We've seen the occasional chinchilla owner ask if there is any clothing that is appropriate for chinchillas. The quick answer is, "no".
It is unlikely that if you're comfortable with the temperature of your home that your chinchillas are uncomfortable. Not too hard to believe right? After all, they're covered with some of the densest fur in the animal kingdom. At the same time, if you're warm then you run the risk of having your chinchillas overheat if you put additional layers on them.
With the warnings aside, you still may want to put clothes on your chinchillas perhaps with the intention of taking pictures. If that is your plan, you can use doll clothes since they're likely to be the right size. An alternative for those that are craft-oriented, is to make your own.
Keep in mind that you don't want to make the clothes too tight especially around the neck area. We also recommend that you don't leave your chinchillas unattended so that you can take appropriate measures if they start chewing on the fabric.
If any of you have pictures of your chinchillas in clothes, feel free send us a link. We'd love to see pictures!
Entries (RSS)
May 1st, 2007 at 3:56 pm
This website is very helpful and user-friendly! I will be purchasing a chinchilla soon and your website is helping me make good choices!! THANK YOU!!!
June 25th, 2007 at 7:47 pm
That would be funny to see a chinchilla in doll clothes.
October 6th, 2007 at 5:50 pm
I am apalled that you should encourage people to dress chinchillas.
Treating an animal contrary to its own nature, contrary to common sense and with disregard to its wellbeing because you think the pictures might be fun in a weird chintzy-cutesy way is an extraordinary thing to promote. Until I chanced on this article I had previously had considerable respect for this site - you should be ashamed.
October 6th, 2007 at 6:06 pm
Godric,
We're not in any way suggesting that people harm their chinchillas in the quest for pictures. As for doing something contrary to an animal's nature, you have to admit that having any pet in your home violates this lofty rule of yours.
We're not ashamed, but we're sorry you found the post upsetting.
October 8th, 2007 at 8:11 pm
i thought about dressing up my chin for a photo contest to win a hammock but no ill just wait for the right moment… i dont want to risk having her chock or get the clothes stuck…
October 12th, 2007 at 11:07 am
I am getting a chinchilla also and this website is a lifesaver.
September 17th, 2008 at 9:24 am
I have 3 chinchillas, and I would love to have some clothes for them to wear.