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Chinchillas => General Chat => Topic started by: NatanHaim on December 09, 2013, 05:36:09 PM

Title: Comfortable temperature range
Post by: NatanHaim on December 09, 2013, 05:36:09 PM

Hello All,

What is the optimal temperature for a chinchilla?  I know that they must be kept cool, which is a problem in the summer.  Now that it's wintertime, I want to make sure my chins don't get too cold.  What is the prevailing wisdom for optimal temperature?

Title: Re: Comfortable temperature range
Post by: GrayRodent on December 09, 2013, 06:02:39 PM

It's been my experience in my area where my chinchilla is used to being warm 75 is about as high as you want to go. Above that could be risking chinchillas' health. Generally 73 is the recommended ceiling and 50 would be a good floor for them. That is what I understand from my research. Below that you will need to take special precautions.
In the summer I use a portable air conditioner. It is a free standing unit that has been adapted for a casement window and works fairly well.

Title: Re: Comfortable temperature range
Post by: NatanHaim on December 10, 2013, 05:18:37 PM

Thanks Gray!

I have a similar AC unit for the summer.  Wanted to make sure I wasn't letting them get too cold in the winter.

I had been leaving my window open before (around 55°F at night) and they were a bit grumpy.  They cheered up as soon as I closed the window.  Now it's around 60-65°F.

Title: Re: Comfortable temperature range
Post by: mb30 on December 11, 2013, 08:17:04 AM

Be very careful they arent in the breeze when you leave the window open.