How much do chinchillas cost?
How much do chinchillas cost?
$350 – $1,200 average upfront cost
$30 – $60 average cost per month
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.
| 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.
Once you pick a brand of dry food like Oxbow or Mazuri, try to stick to it. Switching brands or blends can irritate a chinchilla's digestive system.
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.
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.
| 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.
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:
A rabbit costs $120 to $410 at first and $50 to $100 per month after that.
A ferret costs $200 to $950 up front and $30 to $80 per month.
A hamster costs $100 to $250 at first and $15 to $30 per month afterward.
A cat costs $0 to $200 initially and $50 to $230 per month.
A guinea pig costs $120 to $570 at first and $20 to $70 per month.
A hedgehog costs $250 to $760 total up front and $20 to $40 per month.
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
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?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.