How much do chinchillas cost?
Ashburn, VA

How much do chinchillas cost?

Ashburn, VA

How much do chinchillas cost?

$350 – $1,200 average upfront cost
$30 – $60 average cost per month

Get free estimates for your project or view our cost guide below:

$350 – $1,200 average upfront cost

$30 – $60 average cost per month


Get free estimates for your project or view our cost guide below:
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Jennifer Carlson
Written by
Jennifer Carlson
Edited by
Kristen Cramer
Fact-checked by
Tara Farmer

Average chinchilla price

A pet chinchilla costs $150 to $600 on average for the animal itself or $350 to $1,200 total, including its cage and necessities. Food, toys, and bedding cost about $30 to $60 per month. Chinchilla prices depend on the breed and how many extras you add to their cage.

Average cost of a chinchilla
Factor Average cost
Animal $150 – $600
Cage $100 – $400
Food $10 – $20
Accessories $50 – $100
Bedding & dust $20 – $50
Bowls $20 – $30
Average total initial cost $350 – $1,200

Animal

The chinchilla itself will cost about $150 to $600, depending on where you get it. Adopting costs less than buying from a breeder, but shelters hardly ever have chinchillas. Getting one from a store like Petco or PetSmart costs about $200.

Most chinchillas are gray or black. Special breeds like Locken and Angora cost $1,000 to $5,000 or more. An Angora chinchilla has fur twice as long as a standard chinchilla, and Lockens have curly fur.

Cage

A chinchilla cage costs anywhere from $80 to $300. Adding ledges, a cooling stone, or a hammock can add another $20 to $100 but will greatly improve your pet’s quality of life.

Food

Chinchilla pellets and hay cost roughly $10 to $20, depending on the bag size and brand. Chinchillas are herbivores and also enjoy eating certain fresh herbs, leafy greens, and vegetables in moderation.

Accessories

Toys and accessories will cost $20 to $100. Your chinchilla will need plenty of exercise and chew toys. Like rabbits, chinchilla teeth don't stop growing as they get older, so they need toys that will wear them down slightly.

Bedding & dust

Chinchillas need soft bedding like fleece or wood shavings as well as a metal or plastic container to take dust baths in. All of this usually costs $20 to $50 up front.

Many chinchilla owners litter train their pet like a cat. This costs $10 to $200 for the litter box, plus $10 to $25 per bag or box of litter.

Bowls

A food bowl and water container cost $20 to $30, depending on the type and size. Some experts recommend having two food bowls: one of their pellets and a separate bowl for hay.

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What is a chinchilla?

A chinchilla is a small rodent native to Chile. They're known for their plush, soft fur that ranges in color from white to gray to black. These fuzzy critters get stressed easily, so they need lots of time, attention, and affection.

Monthly chinchilla costs

A chinchilla costs about $30 to $60 per month for things like food, dust, and toys. Your actual costs will depend on the quality of food and how many toys you buy. Chinchillas don't eat much, so a 6-pound bag of hay and 10-pound bag of pellets should last around 4 months.

Average monthly cost of a chinchilla
Factor Average monthly cost
Food $10 – $20
Bedding & dust $15 – $30
Toys $5 – $10
Average total ongoing costs $30 – $60 per month

Chinchilla cost factors

Several factors affect the cost of buying or adopting a chinchilla:

  • Number of animals: Chinchillas are social animals that can live in pairs or groups as long as they're all the same gender. The more you have, the higher your upfront and monthly costs.

  • Location: Chinchillas usually cost less at a shelter or pet store than from a breeder, but they’re harder to find at a shelter. Breeders are more likely to have rare breeds or colors.

  • Vet visits: A vet visit costs $40 to $80 for routine checkups. Chinchillas typically don't need vaccines but do need regular deworming and yearly checkups.

  • Insurance: Pet insurance costs about $15 to $50 per month or $180 to $600 per year. Chinchillas don't usually have many health problems, but you may want to have a small emergency fund set aside if you choose not to get pet insurance.

A pet chinchilla outdoors
A pet chinchilla outdoors

Alternatives

Do you know you want a small, furry pet but aren't sure which kind is best for you? These pets could be a good alternative to a chinchilla:

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Chinchilla FAQs

How long do chinchillas live?

A chinchilla can live for about 10 to 20 years with proper nutrition and activity. This is quite a long-term investment, so make sure you're truly ready to commit to taking care of a chinchilla before buying one.

Are chinchillas good pets?

A chinchilla can be a great pet if you're capable of giving it the attention it needs. Chinchillas are naturally shy but may let you hold and pet them if you're patient and gentle. They release clumps of fur as a defense mechanism when handled roughly, so remember to handle yours carefully.

What do chinchillas eat?

A chinchilla eats hay and about 1 to 2 tablespoons of specialized pellets per day. You can also feed a chinchilla fresh herbs and vegetables like kale or celery. You can give them dried fruit or root vegetables as a treat in small amounts. Avoid giving them foods high in fat like nuts or seeds.

Do NOT feed a chinchilla any of these foods:

  • Asparagus

  • Avocados

  • Peas

  • Broccoli

  • Cabbage

  • Corn

  • Lettuce

  • Spinach

  • Rhubarb or rhubarb leaves

  • Bananas

  • Citrus fruits

Can you train chinchillas to be handled?

Yes, you can train your chinchilla to tolerate petting or holding, but be aware that even a domesticated chinchilla may never enjoy being picked up. Try earning their trust by moving slowly and letting them sit on your shoulder or lap.

Are chinchillas nocturnal?

Chinchillas are not nocturnal. They are crepuscular, which means they're most active at dawn and dusk, like cats.

Finding and choosing a chinchilla

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Follow these steps to help you in your search for a pet chinchilla:

  • Look for pet stores, shelters, or breeders near you.

  • Read recent reviews on Vety and Google when possible.

  • Make sure they have a business license, or a USDA license for breeders.

  • Look at the different breeds or colors they have available.

  • Ask if they offer any bundles for food or equipment.

Questions to ask a pet store or breeder

Ask these questions to ensure you choose a chinchilla from a reputable source:

  • How long have you been selling chinchillas?

  • What would be the total cost if I bought one today?

  • Which colors or breeds do you have?

  • What kind of cage and bedding do you recommend?

  • Will they need a vet visit first?

  • How long do chinchillas normally live?

  • What kind of food, accessories, and toys do you recommend?

  • What kind of vegetables can I feed a chinchilla?

  • Is this chinchilla part of a bonded pair?

  • What should I do to help this chinchilla bond with me?


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