Chinchillas! What, Where, and How

[@LOUDMOUTHTYRONE]

Chinchillas are very sophisticated animals, so be sure to provide them with all the care in the world which includes a monocle, and top hat.

[@-ism8153]

Thank you for making me look this up.

[@makistein8875]

And a bow tie!

[@chloescott703]

I love her energy and genuine love of the animals

[@ShesAaRebel]

These "What, Where, How" episodes are my favourite to watch. It's informative, trustworthy, and really fun to watch. :D

[@jesbuff6389]

ShesAaRebel i

[@chinchillastudios9916]

ShesAaRebel True

[@spotswoodfamily7579]

Hey :_____&;!^/$=^&*£(*_%

[@bettinab733]

I love how excited she is talking about them, wish I could be so excited about anything.

[@sophielouise4933]

great informative video on chinchillas :) I own 7 Chinchillas and 5 are rescues but here's some advice about the cage your currently housing your chinchilla in :) firstly I'd advise either covering the wire levels with non-pill fleece or removing the levels altogether and add kiln dried white pine levels and secondly Id suggest you make sure all the woods are a 100% safe :) and also a variety of hay should be feed to keep things interesting but only give alfalfa hay to chinchillas under 6 months and I didn't see much of the cage but just make sure that there is no plastic in that cage as I can cause impaction/blockages in the chinchillas sensitive digestive system :)

[@jorgweb]

Truly everything I need to know. A perfectly executed presentation. The presenter's skills at presentation are the highest I've ever seen.

[@ragnkja]

The article on chinchilla introduction (link in the video description) raises a very good point about vet visits. Aside from how, when one chinchilla goes to the vet while the other stays at home the returning chinchilla will be covered in a foreign scent, it points out how vet visits are generally the time they most *need* the comfort of their companion.

[@catarts8189]

Wow this is great. I'm from Australia and didn't know anything about Chinchillas, never even seen one before. Very excited to learn about an animal I've never really thought about.

[@TotallyGlar]

Are they not common pets in Australia? I find them in many pet stores.. /asia

[@catarts8189]

+TotallyGlar how interesting, no I haven't seen them here. I think rabbits are more popular. Maybe its just too hot for them given thier temperature sensitivity?

[@TotallyGlar]

Cat Amblypygid hmm we have mostly hamsters in our pet stores as well. Where I live, temp is about 33 degrees celcius

[@catarts8189]

+TotallyGlar lol I was going to say we have mainly ginea pigs but gave up spelling it and wrote rabbits instead ahah. Not sure what our av temp is but today is forcast for 35, though 33 is a tad hot too!

[@voltiss]

+TotallyGlar there are a lot of rules about the kinds of pets you can have here in australia. Things like chinchillas, hamsters and hedgehogs aren't allowed.

[@IstasPumaNevada]

This was entertaining and interesting, and the way you show care for each animal's individuality and needs helps remind that these apply to any animal.

[@duckpondwithoutducks]

I love this channel! It really teaches you that you don't get get a pet just because it's cute, or to amuse you, but if you get a pet, how to provide it with a rich and interesting life so that it can thrive. 😀

[@MonchoAldamiz-r9v]

hi, my name is Anna. I am M. Ramon's daughter, and I'm 9. l love chinchillas, and l love how you put on a 7:59 long video of them.

[@MsKnitsAlot]

This is so exciting! I was inspired by this channel and other reasons to apply for an internship at a zoo doing educational outreach! I started this week and there are chinchillas!!! I'm going to take what I learned from this video and teach others! Thanks Jessi!!

[@Kaneanite]

I can't decide if What, Where, and How or Meet and Greet are my favorite videos, they're both quite enjoyable to watch.

[@allyd4860]

This makes me feel so much better I have been watching so many videos to make sure I was taking care of mine correctly and I so like literally every single thing here except the wheel because we think he broke his leg from that so we’re giving it a rest. But thank you so much this was helpful and reassuring.

[@MinaMinksy]

I saw you and Rook on SciShow Talk Show. Ravens are one of my favorite animals. You're doing a great job with these animals, educating, and raising awareness. And, you've got the best t-shirt wardrobe in the world. Every time I watch one of your videos, I start a Google search hoping to buy one for myself. Keep up the good work, Jessie.

[@LyleHicks]

This is a fantastic video. Thank you for taking the time to make this. I've had a chinchilla for several years and didn't know all of this.

[@abigails4139]

I used to have chinchillas in my backyard childhood home, I remember I would open my window and just watch them run around and sometimes gave them food.

[@lemondraws6079]

You should never put a chinchilla in a cage with a wire mesh cage. No!! Any chinchilla could get bumble foot.

[@elizabethh9418]

Marshmellow cutieypop It is fine in a wire mesh cage just as long as the bottom is not wired. I have a metal bottom with a fleece on top and my two are fine.

[@lemondraws6079]

Elizabeth H yes I know. I was referring to the cage in the video. It was all wire mesg

[@Kitsune1414]

To a similar (yet much older) comment Jessi says: "Yes wire can cause sores of that's the only flooring available. We offer many places for her to be that's made of solid wood, marble, grass, and paper products. As an individual, Cheerio has a tendency not to clean the area around her bottom (possibly weaned too young?), so having wire actually keeps her cleaner longer and increases the length of time between restrainings to hand clean her. Thanks for your concern though!"

[@boggis157]

Bumble foot? Even their diseases sound cute

[@dipdop9734]

@@boggis157 It's anything but. Their foot becomes infected and swollen, causing the chinchilla to chew at it until it bleeds. If it gets serious enough, they can lose their leg

[@nyezilla]

I often see people keeping only one lonely chilla as a pet. Thank you so much for mentioning that they should be kept with companions - I found that part so much important!

[@thelonewolfspirit]

We have a very unsocialized chinchilla at the shelter that I'm newly volunteering at. He's so anxious, that he hangs out in his house all day. I'm looking forward to helping to get him a new home, this will definitely help!

[@ShadeSlayer1911]

+Sherlock-sensei Some of Jessi's suggestions for socializing other animals will certainly help. The common key is patience and take it slow.

[@anonymousdratini]

Cheerio, what are the best things to climb or jump up on?

[@animalwondersmontana]

"I love wood bird perches! It's so much fun to try and balance on them! But I like the top of my wood hut the best for just hanging out" -Cheerio

[@fromscratchauntybindy9743]

+AnimalWonders Montana hee hee - loved this epi, Chinchillas look fascinating! Not legal here in Oz tho!

[@amberwings8201]

+AnimalWonders Montana did you rescue Cheerio???

[@ThatDudeDeven]

@@animalwondersmontana lol that cracked me up. Good stuff

[@SarahBecker]

This is a great video very informative as to why we even have as many as we do in captivity. I am lucky to live at 6,000 feet elevation so me chins stay cool without AC. I still worry about heat in the summer. What they lack in cuddle time they make up for in personality. Don't forget they are most active at dusk and dawn. I found males to be more outgoing and females are on the shy side. I took care of a Chin many years ago. Now I have inherited 20. (Our aunt was a breeder and she passed away from cancer. I was the only one willing to help. I am a sucker for an animal in need.) So I am now the chinchilla rescuer. After our aunt passed the chins were neglected untill they asked for my help. Yes I am keeping 2 that I fell in love with. I love these guys!

[@byMedalcore]

Amazing video!!

[@HappyJackieP]

Thank you so much Jessie! I've been waiting for you to do a What, Where, How on Chinchillas before rescuing one so I could be sure I could give it the best possible home! Thank you thank you thank you!!!!

[@XVelvet_RavenX]

+Jackie Pierson that is Awesome that you are going to rescue a chinchilla =) there are so many in rescues because people don't prepare for these little guys. ( my 2nd Chinchilla in my pair is a Rescue. my first one is 6 and my second one is 7. i have had my first one for about 4 years now.) just make sure that you will be able to keep them for the next 15-20 years depending on how old you get yours. and if you ever have any sort of questions or anything there are FB groups dedicated to these animals and a few good sites as well.

[@HappyJackieP]

+Raven I'd love it if you could recommend some good sites and Facebook groups! It's so hard to find trustworthy information online! A lot of what I was finding was contradictory, which is why I was waiting for Jessie's video!

[@XVelvet_RavenX]

+Jackie Pierson letslovechinchillas.weebly.com/ facebook.com/groups/letslovechinchillas/ facebook.com/groups/1507633816157073/

[@XVelvet_RavenX]

+Jackie Pierson Lets Love Chinchillas Was the first group i was apart of and i just looked at what everyone was asking. the 2nd group is one i found more recently . Both groups have very knowledgeable people that have worked with these animals for a long time ( Vets,pet owners and Reputable breeders).

[@MrTmenzo]

chimichanga

[@audraelynnegrimmelhaussen8808]

chimicherrychanga

[@gon4455]

Wamba chamba

[@r.b.4611]

Considering the brevity of your videos, that was quite a good overview of the history. Thanks.

[@ShadowLover9158]

you forgot the most important thing! NEVER EVER GET THEM WET!

[@yannin387]

why? what will happen you get them wet?

[@1994moviebuff]

or feed them after midnight

[@ShadowLover9158]

Party Will Never Stop lol they grow fungus on their dense fur witch could lead to a dead chinchilla covered in mold

[@yannin387]

+ShadowLover9158 oh

[@jackmcdonogh2671]

Uhh there hideus when there wet but still a bit cute but not fluffy 😥

[@thezaher]

This is my new favorite channel. Thanks to Hank Green's mention :)

[@arfriedman4577]

I miss my chinchillas and degus very much. RIP. I'm glad the chinchilla is protected in the wild. Nice video.

[@SammiLeighPalmer]

Ohhh Jessie I'm disappointed you have wire mesh flooring for your chinchillas!! :( so many of them get awful bumble foot from that, so should always have solid floors!

[@animalwondersmontana]

Yes wire can cause sores of that's the only flooring available. We offer many places for her to be that's made of solid wood, marble, grass, and paper products. As an individual, Cheerio has a tendency not to clean the area around her bottom (possibly weaned too young?), so having wire actually keeps her cleaner longer and increases the length of time between restrainings to hand clean her. Thanks for your concern though!

[@SammiLeighPalmer]

+AnimalWonders Montana Okay, thanks for clarifying :)

[@Chachacha123]

That's not true, wire floors do not cause bumble foot.

[@livelaughForte]

AnimalWonders Montana Chinchillas don't stress a lot from handling and you could easily place anti pill fleece on the floor. Also, a plastic wheel... Really?

[@Ethan-xq6zs]

@zoo holic newspaper is actually perfectly safe for chins (so long as the ink is soy based and they aren't chewing a ton of it-which most dont anyways). Although paper bedding such as CareFresh can be deadly.

[@b21.9]

Loved the video, Jessi! The history is very interesting, also kinda sad. But I'm happy that they finally made a strict law about it tho. I was wondering, would you please make "a day in my life" video? I think it would be so much fun! 😊

[@lzgn4]

thank you for the video. I have a male chinchilla and I can add that vets for chinchillas are EXPENSIVE! I love how cherish let's you hold him. My Charlie has his his days when he wants to be held and let's me know when he doesn't wants to be bothered

[@AllyBear3]

I'm getting a chinchilla and have done many research. Thanks for this video!

[@armygirl1991]

I live in Louisiana and used to work in a pet store. One of my regulars was telling me about how when hurricane Katrina hit he lost power so he had to get in his car and hold his chinchilla up to the AC for hours so it wouldn't overheat. Their heat sensitivity was a common mistake with our customers. So many chinchillas dead from heat stroke...

[@itsjustblink182]

My husband had 2 chinchillas when we started dating, Fredrik and Tucker, they lived at my house for a few months, since he moved from his mother's home to his own, and I became incredibly attached. They are amazing creatures to have as companions. Then when we married we bought a $500 custom pine cage and everything was wonderful.. until I accidentally killed Tucker with pet odor carpet sand or whatever (you sprinkle it into the carpet and then it is vacuumed up THUS restoring the carpet of odors and such). Tucker LOVED being at the bottom of the cage and Fredrik loved being at the top of it. Needless to say I accidentally killed Tucker. It was absolutely horrifying when I found Fredrik nudging his brothers body to wake up. I will never forget it. We had a funeral, a grave and, everything (They really become part of your family). But anyway, Fredrik being 4 years old and always living with another chin was obviously slipping into depression not having another chin/his brother around so we bought a new one from a breeder after researching. We expected the absolute worst territorial fight (Since Fredrik is always the dominate one) but Fredrik just ADORED the new chin. I cannot express how amazing this animal is. You don't usually expect this much personality and love from a rodent.. but they really become a family member. I always say they're tiny dogs, since they just KNOW the sound of the hay bag. haha.

[@samanthiworth8632]

Where can you get timothy hay and ciompacted pellets

[@V.Hansen.]

Samanthi Worth you can get their food at petsmart. The red bag of oxbow is the best. Mazuri is also a quality pellet. Do not get the kind with other bits in it. You can also get their hay there but better quality can be purchased from independent companies such as small pet select. Please know that chinchillas can live past 20 years so they are a big commitment and not great for children

[@abbeyripko9999]

thank you for all the info and backstory of chinchillas but i think you forgot one very important thing about their cages: chinchillas can get arthritis easily in their feet from having wire ledges, so they should have a solid ledge and if they do have a wire ledge there should be a marble slab for them to stand on (and to keep cool)

[@SkiesTurnedGrey]

I'm surprised you didn't mention plastics. I had a chinchilla when I was younger, and no one had ever told me about the dangers plastics pose to chinchillas. My poor baby chewed a piece of plastic that got stuck in her digestive tract and killed her. It's so important to keep their habitat and their "exploration" area free of all plastic. THEY LOVE TO EXPLORE BY CHEWING AND PLASTIC IS DANGEROUS TO THEM. Chinchilla-proofing the areas they have access to is really imperative to their long-term well-being. A couple other considerations would be no high ledges they can fall from, and no wire running wheels. Also, their habitat should preferably have solid metal or wood platforms (NO PLASTIC) instead of wire or mesh, since their toes and feet can get stuck in the holes and broken as they jump around a lot. If wire mesh platforms are the only type available, try to get it with the holes as small as possible so their feet/legs can't get stuck in them. I've been wanting another chinchilla for a while now, but I still feel such guilt over what happened with my first. I feel like it was my fault, that I was negligent. Ignorance is no excuse for the loss of a precious life. So, just a little advice for anyone wanting to get a new pet, DO THOROUGH RESEARCH before getting ANY pet. They are a real commitment! Edit: Sorry, not trying to criticize your video or channel. You guys provide wonderful entertainment and information. I just hope my comment can help any person that might be considering adding a fluffy chinchilla to their family.

[@paulynarchibong.9971]

to make a chinchilla feel right at home you have to pay $1092.42

[@TheArmada97La_Armada]

I have a chinchilla and if you search correctly in internet you can get all they need for 220$

[@samanthapoonkratok861]

Tbh!!!

[@aguatype9269]

Not true

[@nuclearw1nter]

I got two chinchillas and a big cage from kijiji for 200$ I got lots of stuff for them like a little chinchilla house, chew toys, food etc for 200$ So if you spend correctly, you can get two happy chinchillas for 400$ If you’re buying the chinchillas from a breeder, they can cost around 300$ for one chinchilla

[@jesstalks7755]

Such cuties! Do chinchillas vocalize at all? One of my favorite things about my guinea pigs is their squeaky sounds.

[@XVelvet_RavenX]

yes, they actually have a "bark" =).

[@puppybotaibo]

+JessTalks i have two and i've heard three noises. a "bark" like noise, a howl, and a little growl like noise. they're all really weird but i love them.

[@matthewharris-levesque5809]

If you listen very closely you will hear sounds very much like a guinea. But i mean VERY closely. Otherwise, you can probably find videos of chinchillas "barking" much like a seal barks. Barking usually means the chinchilla is threatened or looking for a friend (give them some attention and they will settle down). There are other noises, slightly different, but pretty close to a guinea's repitoire.

[@jacobwertz5304]

Does anyone know any good chinchilla rescues in NewYork or anything closer like Long Island.

[@superiornightwing]

Great information. I have thought of getting a Chinchilla one day, they sound like a pet I can work with well to give them good care.

[@halicarnassus8235]

1:39, apologies for my asking but came to South America from where?

[@NemesisC81]

Short tailed Chinchillas can be found in Perú, Bolivia, and the North of both Argentina and Chile, Long tailed Chinchillas came almost exclusively from Chile, all species live in the Andes Mountain Range to be more specific and, sadly, all of them are endangered

[@teemazhuo3786]

thank you for all the information i didn't had to watch another video because this had so much information already!!

[@DustinBramhill]

My girlfriend and I got rescued two chinchillas last October, both females. Ones grey and spotted named Freckles the other is white and is named Lowla. They are two of my favourite pets of all time.

[@chloeyuan5646]

so providing them a cool metal slab to lay on can the temperatures be higher than 75 degrees?

[@fitch-ex1lf]

chloe yuan no, the slab is for them to cool off so they do not overheat. To put it this way, that's effectively saying that by giving a human a fan, we can survive in 110 degree weather

[@Chris_Denora]

Reminds me of my rex guinea pig, very fluffy. They are somewhat closely related, I wonder how different they are behavior wise.

[@Valerio_the_wandering_sprite]

Think of a cat trapped in the body of a fluffy rat.

[@xSwordLilyx]

My cat doesn't like being restrained either. (Or the hamster; the one before would sleep in pockets) You hold her like a baby but only supporting from underneath, also acceptable is slinging her partway over your shoulder, although she's inclined to get her big paws stuck in your shirt; typically she'll kick me if I box her in from the side at all until I set her down, still purring in a low rumble. She's in a very good mood if she lets me hug her. New people have a hard time realizing this and always think she doesn't like them. It's part of her charm. I never wake up with her sitting on me. Okay, once. She's the most attatched cat I've ever had, believe it or not. If she's not in my closet, or in my chair, or a dresser drawer, or some cranny under a table or behind the door, she's laying on my bed, sometimes purring for no reason, and if she wants to hang she'll- not me, she will, she'll walk away if I tell her where to lay- lay her tail on my arm or her head and paws on my leg. We're both low energy so we're in perfect harmony. My cat is a purebred Persian, 17, that I rescued; we've been together five years and she's never been happier or healthier.

[@tinamclaughlin1991]

As a teenager, I met a friend who had a chinchilla names Cheech! They are the cutest cuddliest cridders!

[@glitterplatter]

as a Rodent Lover, i knew basicly all of the stuff y'all talkin bout, but it was still fun to watch >_>

[@raedwasas6828]

What an adorable little creature 😇😇

[@netta6287]

Omg this is awesome cause im actually doing a report on chinchillas in school!

[@jewishjedi]

I love your videos and I think the animals are so cute

[@anthonycantillo9939]

A question please, does the chinchilla survive in tropical countries like the Philippines?

[@everythingtoknowaboutchinc1048]

Make a video on how to hold them and grab them. Because I went to a pet store and want to buy a chinchilla and the worker and she grabbed him buy the tail. I told her it was dangerous because the tail can break or snap off. I think its is wrong. How will your pet chinchilla trust you if your scare and handle him wrong.

[@MickieLynn1900]

Could you possibly post or snapchat some pictures of Cheerio's cage set up? I'm looking at adopting a pair of my own and was wonder what cages would be best for them

[@klouisi]

Do they bite like say rabbits when you get close to their mouths or when their mouths get close to your fingers when not paying attention while holding them???

[@nuviia2045]

Hi! I am maby getting two chinchillas and i was wondering if its best to have to females or to males in the same cage? Good video BTW

[@rustytheirisheagle1667]

How do I tell how old a chinchilla is

[@maddhatter6551]

Great video. I have wondered where they came from but got to busy looking up other animals and there history.

[@elizabethhenderson4497]

What temperature for chinchilla during summer ?

[@maryw.5779]

I thought sea otters had the world's densest fur. Am I wrong? I really enjoy your videos, and have subscribed. Thank you.

[@tyroga]

Like another commenter here I am from Australia and had never seen a Chinchilla before, well not outside the horrible fur-trade videos. :'( Thanks for sharing this info about such a super-cute animal. I'm not going to say I'm sad we don't have them here, we have enough trouble with other introduced species and it would like be too hot here for them most of the time. One question I did have is about their feet... what are their claws like? Not much scratching going on?

[@Kitsune1414]

I have a question. Since chinchilla respiratory systems are so sensitive, how come dust baths don't irritate them? I am not suggesting not to give them a dust bath, but curious as to how the dust doesn't irritate them.

[@BlueSSunshinee]

Could you do a video on Degu's?

[@alliament7705]

Hi! I have a 3 year old chinchilla named Leo, he's very active and loves to run around my room, I've been feeding him rabbit pellets for a while now and he seems to be doing fine, he always had hay available and I give him other treats every once and a while. Should I stop feeding him the rabbit food and give him specified chinchilla pellets or are the pellets just fine? Thanks son much!

[@matthewharris-levesque5809]

Feed chinchilla food. Rabbit pellets do not have the proper nutrient balance, and can lead to two very specific health issues (and many nonspecific ones too) > The chinchilla will be more likely to become overweight. > The chinchilla may develop a calcium deficiency and start having seizures and/or be more likely to suffer from broken bones. You really cannot skimp on a chinchilla's diet.

[@shalthubiani3690]

hey guys , so I got this thing called ( paglia naturale ) is it good for chinchilla ? and if it what I will use it for ?

[@fen4554]

I've cared for Gerbils on and off over the years and gotten used to most of their quirks; how comparable are their behavior? What is their test bite like?

[@alexandrascreations3569]

Friendly Metroid My finger was confused for food with my little girl. She bit under my nail and she not only broke the skin but I bled very much. So yes, their bite is worse than a degu :)

[@matthewharris-levesque5809]

Generally, a chinchilla's "test bite" is gentle - but you do have to wiggle, or pull your finger away rather quickly because a test will become a bite fairly fast if you don't. And a real bite can be really bad. Generally if you take a moment to talk to the animal before you approach you'll be fine. They will remember your voice and smell quite clearly. A chinchilla has a much more sensitive stomach than a gerbil, lives longer if well cared for, and needs a good deal more space than gerbils. They are jumpers rather than diggers, and they are pretty good at taking care of all their own hygiene (I forget if gerbils need nail trimmings etc).

[@SPACE.KITTY.]

What toys are best? My chinchilla has a chinchilla wreath and a block of whatever the dust comes from, but she's gotten bored of both of them. I also made a tunnel out of cardboard boxes for her to use when she comes out of her cage. She liked it at first, but now she's bored of that too. I would make her lots of cardboard chew toys, but I'm worried they wouldn't be safe.

[@XVelvet_RavenX]

+vegheadification you can use the hanging wooden toys that you can find at pet stores. there are also a lot of chinchilla spacific stores online like TJ`s Chinchilla Supply and Rondas Chinchillas that have chinchilla safe everything. =)

[@SPACE.KITTY.]

+Raven Thanks!

[@XVelvet_RavenX]

+vegheadification No Problem, just let me know if you want me to PM you the links to the sites =)

[@philfish6619]

hi there can you tell me if i can keep the 2 types Chinchilla brevicaudata) and Chinchilla lanigera. C. chinchilla together because i have 2 females of different breeds. and what would happen if i put a female breyicaudata with a male lanigera. would they mate. thanks

[@BacardiMotoXStar43]

Yes they can be kept together and if oposite sexes will most likely mate. It would be a crap shoot as to which gene would supercede over the other unless you could calculate their genetic lineage unless you have a detailed pedigree for both animals. For example if your brevicaudata is a Violet/TOV, ebony carrier, and your long tail(lanigera) is dominant standard grey BUT TOV carrier their offspring could be anything from standard grey short tail to ebony or violet long tail and every thing in between. A pedigree would be highly recommended before you EVER consider breeding just to make sure either animals lineage doesn't have any defects or diseases in the birthlines either such as Malo(DEADLY ORAL DISEASE). That's the most important thing with having pedigrees. Back yard breeding is the preferred term for breeding without pedigree or no pedigree suggestion possibly leading to unknown offspring, which is very dangerous and strongly advised against in chinchilla groups all over. Hope this helps. I've been dealing with chinchillas for years, if you have any further questions I'd be more then happy to help.

[@ginkgothestink-o6949]

I got a couple of chinchillas from some crappy big-name pet store. It was obvious within the first month that they hadn't been correctly socialized with people. One of them is timid but kind - he enjoys getting gentle pets on the face. The other is a big ol' meanie. He likes to jump at me whenever I pet the other and he hates being touched. I've tried for years to get the latter to like me.

[@mushlove6933]

yeah. never buy from pet stores period.

[@ginkgothestink-o6949]

Optimistic update: I've been spending an hour with them each day for a while, and Gizmo (the timid chap) now trusts me enough to be held. I'm so proud of him!

[@jojosaylor8996]

Basically there nothen wrong with them, They're not meant to live with humans

[@ginkgothestink-o6949]

Jojo Saylor The chinchillas sold as pets have actually been domesticated for a while. They’re not just exotic animals that are kidnapped from their habitat in the wild. They’ve been selectively bred and are considered domestic animals.

[@luisserranodeharo1405]

thank you a lot for making this video. I really wnat a chinchilla for christmas and this video helped me to show my parents that i've done some searching. Also it was very interesting :)

[@raccoonsburrow448]

I really want a chinchilla, and I feel the only hard thing would be keeping the temperature right. I live in California, and my house doesn't have air conditioning. Could I maybe leave a small fan on in my room, not pointed at the cage, to keep it cool? Or would just the marble slab work

[@catdemon1312]

Raccoon's Burrow fans work with us due to our sweat glands because the sweat cools and evaporates cooling our skin. chinchillas dont have sweat glands all around there body therefore only moving warm air. cold slabs work but only for temporarily coolness not permanent. an Air conditioner is a MUST for temps no higher than 73 F 74F+ causes over heating which means health hazard and death possibility. for your situation id get a portable ac that works 24/7 in a small room so that the chinchilla can live in cold temperatures. incase of emergencies and emergencies ONLY place them in freezers or fridge with door OPEN for a few seconds to cool them. but ONLY during overheating. if you believe you will not be able to keep the temperatures at correct level 24/7 without complications id highly suggest not getting one until conditions are met comfortably

[@livelaughForte]

For an educational channel your enclosure has many dangerous things in it. wire flooring and ramps which could be fixed by putting fleece on it, plastic wheel that is too small... if those 2 things are wrong then what else are you letting slide??

[@deniseeuphemia]

I'd love to see a "how,what,where?" On Degus. I use to own two as pets that I rescued while I was in university. They are fascinating little guys. :)

[@Molly-ew8gw]

i have a 3 legged chinchilla ( the long tailed breed ) his name is Bodhi he was born missing one of his front paws. he is a very happy little guy i rescued him , he was living in a hamster cage and since being in my home as upgraded to a large parrot cage which i made special ramps and huts and wooden tunnels and timothy eat away homes. my question is about the diet my little guy loves his treats i buy him his chew sticks from the stores and his eat away homes and his farm fruit and nut treats and yogurt dandelion drops i probably feed him to much and was wondering if this bad for him i usually give him three yogurt drops and a small handful of his fruit and nut treats every night with his pellet and this timothy hay aswell a few chew sticks he goes through them alot , he loves them and now after watching this video i think i may be not the best thing for his diet or at least the amount. i just had him into the Vet to get weighed and Bodhi weighs 0.59 kgs or 1.2 pounds is this a healthy weight he is about 2 or 3 years old not sure on the exact age he is a rescue . thank you for your videos they help out so much and i learn so much from them hopefully you can give me some advice on his diet thank you Molly. i think im most concern about the yogurt drops and his farm and fruit treats, he always has them since i got him a year ago

[@animalwondersmontana]

Molly 1990 Hi Molly, thanks for asking. I am concerned about the yogurt drops and fruit. Both aren't needed for her nutrition and could be harmful to her overall organ health. I'd definitely reduce the amount. Keep offering her sticks to chew on, and instead of giving the treats at night I'd switch to giving her a small handful of timothy hay instead. Make the hay her special nighttime treat. 3 yogurt drops is too much, maybe one drop every 3 days would be more appropriate. And one little square of dried fruit every other day. To make it seem like more you can cut them into tiny pieces. Thanks for giving her your love and friendship!

[@Molly-ew8gw]

that is great advice , I had a idea maybe i was over feeding him with the treats but never knew how much i was , watching your video when you said even one raisin is a whole days sugar level intake , alarmed me . everyone wants to think of them selves as good pet owners , and i think by giving Bodhi what he wants and giving him more, you mistake that as love , and i didnt realize how unhealthy that really was. your videos are so helpful and educating thank you for advice is most certainly will cut down to one yogurt drop a night and the fruit and nut mixture , i recently have introduced whole grain oats into his diet . i want Bodhi around for as long as possible , and very glad i found your channel , thank you so much for the advice

[@Silly2231]

That's a lot of words

[@catdemon1312]

Molly 1990 chinchillas must NOT have fruit or nuts in their diet due to their digestive system. yogurt is even worse. yogurt is a dairy product and is bad for chinchillas. the correct diet for treats is steel cut oats, dried rose hips, plain cherrios (one a week) and a small raisin but be very small on the treat porportions weekly. pick one treat every week dont give him mixture and dobt spoil him with them. they need to be on pellet base food mostly with hay as a must. please do not provide pellets with treat base in it plain pellets are whats better. oxbow is most common and most recommended. any allergens to hay there are other options such as orchard grass. alfalfa is more for babies timothy is most common for adults the reason hay is a must is because hay keeps the teeth grind down as all rodents teeth grow continuously therefore helps prevent malo from occuring and hay also helps them move their digrstive system continuously so that minerals and nutrients be processed correctly and incase your conerned about my knowledge i am in multiple groups of chinchilla breeders, tiffany chinchillas website is very good on information. and i know many more. i am in love with all chinchillas

[@nickpierce4]

Wow that is a big comment

[@eleanorberryman5003]

You mention not buying food in petshops. Where are alternative sources for buying good quality pellets for various animals? (International shipping would be ideal)

[@animalwondersmontana]

I meant not buying the mixed diets, that include raisins and such, that pet stores often sell. You can usually find high quality pellets being sold there as well, which are fine. We feed Mazuri chinchilla pellets, though Oxbow is also a good choice and you can find it on Amazon.

[@emmarose5615]

Hey I like your aunt to chinchillas is one called Dusty the wrong called chilly chilly I don't have a girl but I'm okay and can you tell me if you tell everybodyEngland is your new room I am in can you go and what else is about 24 I didn't get_down and I have a total of 4000 out of school for four Oaks and I look forward five Central

[@samcress41891]

What's the best way to get a chinchilla use to being handled? I have two girls who are sisters and we're separated for about 3 months. Ash, who was given to me when they were separated is use to being held for about a minute at a time, however we were just given Basil, her sister. Basil is very very hyper and sensitive to movements and sounds. Ash is comfortable whereas Basil is always jumping trying to get away. We are able to pet Ash, but Basil is beginning to bite. They have played together in a neutral environment and chirped but never were aggressive. What is some advice on getting Basil to trust us and not bite?

[@animalwondersmontana]

Chinchillas take time to trust someone new. The older they are and the less they were handled as babies makes it even more challenging. If you want to make progress with Basil, keep interacting with her in positive ways. Give her a tiny treat every day. Just give her the treat and don't try to touch her. This way you're building a relationship with her where she knows that good things come from you and she doesn't have to feel threatened when you come close. Over time she will become less and less jumpy and nervous around you. If she chirps or jumps away it means you've gone too far too fast and need to take it slower. Once she's coming to to for treats you can see if she'll accept a touch on her head. It's just slow progress from there to see how much she trusts you and what she'll allow you to do. Good luck!

[@samcress41891]

AnimalWonders Montana thank you! She did great today with letting me pet her head and not jump!

[@shebathompson7695]

where can I get one at and how much

[@lambsox2608]

shawn Thompson you should adopt one from your local animal shelter-at my local animal shelter there are always at least one chinchilla. I think Petco also has chinchillas for adoption. At animal shelters, you would probably spend 40$ for the adoption fee. At Petco, the adoption fee can be 150$. I adopted my two chinchillas for 160$ at Petco, as it was a 'Black Friday sale'. (Apologies for grammitcal mistakes, English is second language)

[@garcvvy]

could you maybe to a video on all your organization for pet supplies or an animal room tour

[@arionamiller7093]

That is the cutest thing I’ve ever saw

[@axelevensen3825]

Could you do a What, Where, How on parrots? Specifically, cockatoos? (They're my favorite type of bird EVER and I'm so fortunate to volunteer at a lovely sanctuary filled with friendly parrots)

[@ShirinRose]

+Kimberly Evensen (Kimmycat7) She's already done one on classifying different types of parrots; the episode is called "What's a Conure?" :)

[@axelevensen3825]

shirinie999 no but I want Cockatoos! (I know how bad that sounds) I've already seen the conure one.

[@WaltRBuck]

+Kimberly Evensen (Kimmycat7) I agree. Cockatoos are some of my favorites too. Bad attitude and all. Lol

[@axelevensen3825]

***** they're so sassy! I love sulfur crested. You?

[@WaltRBuck]

Kimberly Evensen Yes. The Sulfur Crested and the Rose breasted (Galah) are the two I've had the opportunity to see in real life. They didn't know me in each case so they were less than excited to see me, but wow I loved watching them. So pretty.

[@wmiu85]

I have subscribed to your channel. You remind me of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. Love your enthusiasm!

[@stardust111100]

Thank you so much Jesse! I got my two female chinchillas a year ago and have been waiting for this video since. What brand of pellets do you feed Cheerio? Also, how long/often do you let Cheerio play in the dust bath?

[@XVelvet_RavenX]

+stardust111100 i know you are asking her but i actually also have chinchillas and have had them for almost 4 years. i personally use Oxbow chinchilla food and i keep the dust bath with them for 10-15 min 2X a week =)

[@SHINee4bleach]

I have 2 chins that I adopted about 6 months ago, they're sisters so keeping them in the same cage isn't an issue but I'm wondering how I should go about handling them. I think all 3 of us are a little nervous about me holding them and I'm not sure how I should go about it. They're fine with coming up to my hand if I put it in their cage and will usually let me pet them (one more easily than the other, she's less scared in general and more dominate). Also, I've seen apple wood sticks at the pet store marketed at chinchillas and am wondering if it's a safe snack type thing to give them.

[@XVelvet_RavenX]

+SHINee4bleach the apple wood sticks are safe for chinchillas. ill post up a site about handling chinchillas =) letslovechinchillas.weebly.com/proper-handling.html

[@mineandforever2877]

Thank you for your video it very informative i was wondering what a chinchilla was after watching one taking a dirt bath

[@eugenekaplun4684]

Very informative. Thanks.

[@fromscratchauntybindy9743]

Hmmm, wondering if it was done from a very young age, could these guys be harness and lead trained so they could explore a room? Not like walking a dog or anything but just for guided behaviour etc like a cat/rabbit?

[@XVelvet_RavenX]

+Belinda Weber actually these guys cant be on a harness. any sort of jerking motion from owner or pets side can cause their ribs to brake or they can slip out of them. =)

[@fromscratchauntybindy9743]

+Raven Wow - they seem incredibly fragile then.

[@pookers7801]

Thanks for informing me more on my future pet,you really helped me with all this information.Instant Sub!

[@mollx7644]

Thank you for this video it help a lot especially because I'm getting a chinchilla today :D

[@NanaTexido]

Very well informed and informative. educational. I love it.

[@War5aw]

Hi, How is the chinchilla when it comes to excretion? Do we have to clean up after them or do they clean after themselves? And is it recomendable to forgo the cage and just let em loose in your room like a cat? (I guess this question goes with the previous one, about whether or not they're potty trained)

[@XVelvet_RavenX]

+Bryce King Chinchillas can be litter trained. you will have to clean up after them though they tend to only pee in the litter box. you can let them run around a chinchilla proofed room. i just wouldn't let them run loose for over an hour they can over heat.

[@amandaschroeder2712]

Where do they live?

[@sapphireblue1024]

This video was very informative, even though I knew a bit about Chinchillas 😆 P. S.: Greetings from Chile ❤️🇨🇱

[@emmanuelwilson2036]

todoroki

[@rae_2250]

I have a chinchilla and I love him but I have 3 questions. 1 I have had my chinchilla for 5 months and he is still not comfortable with me holding him or trying to get him out of the cage what do I do? 2 how do you train them? 3 can you harness train them?

[@BacardiMotoXStar43]

No harnesses! Chinchillas have a very delicate "floating" rib cage and if mishandled even gently but wrong way can cause broken bones and related damage.

[@rae_2250]

Mizz Ruger thank u so much this will help me if u have any more advice please tell me😄

[@matthewp7667]

i recommend using a reward system to handling, Only a max of ten oats a day, but use whole oats and place 2 or 3 in your hand and tap your hand. eventualy it will learn the treats are in your hand and be more open to your hand, eventualy only give treats if he puts a paw on your hand then jumps up on your hand. this comand of taping your hand is know as come. say good as a que so they know they did something good. they will eventualy learn that good means treats and they did something right. move though the steps slowly when training and never try to grab him after you start training him and he will soon learn your hand is a positive place and will soon learn to love being their. I have been raising chins for awhile now i have 2 (calvin and hobs) both are about 5 months old as well and love to be handled because of this, I had a small breeder/ friend tell me to do this and it works great. ps. if you do do this, remove all other treats from his diet, only hay and pelets should be given. use treats as training and not for love. has hard as this seems, you will feal more love and they will feel more loved this way.

[@posthumorously]

I had a chinchilla a few years ago. He was delightful and I miss him... Let's see if I can watch this without crying.

[@ahmedtarek3035]

What The Hell Happened?!?

[@posthumorously]

+Ahmed Tarek They don't live forever... :/

[@beccaamacleod183]

+posthumorously They do live for 20 odd years though. But I am not judging :)

[@posthumorously]

+Becca Macleod My suspicion is that he was oldish when I adopted him or he just got sick. There were no signs. :/ He just collapsed one afternoon.

[@beccaamacleod183]

***** Ah ok, People have said they are very good at hiding illnesses.

[@nikkirendons2663]

My chinchillas won't lest their pellets all they eat are the little treats. How do I make them eat them?

[@animalwondersmontana]

Make sure they have fresh pellets every day, even if they don't eat them, toss the old and replace. Make sure you've purchased high quality pellets like Oxbow or Mazuri. The pellets will become stale if they're more than 6 weeks old, or if they aren't kept in a sealed container. Stop offering the treats and only offer 2 tablespoons of fresh high quality pellets and a handful of Timothy hay each. They will soon learn that the treats are no longer going to nourish them and they will stop holding out for the treats and start eating a proper diet. Good luck! It can be tough for your emotions, but it's best for them.

[@omarreyes9800]

AnimalWonders Montana d

[@shalthubiani3690]

hey please can you answer me ,so I got this thing called ( paglia naturale ) is it good for chinchilla ? and if it what I will use it for ?

[@rubymimosa]

Could you do a series about how each of your animals came to be in your care?

[@yknowthatgirl]

I'm in school to be a vet tech and I'm lucky enough I have our clinical portion being done at the same place our emergency clinic is at. We had a chinchilla come in and we learned that scruffing a chinchilla (like you would a cat) is a huge no-no as they evolved to be able to tear that skin away if they're caught by predators.

[@Zebra-dogs]

+Brittany Hudson D: I had no idea. But hey, the more you know

[@yknowthatgirl]

Yeah, it's pretty wild. My job was to restrain, so our exotic vet could check his ears, and he let me know, because I'd never handled one before.

[@Zebra-dogs]

Brittany Hudson Golly gosh, now I know for when I go to Sparsholt.

[@kellywoodford]

It's called a "fur slip" and it's not skin, it's fur.

[@JohnCran]

There is a town in Qld called Chinchilla. My uncle was the local cop there in the 70's.