Chinchilla Case Study

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Initial Set-up Cost:
Cost to purchase Chinchilla
Depending on whether you choose to purchase the chinchilla from a breeder or a pet store, the price can vary. The price can range anywhere from $75 - $250. I bought Twister for $150.
Housing/ Living Arrangement
Chinchillas need large cages that have multiple floors so they can jump, run, and stretch their legs, as they are very active animals. The cage can be wire, but the wire should have very small spacing between it, as their feet can get easily caught and their delicate legs can break. You can get a cage with a pull out bottom to make cleaning easier, but should be sure to have some parts of the cage with a solid bottom so the animal’s feet don’t get irritated. A decent cage will cost at least $100, and can range up to $300. I purchased my cage for $200. You can buy a used cage off of craigslist for a slightly cheaper price, but must make sure the cage is thoroughly cleaned and free of any diseases that may transfer to your animal. Bedding is optional, but it helps control odor and offers a soft place for the chinchilla to rest. It is better to buy in bulk, and purchase a large package of bedding for $35 a month. To make the bedding stretch a little longer, and cut down on costs, you can rip up old newspaper and mix it in with the bedding, which can make the package last for about two months.
NO PLASTIC
NO AQUARIUMS
NO WIRE FLOORS BIGGER THAN ½” by ½”
Exercise requirements
Chinchillas require a lot of exercise, as it is paramount to their health and well being. They must be allowed to exercise out of the cage for a minimum of 1-2 hours every night. Without exercise a chinchilla will suffer from depression, feelings of fear, extreme anxiety and neurotic habits such as pacing ...

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...marketed for chinchillas from pet stores, but generally they enjoy raisins which you can buy a pack for only $1.
Toys
Chinchillas love to play, so toys are a must. A hide house is usually necessary so they have somewhere to retreat when they feel uncomfortable, and can be purchased for $15. They also need to chew, as their teeth are constantly growing. Wooden chew toys keep the chinchilla entertained and their teeth healthy, and generally cost $5. These have to be replaced about every two months as they go through them pretty quickly.
Overall cost
Within the first month, it would cost $521 to get started up with everything you would need.
For the first year, you would spend $505 in upkeep.
Bedding- $210
Dust bath- $40
Food- $204
Miscellaneous- $51
In total for the first year of owning a chinchilla, you would pay $1026, not including any emergency vet trips.

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