How To Keep Chinchilla Cool
How to Keep Your Chinchilla Cool in the Summer The summer months can be very warm and uncomfortable for chinchillas, and you’ll want to make sure your chinchilla stays cool and comfortable in the heat. By giving your chinchilla plenty of water, offering your chinchilla treats that lower their body temperature, using air conditioning or fans, and providing your chinchilla with an outdoor play area, you can make sure that your chinchilla remains healthy and happy all summer long. Here are some tips on how to keep your chinchilla cool this summer.
1. Air Conditioner
Use an air conditioner or fan to provide your chinchilla with a comfortable temperature. If possible, use the air conditioner or fan on a timer so that it turns off at night. Using an air conditioning unit can be very loud, so consider putting your chinchilla inside a carrier to decrease the noise. The same goes for fans; if you’re using a fan, make sure your chinchilla is far from the area where the fan is running.
2. Dehumidifier
A dehumidifier can provide your chinchilla with a constant level of moisture, and will help keep them cool. Although it’s not necessary to use a dehumidifier with your chinchilla, it will help keep them cool during the summer months. The same goes for nighttime activity. If you’re going to be away from your chinchilla for the night, turn off your air conditioner or fan. A dehumidifier will also help to keep your chinchilla cool during the winter months, since their fur can insulate them from the cold.
3. Water Bowls
Make sure that you give your chinchilla a constant supply of water. In order to lower their body temperature, chinchillas like to play and swim in extremely cold water. Although you can make a water bowl by filling a large dish with ice cubes and water, you’ll want to make sure that you change the water often so it doesn’t become infected. If your chinchilla has a tendency to splish and splash around in their water, then consider getting your chinchilla a pool. Make sure that the pool is lined with plastic or fiberglass to prevent leaks and damage to floors.
4. Shaded Areas Inside Their Cage
If your chinchilla has a cage inside your home, consider shading some of the areas inside their cage with cloth. You can use towels or blankets to make sure that your chinchilla doesn’t get too warm. Chinchillas love to nap in the sun so you can use this to your advantage by providing them with some sunbathing time in the morning and early afternoon. Keep the temperature of their bedding between 70 and 75 degrees F. The bedding should also be dry, so be sure to check it regularly.
5. Pastel Colored Cage
The color of your chinchilla’s cage can help keep them cool throughout the summer months. Dark brown and black are very warm colors, so choose a pastel colored cage if possible. White is another good color because it reflects the sunlight and may help keep your chinchilla cool. The walls of the cage should also be white or pastel colored. The bedding inside their cage should be changed frequently so the bedding won’t get too wet.
6. Indoor Play Time
Whenever possible, let your chinchilla play outside. Once you’ve provided enough water and shade, your chinchilla will be able to enjoy some time in the great outdoors. Be sure to cover your chinchilla’s cage with a blanket before letting them out so that they can easily get back inside when they want to cool off. The same goes for air conditioning; use a fan or air conditioning unit to keep your chinchilla cool. In addition, provide your chinchilla with toys that will help them to cool down.
7. Avoid Direct Sunlight
A chinchilla’s cage should never be directly in sunlight. Since sunlight can heat up your chinchilla’s cage to over 90 degrees F, try to position the cage so that it doesn’t get hit by direct sunlight. You can check to see how hot the top of your chinchilla’s cage gets by using a thermometer. If the temperature is too high, then consider moving their cage away from any windows or doors that may get hit by direct sunlight throughout the day. The same goes for air conditioning; try to position their cage away from an air conditioning unit.
8. Frozen Treats
One of the best ways to combat heat is to give your chinchilla frozen treats. Chinchillas like to eat frozen treats because it helps them to remain cool throughout the summer months. You can make frozen treats at home or purchase them from a pet store. Frozen treats can be expensive, so be sure to take a look at your local dollar store to see if they have any frozen treats available.
9. Reduce Physical Activity
If possible, try to limit your chinchilla’s physical activity during the summer months. Since chinchillas like to climb and play, it can make them more susceptible to overheating during the summer months. If you have a chinchilla that loves toys, then be sure to put them on a “down” setting so they can play without climbing. Being active typically burns more calories than sitting still, which can cause a chinchilla’s body temperature to rise.
10. Water Fountain
If possible, try to provide your chinchilla with a water fountain so they can bathe in cool water. A small chinchilla can bathe in a large water fountain that’s about 14 inches high. Be sure to change the water frequently so it doesn’t become infected and you can use the same large bottle of water for multiple baths. A small fountain will also help keep your chinchilla cool because it will provide them with a constant supply of cold water throughout the summer months.
It’s important to keep your chinchilla cool all summer long. Chinchillas, like other animals, can suffer from heat stroke if they don’t have enough water, shade, or fresh foods. To reduce the risk of heat stroke in your chinchilla, it is important to provide them with plenty of water and shade during the day and to avoid letting them play when possible. If you feel that your chinchilla needs immediate veterinary attention, head over to a veterinary hospital as soon as possible.