Re-homing a Chinchilla
Unfortunately due to circumstances outside your control or perhaps from rescuing a chinchilla that was already pregnant, you may need to re-home your chinchilla. It is very important to ensure the chinchilla goes to a good, responsible home - unfortunately there are many horror stories of chinchillas who ended up badly mistreated as a result of what had been a well intended re-home.
Follow the 4 steps below to make sure your chinchilla goes to the best possible new home.
Follow the 4 steps below to make sure your chinchilla goes to the best possible new home.
1. Check re-homing is the best option
Is fostering an option?
It may sound obvious but ensure you have thoroughly thought it through and are certain that you have to re-home your chinchilla. Once your chinchilla is re-homed you permanently give away your rights to your pet's care and any input in this, so you want to make sure this isn't something you will end up regretting in the future.
For example, if the reasons you need to re-home your chinchilla are temporary, you may be able to find someone who is able to foster and return them to you once you are able to have them back. You can try contacting local rescues or posting on chinchilla Facebook groups such as Chinchilla Owners and Chinchillas R Us to find somebody suitable. |
Another possibility is to find temporary solutions to the reasons you want to re-home your chinchillas, particularly if these are not likely to be forever. For example if you've just had a new baby and aren't able to give your chinchilla playtime whilst you adjust, for a short period of time it's not going to hurt your chinchilla to go without this, compared to the upheaval of a new home. If it's longer term, you could buy a much bigger cage for your chinchilla so they have more room to move around (equivalent to the average playpen) or fully secure their playpen so they're able to use this without you always having to be present.
What are the reasons for re-homing?
If you feel you must re-home your chinchilla because you don't have enough time for them, bear in mind that chinchillas do not need you to hold them and spend time with them like you would a child for example.
They do require a clean cage, food & water and ideally playtime several times a week. However you can cut down the amount of time playtime takes by having a much bigger cage or fully secured playpen, as detailed above. You could even consider paying somebody to come round and clean the cage for a small fee if this is proving to be a problem. |
I don't feel I have a connection with my chinchilla
If you want to re-home your chinchilla because you feel you don't have a bond with them or they bite, please bear in mind that these can be just normal chinchilla behaviours. If your chinchilla doesn't seem to have a bond with you, they're unlikely to with their next owner either - they are not like people where they need to keep searching to find "the one" when it comes to a relationship with their owner.
If you decide to re-home your chinchilla for these reasons then please let it be a learning curve and don’t be tempted to replace them with another pet. Re-homing any animal can be very unsettling and stressful for them and if you weren’t able to cater for your chinchilla's needs, the basic principles will still be the same with another pet.
Being messy and not behaving in the way you want them to, whether that's because you don’t find them interesting or they don't want to interact with you, is just typical animal behaviour. Unfortunately many pet shops do irresponsibly market pets as the perfect lifestyle choice for everyone, when this is simply not the case in reality.
If you decide to re-home your chinchilla for these reasons then please let it be a learning curve and don’t be tempted to replace them with another pet. Re-homing any animal can be very unsettling and stressful for them and if you weren’t able to cater for your chinchilla's needs, the basic principles will still be the same with another pet.
Being messy and not behaving in the way you want them to, whether that's because you don’t find them interesting or they don't want to interact with you, is just typical animal behaviour. Unfortunately many pet shops do irresponsibly market pets as the perfect lifestyle choice for everyone, when this is simply not the case in reality.
2. Charge a re-home fee
If you're very upset about re-homing your chinchilla, you may feel you want to let them go to their next home for free, as the thought of giving them away for cash may make you feel guilty. Unless you're surrendering your chinchilla to a rescue, then it is important to charge a re-home fee for the reasons below. Should you not feel comfortable in receiving money personally from re-homing your chinchilla, then donating the fee to a local chinchilla or animal rescue is a much appreciated alternative.
Why you should charge a re-home fee:
- Chinchillas are expensive to care for, particularly vets bills. If the perspective buyer can't afford to buy a chinchilla, where will they find hundreds, potentially thousands of pounds if the chinchilla gets sick?
- Some reptile owners scan free pet adverts to use as food for their snakes
- Opportunists may see your chinchilla as a way to make a bit of money for free, particularly if you're giving them away with a decent cage. It is not uncommon to see chinchillas that were given away for free then being sold on to make a profit. Remember once you have given your pet away, you have no say over the new owner also re-homing them to whoever they choose.
- Free pet adverts can encourage getting a pet on impulse, as there's no initial financial commitment involved. This is not a good idea for any pet, particularly for chinchillas with a 20 year lifespan.
3. Where to re-home your chinchilla
Listed in order of preference:
1. Find a permanent loving home:Going straight to a caring, forever home is the best option for your chinchilla. However you will need to vet potential owners very carefully in order to find this. Ask them the questions on the checklist below to check if they are knowledgeable about chinchillas and will provide them with the proper care they deserve. Don't be afraid to trust your instinct when you meet the person - if you feel it might be an impulse buy, they might grow tired of your chinchilla, or just get a hunch that something doesn't feel right, then do not sell to them. You are not obliged to give your chinchilla away to anyone you don't feel comfortable with, and you do not have to justify this. |
2. Knowledgeable chinchilla rescue:If you can't find a suitable permanent home yourself or perhaps time is against you, then a reputable chinchilla or small animal rescue is another option. You want your chinchilla to go to a rescue that is knowledgeable about the species' care, so ensure the rescue also meets the criteria below. Some rescues are well intended but actually have little knowledge of chinchilla care and group their needs with other small animals' care, such as feeding fruit/vegetables, using paper based bedding such as carefresh and leaving plastic in their cage. This hurts the chinchilla and reduces their lifespan, so please only surrender your chinchilla to a good rescue who'll care for them properly and also be diligent in finding them a suitable home. Check their euthanasia policies as well, as sadly some rescues will put down animals they're unable to re-home, even if they're healthy. |
3. Ethical breeder:Some breeders may also take in chinchillas on a rescue basis. Unless you're in a country such as the UK where fur farming is illegal, do some background checks to try and ensure the breeder doesn't also kill their chinchillas for fur. Behind the scenes, sadly there is a big crossover between pet breeders and those who also kill chinchillas for their fur. Again, please check the breeder's euthanasia policy to ensure they wouldn't have an animal put to sleep unless they were suffering from a terminal illness such as malocclusion. Breeders use smaller cages than pet owners, so check what type of cage your chinchilla would be kept in and whether this is adequate. Read the guide here to check you don't accidentally surrender your chinchilla to a back yard breeder, as sadly some can be very convincing. Remember the breeder should not be using your chinchilla for breeding unless they have pedigree certificates and are approved for breeding! |
4. Pet shop:If all else fails then some pet shops, such as Pets At Home in the UK, offer an adoption corner to try and re-home animals. Pet shops should really be the last resort for re-homing your chinchilla, it is much better to wait for a suitable home or surrender them to a reputable rescue. Pet shops do not vet potential owners, so the person who buys your chinchilla could literally be anybody with no knowledge of their care. Pet shops are also known for giving false information, so unfortunately many owners who buy from there end up unknowingly housing their chinchillas in unsuitable cages with an unsafe diet and accessories. |
*WARNING never be tempted to release your chinchilla into the wild. They will not survive and this is extremely cruel, as well as illegal. You will always find an animal rescue or pet shop who will take your chinchilla in case of an emergency.
4. Checklist when re-homing your chinchilla
Be sure to ask the following questions to the perspective owner, rescue or breeder when re-homing your chinchilla. It is not unusual for people to have no knowledge of chinchilla care, or to be given information that is false. New owners or some rescues may not give the right answers first time, but if they're willing to learn and do right by your pet then you may still feel comfortable giving your chinchilla to them. Anyone who classes themselves as a breeder should provide the correct answers first time, if they don't then they are not reputable and you should not surrender your chinchilla to them!
Any responsible new owner, rescue or breeder should be happy to answer your questions and be pleased that you care about your chinchilla's welfare. Anyone who can't be bothered or refuses is a clear sign of an unsuitable home.
Any responsible new owner, rescue or breeder should be happy to answer your questions and be pleased that you care about your chinchilla's welfare. Anyone who can't be bothered or refuses is a clear sign of an unsuitable home.
1. Diet - what will you feed my chinchilla, including any treats?
✔ The correct answer is a high quality chinchilla pellet* such as Science Selective in the UK and Oxbow Essentials or Mazuri in the US. Timothy hay should be provided in unlimited quantities, as well as alfalfa hay if the chinchilla is under 6 months. Treats, if given at all, should be in limited quantities to chinchillas over 6 months, and only those listed on the Safe Treat List.
* You may find breeders use quality rabbit feed such as Mana Pro Rabbit, as it's cheaper when they have a large herd. Not all rabbit feed can be used though and only knowledgeable, reputable breeders should be trusted in terms of what alternative feed is suitable based on the ingredients.
* You may find breeders use quality rabbit feed such as Mana Pro Rabbit, as it's cheaper when they have a large herd. Not all rabbit feed can be used though and only knowledgeable, reputable breeders should be trusted in terms of what alternative feed is suitable based on the ingredients.
✘ Incorrect answers include bright coloured muesli style pellets, such as Tiny Friends Farm Charlie Chinchilla, Chinchilla Nature or pellets designed for other species, such as guinea pigs or hamsters. Any pellet that contains different brightly coloured pieces or has fruit, vegetables or raisins in the ingredients is very bad for chinchillas.
Likewise chinchillas should never be fed any vegetables or fruit, including raisins as treats as they are not safe. Feeding these shortens lifespans, leads to seizures from dangerous levels of sugars, along with fatal GI statis which can occur from vegetables. You wouldn't let your child go to someone who'd feed them items unsafe for human consumption, so please don't let your chinchilla go to anyone who'd do this either!
Likewise chinchillas should never be fed any vegetables or fruit, including raisins as treats as they are not safe. Feeding these shortens lifespans, leads to seizures from dangerous levels of sugars, along with fatal GI statis which can occur from vegetables. You wouldn't let your child go to someone who'd feed them items unsafe for human consumption, so please don't let your chinchilla go to anyone who'd do this either!
2. Cage - Can I see the cage & accessories you'll use for my chinchilla?
✔ The cage must be totally free from plastic and for chinchillas over 6 months at least 64 x 61 x 91cm (25" x 24" x 36") with multiple levels. The drop between levels should be no more than 40cm (16") as they can seriously hurt themselves if they fall. If a wheel is used it must be made from metal (not plastic or mesh which can trap paws), have a diameter of at least 14" and not have a spoke, which can catch their tail.
✘ Chinchillas must never be kept outside or in glass vivarium style cages, as they need good ventilation. If the bar spacing is wider than 1" then the chinchilla will be able to squeeze through and escape the cage. Single level cages intended for guineas pigs are not suitable. Exercise balls and harnesses are deadly for chinchillas and should never used. Wire hay balls and racks are also dangerous as chinchillas can get their head trapped and accidentally hang themselves. The only fabric that should be used in the cage is non pill/polar/blizzard fleece.
✘ Chinchillas must never be kept outside or in glass vivarium style cages, as they need good ventilation. If the bar spacing is wider than 1" then the chinchilla will be able to squeeze through and escape the cage. Single level cages intended for guineas pigs are not suitable. Exercise balls and harnesses are deadly for chinchillas and should never used. Wire hay balls and racks are also dangerous as chinchillas can get their head trapped and accidentally hang themselves. The only fabric that should be used in the cage is non pill/polar/blizzard fleece.
3. Temperature - Do you have air conditioning?
✔ Chinchillas need air conditioning, even if you live in a country where it is cold most of the year and only has the odd day of warm weather. Many people in countries such as the UK will not already have air conditioning in their homes, so this is something they'll need to purchase and ensure can be set up before getting a chinchilla.
✘ Incorrect answers: "I have a fan, an air cooler, or it doesn't get hot where I live". Unlike people, chinchillas do not sweat so the draft from a fan does nothing to cool them down. Fans also do not lower the room temperature, so they are totally ineffective. Air coolers add moisture to the air which is bad for chinchillas and they do very little, if anything, to lower the room temperature.
Unless you live in a country where the temperature has never exceeded 21C/70F, air conditioning is a must.
✘ Incorrect answers: "I have a fan, an air cooler, or it doesn't get hot where I live". Unlike people, chinchillas do not sweat so the draft from a fan does nothing to cool them down. Fans also do not lower the room temperature, so they are totally ineffective. Air coolers add moisture to the air which is bad for chinchillas and they do very little, if anything, to lower the room temperature.
Unless you live in a country where the temperature has never exceeded 21C/70F, air conditioning is a must.
4. Exercise & wellbeing - Will you let my chinchilla have playtime & how often?
✔ All chinchillas should be allowed playtime, if someone doesn't have the time then they are not generally a good choice to re-home. Only baby chinchillas and the small minority who suffer from health conditions such as seizures should not have playtime.
Breeders or rescues may not offer playtime due to logistical reasons, however if this is only temporary and the chinchilla is going to a forever home where this is offered, it should not be a problem in the short term.
Playtime should always be in a completely chinchilla safe area such as a secure playpen, free from any hazards such as wires and anything that the chinchilla shouldn't chew on.
Breeders or rescues may not offer playtime due to logistical reasons, however if this is only temporary and the chinchilla is going to a forever home where this is offered, it should not be a problem in the short term.
Playtime should always be in a completely chinchilla safe area such as a secure playpen, free from any hazards such as wires and anything that the chinchilla shouldn't chew on.
5. Other pets - Do you have any other pets & will They COME INTO CONTACT with my chinchilla?
✔ Chinchillas should only ever be housed with, or come into any contact with same sex chinchillas, not any other species.
Natural predators such as dogs and cats not only pose a risk to chinchillas in case they hurt them or cause the chinchilla stress by their presence being predators, they can also carry bacteria which is very harmful to chinchillas.
This is the same for all other species, bacteria which is natural to them can be very harmful to chinchillas. As well as cats & dogs, reptiles, rabbits and rats are amongst some of the other most common household pets that are particularly high risk for this. However this is applicable for all other species, and a chinchilla's health should never be put in jeopardy by being allowed contact with other species.
It is fine for chinchillas to live in a multi pet household, however they must be kept totally separate at all times, including playtime and lap time.
Natural predators such as dogs and cats not only pose a risk to chinchillas in case they hurt them or cause the chinchilla stress by their presence being predators, they can also carry bacteria which is very harmful to chinchillas.
This is the same for all other species, bacteria which is natural to them can be very harmful to chinchillas. As well as cats & dogs, reptiles, rabbits and rats are amongst some of the other most common household pets that are particularly high risk for this. However this is applicable for all other species, and a chinchilla's health should never be put in jeopardy by being allowed contact with other species.
It is fine for chinchillas to live in a multi pet household, however they must be kept totally separate at all times, including playtime and lap time.
6. Breeding - Will my chinchilla ever come into contact with a chinchilla of the opposite sex?
✔ The answer to this question should always be a definite no. The only exception to this is if you have pedigree papers for your chinchilla stating they are suitable to breed. Even then, this should only ever be done by a reputable breeder.
Breeding chinchillas without pedigree certificates is extremely unethical, as you are deliberately risking producing kits with fatal conditions such as malocclusion.
Opposite sex chinchillas should never be caged together, have playtime together or even have their cages too close together, unless the male is neutered. Even then, neutering isn't generally recommended as it's a risky operation - keeping same sex chinchillas together is always the best option if you have more than one.
Breeding chinchillas without pedigree certificates is extremely unethical, as you are deliberately risking producing kits with fatal conditions such as malocclusion.
Opposite sex chinchillas should never be caged together, have playtime together or even have their cages too close together, unless the male is neutered. Even then, neutering isn't generally recommended as it's a risky operation - keeping same sex chinchillas together is always the best option if you have more than one.
7. ownership - Is my chinchilla a pet for yourself, your child or a gift to somebody?
Chinchillas are not generally a good pet for children as they're delicate, often don't like to be held, are most active in the evenings and can have a very nasty bite if they use it. Of course children and chinchillas can co-exist in the same household, however buying a pet primarily for a child is not a good idea. As well as the likelihood of not wanting to be held, chinchillas live up to 20 years meaning the child will probably leave home during the chinchilla's lifespan, so the parents will still need to look after the chinchilla once the children have moved out.
Children should never be given the sole responsibility of looking after any pet. It is natural for them to get bored, forget to feed or clean them, or ask if they can be replaced with another pet further down the line. The chinchilla's primary care must always remain with the adult to ensure the child is not accidentally neglecting the chinchilla's needs and to remind them a pet is always for life.
If the person interested in buying a chinchilla says it's a gift for somebody, ensure they're certain the person wants a chinchilla and should that fail, they'd provide the care the chinchilla requires for the rest of their life instead.
Children should never be given the sole responsibility of looking after any pet. It is natural for them to get bored, forget to feed or clean them, or ask if they can be replaced with another pet further down the line. The chinchilla's primary care must always remain with the adult to ensure the child is not accidentally neglecting the chinchilla's needs and to remind them a pet is always for life.
If the person interested in buying a chinchilla says it's a gift for somebody, ensure they're certain the person wants a chinchilla and should that fail, they'd provide the care the chinchilla requires for the rest of their life instead.
Do a quick background check
It is always a good idea to do a quick online search on the person you are thinking of re-homing your chinchilla to.
Unfortunately some people get in a cycle of adopting new pets, later finding out they can't care for them so re-homing them, then looking for another new pet again. If you are advertising your chinchilla on Facebook, do a Facebook search on their name. This will show any posts the individual has put publicly, as well as in any private pet groups you may both be in. Likewise, if you've advertised your chinchilla through an online sellers site, check the potential buyers' current and past listings.
This will help to check if the person has previously had to re-home other pets before.
Unfortunately some people get in a cycle of adopting new pets, later finding out they can't care for them so re-homing them, then looking for another new pet again. If you are advertising your chinchilla on Facebook, do a Facebook search on their name. This will show any posts the individual has put publicly, as well as in any private pet groups you may both be in. Likewise, if you've advertised your chinchilla through an online sellers site, check the potential buyers' current and past listings.
This will help to check if the person has previously had to re-home other pets before.