🐹 Chinchilla Daily & Weekly Care Checklist
Use this checklist to maintain a healthy, happy chinchilla. Print and laminate for repeated use.
☀️ Daily Tasks
1. Provide fresh hay & pellets
2. Check and refill clean water
3. Spot-clean cage
4. Observe behavior & health
5. Provide safe exercise time
📆 Weekly Tasks
1. Full cage cleaning
2. Replace bedding
3. Dust bath (2–4 times per week)
4. Clean food & water containers
5. Inspect toys & cage safety
📅 Monthly Tasks
1. Deep clean cage & accessories
2. Check for wear or damage in habitat
3. Weigh your chinchilla
4. Review diet and supplies
5. Schedule vet check if needed
⭐ Pro tip: Track weight monthly – sudden loss can indicate dental or illness issues.
🩺 Chinchilla First Aid Kit Checklist
Assemble and store in an accessible, cool, dry location. Review contents every 3 months.
📦 Kit Essentials
- Cotton balls & gauze pads
- Small soft towel (for restraint/warmth)
- Chlorhexidine antiseptic scrub
- Antibiotic ointment (Neosporin – NO pain relief)
- Styptic powder (stops minor bleeding)
- Rectal thermometer + lubricating jelly
- Blunt-tipped scissors
- Syringe (no needle) – 1ml & 10ml sizes
- Oxbow Critical Care (emergency syringe food)
- Printed vet & emergency hospital contacts
- Small flashlight (extra)
- Nail clippers (small animal)
📋 Storage & Maintenance
- Store in clear waterproof bin or zip bag
- Keep near chinchilla cage (not bathroom/garage)
- Check expiration dates every 3 months
- Refresh used items immediately after an emergency
- Practice emergency restraint (towel wrap) before needed
⚠️ Never use antibiotic ointment with “pain relief” (contains lidocaine – toxic to chinchillas).
✈️ Chinchilla Travel & Evacuation Kit
For vet visits, moves, or natural disasters. Keep this packed and grab‑ready.
🎒 Go-Bag Contents
- Sturdy small animal carrier (ventilated)
- Fleece liner or aspen bedding for carrier
- 3‑day supply of hay & pellets (sealed bags)
- Water bottle + small bowl + bottle of water
- Oxbow Critical Care + syringes (no needle)
- Small dust bath container + 1 cup dust
- First aid kit (from above checklist)
- Copies of medical records & adoption papers
- Recent photo of chinchilla (proof of ownership)
- Collapsible playpen (safe temporary enclosure)
- Hand warmers (wrapped in cloth) or ice packs (seasonal)
- Portable thermometer for environment check
🚗 Pre‑Travel Prep
- Secure carrier with seatbelt or on floor (never front seat with airbags)
- Keep car temperature between 60–70°F (15–21°C)
- No loud music – chinchillas stress easily
- Cover carrier with breathable cloth for calmness
- Offer hay during travel, remove water bottle (prevents spills)
🏠 Evacuation tip: Place a sticker on your front door listing “chinchilla inside” for firefighters.
🏡 Chinchilla Adoption Preparation Checklist
Before bringing your new chinchilla home, ensure everything is ready for a smooth transition.
🔧 Habitat & Supplies
- Multi-level cage (minimum 3′ × 2′ × 2′)
- Solid metal wheel (12″+, no wire)
- Hideout house (ceramic or wood)
- Wooden ledges & chew toys (applewood)
- Hay feeder & heavy ceramic bowl
- Water bottle (glass or metal spout)
- Dust bath house & blue cloud dust
- Pellet food (Oxbow, Mazuri, Science Selective)
- Timothy hay (unlimited supply)
- Chill pad / granite stone for cooling
✅ Home & Owner Prep
- Identify nearest exotic vet (call to confirm chinchilla experience)
- Set up cage in quiet room (no direct sun, 60–70°F, low humidity)
- Chinchilla-proof wires & baseboards (cover cords)
- Purchase a scale (grams) for weekly weight checks
- Buy Oxbow Critical Care BEFORE an emergency happens
- Establish a daily routine (feeding, playtime, dust bath schedule)
- Talk to family members about no heat sources near cage (lamps, space heaters)
💡 Remember: Chinchillas live 15–20 years. This is a long-term commitment – prepare mentally & financially.
