Temperature & Humidity

Because chinchillas average 60-100 hairs per follicle, it would make sense that chinchillas cannot handle heat or high humidity. Chinchillas do best in the 60s, but can survive as high as 75. Temperatures that are over the 75-80 range can cause heat exhaustion, heat stroke, or death. Chinchillas are also not accustomed to the cooler temperatures, so they are best kept in a stable temperature range in the 60s, or at the most, 70-72 degrees. Unlike a dog, chinchillas cannot pant their excess body heat, and so it radiates through their ears. Obviously, this is not a very efficient way to regulate body temperature, so we as owners must be sensitive of their temperature needs!

Not only does high humidity increase the chances for ringworm, it can also make heat feel more extreme, and bogs down the air. If your humidity is constantly high, a dehumidifier for the room your chinchilla lives in is not a bad idea.