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[Snickerdoodlesmom]

Is it possible that chinchillas get cold? I just took out a sheet and called Snickerdoodle out. He cuddled in the sheet. He usually doesn't do this, but it's really cold right now in NYC. Can they get cold?

[GrayRodent]

I wouldn't let them get much below 40 if they are used to room temp. I think it depends on what they are used to and older chins towards the end of their life cycle will often prefer a warmer place from what I understand. When I sit with my chin in the main part of the house I have a blanket for him to hide in if he gets frightened by something and also to catch his droppings. He often goes under it just to play around. I don't think it has much to do with warmth as much as the sensation of being surrounded by a blanket.

[Snickerdoodlesmom]

I'm not sure how cold it is, but about the age: he's very young! Just 1 1/2! Which leads me to ask, what happens to chinchillas as they age?

[chinclub]

I have some that are in their late teens and early 20s.  We let the chinchilla room get down to 50 in the winter.  They do just fine.

[Snickerdoodlesmom]

Do any physical things happen?

[chinclub]

To chins that get older?  Many look the same right till the end.  Others will get lazy with their grooming and will start to develop oilier looking hair on the face and hair tangles on their lower backs.