How to Keep Chinchillas Safe Around Children

Chinchillas can make great pets for older children. As these small and furry animals are very active but delicate, they require proper care and attention. By watching over children and teaching them how to interact with chinchillas, you can reduce the chance of injury for both chinchillas and children.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Supervising Non-Physical Interactions

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Secure a large open space. Chinchillas like to explore and scurry around rather than being handled. Block any entryways or small spaces to prevent chinchillas escaping through them.
- Positive interactions are more likely to happen if the chinchillas are relaxed and can behave naturally. You can place objects in the space for them to climb and jump from, such as a small step ladder. Provide toys or cardboard pieces and tubes for the chinchillas to chew on.
Small boxes will do nicely. If a chinchilla gets frightened by a child, they can run to these places to feel safe and sheltered.^{[1]XResearch source}
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The children can sit on low seats or on the floor nearby. As the chinchillas get used to their presence, they will be more comfortable approaching the children.^{[2]XResearch source}
Another way that chinchillas can get to know the children is by their voices. Encourage the children to talk to the chinchilla too.
Although they will be excited, explain to them that chinchillas will be scared if they make loud noises or any sudden moves.^{[3]XResearch source}
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Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Teaching Children to Handle Chinchillas

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Show the children how to hold chinchillas correctly. Place one hand underneath the chest area. Support the chinchilla’s back legs and rear end with the other hand. The creatures have delicate spines so hold the chinchillas upright.^{[4]XResearch source}
- You can also pick up a chinchilla from above with its head between your index and middle fingers. Wrap the body with your thumb and other two fingers. Use your other hand to support the chinchilla’s back side.^{[5]XResearch source}
This will give the children a more secure grip, as the chinchilla will wriggle and squirm.^{[6]XResearch source}
Under stress, chinchillas have a natural defence mechanism where the fur in this area will suddenly fall out. The chinchilla will run away, leaving a bundle of fur behind.^{[7]XResearch source}
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Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Teaching Children to Feed Chinchillas

This enables the chinchillas to search for food and explore like they would in the wild.^{[8]XResearch source}
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Give the children treats to feed chinchillas. Although a chinchilla’s diet should be mostly hay and grasses, an occasional treat is good too. Dried herb mixes and fruit like grapes and blueberries are okay.^{[9]XResearch source}
- Children can place the treats near them. Let the chinchillas get them in their own time. Once the chinchillas are more relaxed and willing to approach, the children can pet them gently while feeding them treats.^{[10]XResearch source}
Let the children hide food in special toys or cardboard tubes for the chinchillas to find.^{[11]XResearch source} The children will be able to have fun with the chinchillas without handling them roughly.
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