Owning a chinchilla as a pet can be an incredibly rewarding experience. There are, however, some key tips that prospective and current owners alike should be aware of in order to give their furry friend the best life possible.

Continue swiping for 7 helpful tips about owning a chinchilla.

Chinchillas need enough room to roam around and explore in order to stay stimulated mentally and physically. A well-ventilated cage with ample amounts of toys, tunnels and other accessories is essential for keeping them happy.

Exercise is essential for your chinchilla's health so make sure there’s an adequate-sized wheel in the cage that allows them to run laps whenever they feel like it.

These small rodents love chewing on wood-based items like apple branches or willow sticks. Chewing promotes dental health while also offering some stimulation. Additionally, stuffed squeaky toys are great boredom busters as well – just make sure they’re not filled with anything dangerous like cotton balls or plastic pellets.

Hay is an important part of any chinchilla's diet since it provides vital fiber necessary for digestion. Timothy hay works best but you can mix it up with alfalfa hay. Just be careful with quantities since digestive problems may occur from excess fiber intake.

Avoid using cedar shavings or sawdust as bedding material since these emit strong smells and can lead to respiratory issues. Opt instead for paper-based products like recycled newspaper that don’t contain any harsh chemicals or fragrances.

Regular water baths aren't recommended for chinchillas, so dust baths are best for keeping your chinchilla’s fur clean and free of parasites. Pet stores carry special sand specifically made for chinchillas.

Chinchillas get scared easily so take things slow when handling them. Start gaining your pet’s trust through food rewards until touching becomes less overwhelming. Then eventually you can carry your pal around without fear of it running away.