Can Chinchillas Climb Trees?

If you own a pet chinchilla, you might have noticed your furry friend’s tendency to climb and jump if given the opportunity. As a result, you might be wondering if chinchillas are good climbers or if they can climb trees. 

Can chinchillas climb trees? 

Chinchillas can climb trees. In their natural habitats, chinchillas often climb trees or rocks when trying to escape from predators.

In general, they are excellent climbers, and they depend on the natural spring in their hind legs when climbing.

While living with you, your chinchilla is not exposed to its natural habitat. So, you may be wondering if it may still develop its natural climbing habit.

Are Chinchillas Good Climbers?

Chinchillas are excellent climbers, all thanks to their anatomy, which is suited for climbing, jumping, and scaling tall structures. In the wild, climbing is one of their survival mechanisms as they climb while evading predators.

Chinchillas have long hind legs that act as a springboard.

With those legs, they push themselves off the ground and reach heights of over 6 feet. 

The feet of a chinchilla have protective pads and sharp claws that provide it with the required traction when climbing.

Why Do Chinchillas Like Climbing?

Chinchillas in the wild usually climb to either evade predators or to exercise. Thankfully for them, their natural habitat favors their climbing habits.

The natural habitat of a chinchilla consists of trees, rough edges, and rocks.

If you happen to come across a chinchilla in the wild, you will probably find them high up in a tree. From such lofty heights, they survey their vicinity for predators. 

Due to their small size, chinchillas often fall prey to large birds and other land-dwelling animals. But with their climbing skills, they get themselves to the tall branches of trees and avoid predators who cannot climb. 

While nestled in the trees, they may still fall prey to large birds that spot them. But due to the cluster of leaves found on many trees in their natural habitat, chinchillas can conceal themselves.

The high vantage point from the tree top also allows the chinchillas to see what is happening on the ground. 

Besides evasion, chinchillas climb as a form of exercise. Climbing helps them maintain a healthy state of mind.

Chinchillas enjoy climbing and jumping around, and encouraging them to do so is essential for their mental health. 

When a chinchilla has no avenue to express itself by climbing, it becomes bored. Eventually, it will harbor feelings of helplessness and insecurity. Over time, these feelings will lead to withdrawal, anger, and depression. 

You need to provide your chinchilla with the proper climbing environment for it to remain happy. Since chinchillas climb in the wild to avoid predators, allowing them to climb makes them feel comfortable and safe.

How to Prepare a Chinchilla for Climbing at Home

Encouraging your chinchilla to climb while indoors is essential if you want to keep it happy. This is why you should prepare the ideal environment to invite your chinchilla to climb.

The first thing you need to do to prepare an ideal climbing environment is getting the right cage. While there are plenty of cage options to choose from, opt for one that is at least 3 feet high. 

Once you have found the right cage, you can proceed to install ramps and ledges.

We recommend installing at least 3-4 ledges with enough space between them to allow your chinchilla to climb around with ease. You can also fill your chinchilla’s cage with nontoxic branches, rocks, and other items it can climb on.  

You can install a wooden hay holder for your chinchilla to climb on and wear down its teeth. You can also opt for a wooden chinchilla house with tunnels that will provide enough climbing points and hiding space for your pet. 

Creating enough space and allowing your chinchilla to climb will ensure that your pet remains healthy and happy.

Should I Allow My Chinchilla Climb a Tree Outdoors?

You should never let your pet chinchilla climb trees outdoors.

According to some chinchilla owners, chinchillas tend to run off and hide if you let them go outside. Once this happens, you may never see the runaway chinchilla again.

Besides, if you let your chinchilla climb a tree outdoors, they can reach heights that could be difficult for you to get to. Then again, they can fall prey to predators outdoors. Several birds can easily pick up your chinchilla hiding high up in a tree.

Chinchillas are naturally fast, agile, and they love hiding. Ensure you always supervise their playtime, and their play area is escape-proof.

Will My Chinchilla Climb My Body?

If your chinchilla is friendly and well-adjusted, there is every possibility that it will want to climb your body when it gets the opportunity.

The best way to ensure your chinchilla climbs your body is to build some trust between you and your pet. Once you can get your chinchilla to trust you, there is every possibility your pet will want regular physical contact. 

To get your chinchilla to climb your body, you can start by laying on the ground and staying still when they are out for playtime.

Chinchillas are curious and will come over to investigate. While investigating, chinchillas will nibble and sniff you. 

Once your chinchilla feels safe while you lay down, it will have no issues climbing you when you sit up. 

While your chinchilla is on your body, remember to avoid sudden movements and ensure you speak gently to it.

Final Take

Chinchillas can climb trees, and they are pretty excellent at it. In their natural habitat, there are typically many trees, and this favors their climbing skills. So, it is usually easy for them to climb trees and escape non-climbing predators.

If you own a pet chinchilla, find ways to encourage its climbing abilities. Allowing your chinchilla to climb is essential for its happiness, safety, and mental health.

Resources

• https://www.petcoach.co/article/chinchilla-housing/
• https://planetchinchilla.com/can-chinchillas-climb/
• https://walkthepets.com/do-chinchillas-climb-trees-like-a-monkey/
• https://chinchillacaregroup.com/do-chinchillas-climb-trees/
• https://chinchillachronicles.com/chinchilla-toys
• https://thedogvisitor.com/do-chinchillas-like-to-climb