Chinchillas are such delightful pets; with their fluffiness, low maintenance, and impressive lifespan of 15 to 20 years, it’s no wonder they’ve become so popular!
But you might be wondering, how much do chinchillas cost? Well, prices can range from $50 to $115, varying based on factors like size, sex, and unique features.
As we dive into this article, we’ll explore the cost of chinchilla ownership, preparation tips before buying, and the savvy steps to take when bringing home your new furry companion!
READ MORE: How Long Do Chinchillas Live?
Chinchilla Pricing Guide – A Rough Guide!
Planning to bring a charming chinchilla into your life but curious about how their color variations affect the price?
Dive into this comprehensive Chinchilla Pricing Guide, covering a range of colors and their average costs. Discover the perfect fluffy companion that matches both your preferences and budget!
| Chinchilla Color & Variation | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Standards | |
| Black Velvet | $125 |
| Standard | $75 |
| Beiges | |
| Beige Violet (Homo) | $195 |
| Hetero Beige | $125 |
| Beige Violet (Hetero) | $195 |
| Homo Beige | $150 |
| Brown Velvet | $175 |
| Whites | |
| White (White Mosaic, Silver Mosaic) | $125 |
| Tan Whites | |
| Pink White (Hetero Beige) | $150 |
| Ebony Whites | |
| Dark Ebony White | $195 |
| Extra Dark (Homo) Ebony White | $215 |
| Light Ebony (Hetero Ebony) | $125 |
| Extra Dark Ebony (Homo Ebony) | $245 |
| Medium Ebony (Hetero Ebony) | $155 |
| Light Ebony White | $150 |
| Medium Ebony White | $175 |
| Dark Ebony (Hetero Ebony) | $195 |
| Violets | |
| Solid Violet (Wraparound, Ebony Violet) | $195 |
| Violet (Homo Violet) | $175 |
| Tans | |
| Medium Tan | $175 |
| Medium Tan White | $150 |
| Light Tan White | $150 |
| Dark Tan White | $175 |
| Light Tan | $150 |
| Dark Tan | $195 |
| Chocolates | |
| Chocolate White | $175 |
| Chocolate | $195 |
Other Costs for Obtaining Chinchillas
Ready to tally up the costs of owning a chinchilla? Check out this handy summary table showcasing the price ranges for essentials like cages, toys, and more.
Get a quick overview of the expenses you’ll encounter as you welcome a fluffy chinchilla into your life!
| Item | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Cage | $50 – $400 |
| Hideaway | Under $20 |
| Exercise Wheel | Around $12 |
| Bathing Dust & Bathtub | Under $10 |
| Pellet Feeder | Budget-friendly |
| Water Bottle | Under $10 |
| Chew Toys | $2 – $5 |
| Carrier | $15 – $30 |
| Neutering | About $130 |
| Spaying | About $160 |
1. Cage
When it comes to chinchilla homes, size matters!
Cages can range in price, and naturally, the bigger the abode, the heftier the cost.
Expect to spend anywhere from $50 to $100 on a basic cage, while multi-level mansions may set you back $140 to $400 or more. Just remember, your chinchilla’s castle’s price will depend on factors like brand and where you’re shopping.
2. Objects for the Cage and Exercise Wheel
As crepuscular creatures, chinchillas love a cozy hideout for daytime snoozes.
Snag a charming wooden hideaway for under $20, and don’t forget a trusty exercise wheel, which you can typically find for around $12. Keep your furry friend comfy and entertained without breaking the bank!
3. Dust and a Bath Tub
Chinchillas love their beauty routines, and that includes bathing at least twice a week! So, don’t forget to factor in the cost of dust and a bathtub.
Luckily, chinchilla bathtubs are budget-friendly, usually costing under $10. Your fluffy friend will be rolling in style without draining your wallet!
If you want to know how to bath your chinchilla, check out this video:
4. Pellet Feeders and Water Bottles
Good news, pet lovers! Keeping your chinchilla well-fed and hydrated is affordable, too. Pellet feeders come at a wallet-friendly price, and you can snag water bottles for under $10.
Your fluffy companion will be happily munching and sipping without emptying your pockets!
5. Chew Toys
Chinchillas sure do love to nibble! Keep their teeth in tip-top shape with wood chews, nibbles, balls, and alfalfa cubes. Best of all, these chewable delights are budget-friendly, ranging between just $2 and $5.
6. Transport Carrier
And let’s not forget about travel! To whisk your chinchilla around safely, you’ll need a cozy carrier. No need to worry, as carriers are reasonably priced, ranging from $15 to $30.
Now, you and your fluffy sidekick can hit the road in style!
7. Neutering
Considering neutering or spaying your chinchilla? While it’s an option, remember these little furballs can be sensitive to anesthetics, making the procedure a tad risky.
Always consult your vet! If you decide to go for it, neutering typically costs around $130, while spaying is about $160. Keep your chinchilla’s health and well-being top of mind!
Where Can You Buy Chinchillas?
If you’re on the lookout for a fluffy chinchilla companion, you might be tempted to visit well-known pet stores like PetSmart and Petco.
While we’ll dive into why we wouldn’t necessarily recommend purchasing chinchillas from such shops later in the article, it’s worth noting that these stores sell chinchillas bred in captivity, ensuring they’re not taken from the wild or part of illegal trade.
So, stay tuned as we explore your options for finding the perfect chinchilla pal!
How Do You Buy Chinchillas?
Oh, the excitement of bringing a new chinchilla into your life, especially if it’s your first time! But before you leap into pet parenthood, it’s crucial to learn all about these lovable creatures and how to create the perfect home for them. After all, we want them to be happy and thrive for years to come!
Before you embark on your chinchilla journey, do some research and prepare yourself. Read up on these fluffy animals to make sure they’re the right fit for you and your lifestyle.
Don’t forget to explore chinchilla-focused websites and even reach out to fellow chinchilla owners for firsthand experiences. They can offer valuable insights into the joys and challenges of sharing your home with one of these charming critters.
Learn about the needs of pet chinchillas, are chinchillas nocturnal, diet, exercise, and social habits.
READ MORE: Do Chinchillas Know Their Name?
What Should You Know Before You Buy a Chinchilla?
Many chinchillas are found in rescue centers because people bought them and did not have time to take care of them.
There are still many chinchillas out there that are suffering because of lack of attention. If you want to buy chinchillas, you must think carefully about the following issues before purchasing one:
Chinchillas Are Destructive
Chinchillas can be destructive. Chinchillas love to chew, and so skirting boards don’t stand a chance. The same is the case with wallpaper, pot plants, handbags, and anything the little rodents can get their mouths on.
There are many ways to reduce the amount it chews by giving your chinchilla chew toys. They will also need some extra space to run around each day. Ideally, a room where it doesn’t matter if the chinchilla chews on things
Chinchillas Get Bored Easily
Chinchillas are bright animals that need a lot of things to be amused. If you keep your chinchillas in small cages for extended hours, they can start to bite their fur and other repetitive behaviors.
It’s best not to leave chinchillas on their own because they love to live in groups. While other people argue they should, naturally chinchillas are social animals.
However, introducing chinchillas to other chinchillas is not an easy process, and they may fight at times. Learn how to properly introduce them to each other in this article.
Chinchillas Can Get Themselves Into Trouble
Chinchillas can get themselves into trouble. It isn’t uncommon for chinchillas to eat plants in pots (even if they are poisonous), eat woodwork such as skirting boards and jump on high things and land on the ground awkwardly.
They also may peel sellotape from boxes and wrap it around their noses. (Seen this done before).
Therefore, you need to take care of your chinchillas as well as their environment and make sure they do not hurt themselves. Accidents do happen sometimes, but in such a case you can always get a good vet. When your chinchilla is out of its cage you should keep a close eye on them.
Watch this video for additional information:
Can You Afford the Vets Bills?
Sometimes your chinchilla might need to go to the vets. Vet bills can be expensive and hugely vary in price depending on your location.
Some vets sell monthly pet insurance that will cover your vet bills. It isn’t uncommon for a chinchilla to get problems with its teeth and this can be quite costly to fix. You may have to travel to see/find a specialist.
Are There Recurrent Costs for Taking Care of a Chinchilla?
Chinchilla pellets
Oxbow chinchilla pet is many peoples’ favorite. You can find a 5-pound bag for $10. If you have one chinchilla, for example, it will require 2-3 tablespoons of food a day. So, a 5-pound bag will last you about two months.
Safe treats
There are many treats available for chinchillas. This will vary depending on your preference as well as your pet. Keep in mind; you should not overfeed your chinchillas with treats. So, give them sparingly.
Bathing dust
The best option to buy is Blue Cloud Dust which may cost you about $9 for a 3-pound bag. However, this depends on where you purchase the dust.
The 3-pound bag will last you, and you will only need to replace it a couple of times per year.
Timothy hay and other types of hay
Timothy hay is perhaps the most popular choice among chinchilla pet owners. It is cheap, especially if you buy it in bulk. How much you will spend depends on the number of chinchillas you have and their preferences. So, you can budget around $5 per month for the hay.
Block and chew sticks
These will vary based on the amount you want to buy and the behavior of your chinchillas. Fortunately, they are durable, and you can save a lot of money if you purchase in bulk. Budgeting around five dollars a month should be more than enough.
Should You Buy Chinchillas From a Pet Store?
Reasons why you shouldn’t buy from a pet store:
Adopted Chinchillas Are Affordable
Most breeders give chinchillas vaccination and examination, and also neutering and spraying them before adoption. Breeders normally take care when matching the character of chinchillas and their prospective owners.
Additionally, adoption fees charged by breeders are less than pet stores, plus proceeds go to rescuing chinchillas.
There’s No Guarantee That Chinchillas Are Healthy
Many chinchillas sold in pet stores have health issues and injuries. It does not matter if they are sold with a health certificate, this could only mean the chinchilla has been approved by a “vet” who may not even be qualified.
However, this does not check for parasites, genetic disorders, and testing for different diseases.
They Usually Have Psychological Issues
Recent studies found that dogs sold in pet stores showed signs of psychological disorders than those from breeders.
These chinchillas showed aggression towards owners and other chinchillas and showed some signs of escaping or running away.
This is because they are raised in small isolated conditions that stress them, especially the mothers when they are pregnant.
Annual Cost Estimate for Owning a Chinchilla
When considering a chinchilla as a pet, it’s essential to understand the annual costs involved in their care. As fluffy and adorable as they are, these little critters require a budget for food, housing, and healthcare.
On average, the annual cost estimate for owning a chinchilla ranges from $300 to $600, depending on factors such as the type and quality of supplies, veterinary care, and location.
“Chinchillas are relatively low-maintenance pets, but they still require a proper budget for their overall well-being,” says Dr. Laurie Hess, DVM, a board-certified avian veterinarian who specializes in exotic pet care [1].
Food is an essential expense for chinchillas, which typically consists of high-quality pellets, hay, and occasional treats. According to a study by the University of California, Davis, a proper diet is crucial for a chinchilla’s health and longevity [2].
Regular veterinary check-ups are also important for your chinchilla’s well-being. While they are generally healthy animals, it’s a good idea to budget for potential health issues and emergencies.
Dr. Hess recommends finding an exotic pet veterinarian experienced with chinchillas to ensure they receive the best care possible [1].
Remember, this annual cost estimate doesn’t include the initial investment in the chinchilla itself, their cage, and accessories. But as a pet enthusiast, you’ll surely agree that the joy and companionship of owning a chinchilla are well worth the investment!
FAQs
How do I know if I am ready to get a chinchilla?
Adopting a chinchilla means you are committing to looking after them for the rest of their lives. Chinchillas can live up to 20 years. Make sure to learn more about chinchillas before buying one.
How much are chinchillas?
The price of each individual chinchilla will be different. This will depend on the chinchilla trader and the features of the chinchilla itself. Fur color, weight, and lots of other variables. They range from $50 – $150 but can cost up to $400.
Is it legal to own chinchillas?
Chinchillas are legal in most states in the United States.
Conclusion
In conclusion, chinchillas are undeniably adorable, and their unique qualities make them a fantastic addition to any pet-loving home. Just remember, the initial price of a chinchilla can vary, so do your research and consider factors like gender, coat type, and age when budgeting.
Don’t forget that the cost of chinchilla ownership goes beyond the initial purchase! Budget for additional expenses like food, housing, and vet care to ensure your fluffy friend enjoys a comfortable, happy life.
When you’re ready to welcome a chinchilla into your family, take the time to find a reputable breeder or rescue organization. Your new pet will thank you for it!
Embrace the excitement of owning a chinchilla, and cherish the countless hours of joy and cuddles they’re sure to bring. And finally, I leave you with this question to ponder: What unique name will you give your adorable new chinchilla companion?
For how much did you buy your first chinchilla? Let us know in the comments below!
References
[1] Dr. Laurie Hess, DVM: https://www.drlauriehess.com/
[2] University of California, Davis, Veterinary Medicine: https://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/
Alina Hartley is a small-town girl with a ginormous love of bearded dragons. It all started with Winchester, a baby bearded who was abandoned at the shelter by his former owners because of a birth defect that caused one front leg to be shorter than the other. Alina originally went to the shelter looking for a guinea pig, but one look at Winchester and it was love at first sight. From that day on, Alina has dedicated her life to learning everything she can about bearded dragons. She loves helping new beardie parents start their incredible journey with these magnificent reptiles.
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