Matt Whittaker, manager of Pets At Home Swindon, writes about setting up a chinchilla house

When thinking of getting a small furry pet, most people will think of hamsters or gerbils.

Chinchillas however, make great pets for older children and adults. They’re easy to look after, friendly and inquisitive.

With plenty of care and attention they can become very tame.

It’s important that they have a home to keep them happy and healthy; there are just a few things that need to be considered when setting it up.

While chinchillas can be kept on their own, keeping them in single-sex pairs provides a companion to snuggle up with during naptimes. It’s always best to buy them at the same time as they’ll already be friends.

Chinchillas are very active, so the bigger the cage the better – wire mesh will prevent them from chewing their way out. Ideally, the cage should have several levels or shelves to allow the pets to bounce around, and a bedroom or ‘nesting box’ full of hay or cosy bedding material to help them feel secure.

The position of the cage should be away from sunlight, radiators or draughts as chinchillas don’t like high temperatures and can suffer from heatstroke.

A chinchilla marble is great for keeping pets cool in the warm weather – the marble can be chilled in a fridge then put in their cage for a long-lasting cool spot.

Good quality chinchilla pellets are best provided in a secured feeding bowl or a heavy earthenware bowl as well as a supply of good quality hay, such as Timothy Hay, which should always be readily available in their cage.

Hay provides the essential fibre chinchillas need in their diet to thrive. It also helps to grind their teeth down, so that they don’t grow too long or become painful.

If you’re thinking of getting a chinchilla, be sure to ask one of the Pets at Home store team for advice on how to keep them happy and healthy.