Is it bad to hold a chinchilla? ›

Chinchillas have very delicate bones, and squeezing or dropping can cause fractures and breaks very easily. More often than not, Chinchillas do not prefer to be handled. By nature they are prey animals, and have the urge to flee when caught and held. This can result in fur slip if handled roughly.

What can chinchillas not eat? ›

Chinchillas have very sensitive digestive systems and in the wild eat grasses, leaves, twigs, roots and stems.
...
DO NOT FEED your chinchilla the following:
  • Asparagus.
  • Avocado.
  • Peas.
  • Cabbage.
  • Corn.
  • Lettuce.
  • Broccoli.
  • Spinach.

What calms chinchillas? ›

Music therapy plays a major role in relieving stress not just for chinchillas but a lot of animals, even humans. You can play music for your chinchilla to help it sleep, or even while it is playing outside of its cage to help it feel comfortable in its surroundings.

Do chinchillas like to be held? ›

Not to be handled too much - chinchillas can learn to enjoy being with familiar people and being petted, but tend not to enjoy being handled and often struggle when picked up. They're curious creatures, using their mouths to explore and chew items around them.

How old is the oldest living chinchilla? ›

Chinchillas live 8-10 years on average in the wild, while some well cared for pet chinchillas live as long as 20 years. For example, the oldest living chinchilla was named Radar, and he lived to be nearly 30 years of age!

How old is the oldest chinchilla? ›

The oldest chinchilla ever recorded was named Radar. He was 29 years and 229 days old when he passed away in 2014 at his home in Acton, California, according to Guinness World Records. That means he was born all the way back in 1985!

Can I put ice in my chinchillas water? ›

Bowls of ice cubes are also fine. A fan or air conditioner in the chinchilla's room is a great way to bring down the temperature.

How often do you change the water in a chinchilla? ›

Daily cleaning - Every day, replace your chinchilla's water so that it's so fresh and so clean. Give new hay and pellets and make sure they have plenty of nice goodies to chomp on. Weekly cleaning - Every week, do a more thorough cleaning of your chinchilla's cage.

What do chinchillas like to drink? ›

Drinking water - your chinchillas will also need constant access to clean drinking water from a drinking bottle, which you should check twice a day. Avoid nuts and seeds as these are high in fat.

How do I know if my chinchilla is dehydrated? ›

Dry animal droppings, dark urine, and skin tenting are signs of dehydration. Consult your veterinarian about how to replace the fluids in your dehydrated animal.

How many baths do chinchillas need? ›

Chinchillas will take dust baths a couple times per week. A dust bath can take around 5-10 minutes and is usually best in the evening when they are most active. Dust baths should be available to your chinchilla at least twice a week, but it shouldn't be available in their habitat during all hours of the day.

Can chinchillas eat eggs? ›

As a supplement to their own diet of berries and seeds, they also will eat small bird eggs as well as insects.

What is a chinchillas favorite fruit? ›

Chinchillas can eat small amounts of fruit such as: Apples. Blueberries. Grapes. Raisins.

What food do chinchillas love? ›

What do pet chinchillas eat? Chinchillas require a high-fiber diet and should be offered low-calcium grass hay, such as Timothy hay, orchard grass, botanical hay, oat hay, or meadow hay. Hay should be offered free choice 24 hours a day and should be the main component of your chinchilla's diet.

How does a chinchilla survive in the wild? ›

Their long, strong hind legs propel them across the rocky terrain in search of food – and away from predators! Their large eyes and ears are well suited for nighttime vision and hearing. Chinchillas are social rodents that live in colonies of up to 100 animals.

Can chinchillas survive without water? ›

The chinchilla is home to the Andes mountain range in south America. The area is extremely dry and gets very little rainfall. Water is hard to come by, so the chinchilla often has to go without for extended periods in the wild. They have adapted and do not need much water at all to survive.

Can chinchillas live in the wild? ›

They live in colonies called "herds" at high elevations up to 4,270 m (14,000 ft). Historically, chinchillas lived in an area that included parts of Bolivia, Peru and Chile, but today, colonies in the wild are known only in Chile. Along with their relatives, viscachas, they make up the family Chinchillidae.

How do chinchillas drink water in the wild? ›

Because chinchillas are from very dry arid habitats, they do not drink much water. In the wild, their water consumption is done mostly by drinking morning dew that has condensed on rocks. They also keep their coats clean by rolling in sand and dust (much like they do in captivity).

What do chinchillas do when they are scared? ›

Signs that your chinchillas may be suffering from stress or fear can include: Making noises, such as barking or whistling. Hiding. Chewing fur - either their own or another chinchilla's.

What foods can chinchillas not eat? ›

DO NOT FEED your chinchilla the following:
  • Asparagus.
  • Avocado.
  • Peas.
  • Cabbage.
  • Corn.
  • Lettuce.
  • Broccoli.
  • Spinach.

Is cold water good for chinchillas? ›

Cool, clean water will go a long way towards helping your little buddy beat the heat. You may want to provide extra water bottles. On really hot days, keep a bottle of water in the freezer at all times. Your fuzzy friend will always have cool water as the ice melts.

Do chinchillas need to stay cold? ›

With their dense fur coats, chinchillas do not tolerate high temperature or humidity well. Ideally, their cage should be placed in a cool, dry area with adequate ventilation. The ideal temperature should be kept between 60°F and 75°F, and humidity should be kept at less than 60% relative.

Can I leave my chinchilla alone for a week? ›

If you keep your chinchilla alone, you'll need to give them companionship by interacting with them every day. Chinchillas who've been well handled by people from a young age can see humans as friends and companions, so get them used to this by handling them every day from an early age.

Where should chinchillas sleep? ›

Nest boxes and hiding places - give your chinchillas constant access to hay-filled nest boxes to rest and sleep in. Provide hiding places so they can get some time to themselves or escape if they're feeling scared.

Can chinchillas be out in the sun? ›

Ideally, they should be kept indoors in a large enclosure rather than a cage, or even their own room in your house. Their enclosure should be kept in a draught-free environment away from direct sunlight. Chinchillas cannot sweat, so exposure to direct sunlight can cause dangerous sunstroke.

Do chinchillas attract mice? ›

Mice and rats love homes in and around Chinchilla. Rodents carry disease, spoil food and can damage belongings and infrastructure.

Can I give my chinchilla a water bowl? ›

Because their fur is so thick, it's hard for them to dry out if they encounter more than a few drops of water. Because of this, a chinchilla water bowl isn't the best idea—instead, you'll find a selection of small glass water bottles in Petco's Chinchilla Shop.

Can you give chinchilla tap water? ›

Chemicals and parasites that are present in tap water can be at levels low enough to be acceptable for human consumption while still causing problems for chinchillas. For this reason, chinchillas should never be given tap water. Instead, filtered water should be used for them.

Videos

1. How long can chinchillas go without water?
(Ask with Ruby)
2. 5 products to avoid when owning a chinchilla
(Ally's Animal Antics)
3. How to Prevent Heat Stroke in Chinchillas
(Zoozerro)
4. Sickly Chinchilla Leaves Owner in Tears
(Animal Planet)
5. Do's & Dont's Of Chinchilla Grooming Care
(The Chinchilla Notebook)
6. How to Check For a Hair Ring on Your Chinchilla
(Zoozerro)

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Arielle Torp

Last Updated: 05/15/2023

Views: 6006

Rating: 4 / 5 (61 voted)

Reviews: 92% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Arielle Torp

Birthday: 1997-09-20

Address: 87313 Erdman Vista, North Dustinborough, WA 37563

Phone: +97216742823598

Job: Central Technology Officer

Hobby: Taekwondo, Macrame, Foreign language learning, Kite flying, Cooking, Skiing, Computer programming

Introduction: My name is Arielle Torp, I am a comfortable, kind, zealous, lovely, jolly, colorful, adventurous person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.