Are Chinchillas Aggressive? (Unveiling The Truth)

There is one thing we need to understand first.

All chinchillas are individuals.

Just like humans, some are happy and carefree, while others are angry and aggressive.

But how about as a whole?

In general, are chinchillas aggressive in comparison to other pets?

Or are they mostly friendly and docile, with only some individual chinchillas exhibiting aggressive behavior?

The truth lies somewhere in between. Keep reading to learn if chinchillas are aggressive, why they might show aggression, how they show aggressions, and what you can do to curb aggressive behavior.

 

Are Chinchillas Aggressive?

Chinchillas are not inherently aggressive. However, they can get aggressive toward cage mates or humans under certain circumstances.

Aggressive chinchillas tend to bite, lunge, and vocalize. They usually show aggression when they feel threatened, uncomfortable, or when they are suffering from health issues.

Let’s take a closer look at 12 possible reasons a chinchilla might get aggressive.

 

Reasons Chinchillas Can Get Aggressive

Here are some common reasons behind aggression in chinchillas.

 

Discomfort Due To An Unfavorable Environment

One of the most common reasons behind chinchilla aggression is an unfavorable environment. A chinchilla might become aggressive if its cage is too small or it has to share resources, such as food, water, and toys, with other chinchillas.

A lack of resting areas and hideouts in the cage can also cause extreme stress and discomfort, which may trigger aggression in your chinchilla.

 

Loneliness

Chinchillas are social animals. In the wild, they live in herds and interact with their own kind. In captivity, they expect to interact with their humans and other chinchillas. A solitary chinchilla housed alone may turn to aggression to convey its loneliness and depression.

 

Hunger

A hungry chinchilla might lash out at its humans and other chinchillas. It is important to provide a steady supply of fresh hay or grass along with pellets to your pet. The occasional treat is also appreciated.

 

Boredom

Chinchillas are smart animals. Without mental and physical stimulation, they tend to become aggressive due to boredom. A tired, well-stimulated chinchilla is less likely to show aggressive tendencies.

 

Lack Of Exercise

A lack of physical activity and exercise is also a major cause of chinchilla aggression. Your pet needs to play, run, climb, and forage just as it does in the wild.

These activities trigger feel-good hormones in your pet and also help it expend energy. Without physical and mental exercise, your pet is bound to feel stressed, depressed, and irritable and may become aggressive or vocal.

 

Territorial Behavior

Another reason a chinchilla might turn aggressive is to defend its territory. If your pet thinks that its space has been violated or invaded (by another chinchilla or human), it may bite, lunge, or vocalize to express its displeasure.

 

Due To Threat Or Fear

Chinchillas are prey animals. They can get scared due to bright lights, loud noises, and sudden movements.

They may even feel afraid in unfamiliar environments, if their cage is suddenly moved to a new location. While most chinchillas prefer hiding when stressed or threatened, some may also get aggressive as a way to protect themselves from predators and other threats.

 

Maternal Aggression

As in most animal species, a female chinchilla might turn to aggression when she feels her offspring is threatened. This type of aggression is typically seen in new mothers who have recently given birth. When mating chinchillas, the female may become aggressive with the male, if you leave them int he same cage together afterward.

 

Lack Of Early Socialization And Desensitization

In the majority of cases, chinchillas tend to become aggressive if they are not socialized or desensitized from a young age.

Such chinchillas tend to grow up as timid, shy, or fearful adults. Since they are not exposed to other chinchillas, humans, sounds, or experiences, they react with aggression when suddenly exposed to disturbances.

 

Pain Or Illness

If your normally docile chinchilla suddenly turns hostile and aggressive, then it may be sick. This type of aggression stems from a defense mechanism. Your pet may have some health issue or injury that is causing intense pain that makes it aggressive when you touch or handle it.

 

Mating Or Sexual Aggression

A male chinchilla might show aggression toward a competing male when there is a female around.

 

Age-Related Aggression

Hormonal changes can also trigger aggression as your juvenile chinchilla transitions into adulthood. Similarly, an aging or senior chinchilla may become irritable and show other behavioral changes, including a display of aggression.

 

How Do Chinchillas Show Aggression?

Chinchillas may show aggression in a number of different ways. Let’s take a look at each one.

 

Biting

Chinchillas have sharp teeth and they won’t hesitate to use them when they feel threatened or frightened. If your chin bites you or another pet, you’ll want to know how to treat a bite wound from a chinchilla.

 

Vocalization

Aggressive chinchillas may make chattering, hissing, growling, or other noises. These indicate that they are ready to attack. Some chins also squeal or squeak in a high-pitched sound if they are feeling agitated and as a warning for others to stay away. Chinchillas can scream, too.

 

Fur Slip

Since aggressive chinchillas are also stressed, they may undergo fur slip. This is a defense mechanism that chinchillas use to release a significant part of their fur to startle their attacker. You may even see your chinchilla biting fur off its hips.

 

Charging, Attacking, Or Lunging

An aggressive chin might also attack, charge, or lunge at humans or other chinchillas. They usually charge when they are defending their territory.

 

Chasing

A chinchilla might also bully another chinchilla by chasing it around the cage. It might show its dominance and aggression to a newly introduced chinchilla.

 

Stiff Posture

A chinchilla may also show a stiff posture and freeze in place just before attacking or showing other forms of aggression.

 

How Can I Make My Chinchilla Less Aggressive?

If your chinchilla is showing signs of aggression, there are steps you can take to curb its aggressive behavior.

 

Provide A Spacious, Clean Cage

Provide the optimal environment for your chinchilla. Make sure you house it in a spacious cage, so it can run and play around.

If you have two chinchillas, your cage should be at least 3 feet long by 2 feet wide by 2 feet tall (90 x 60 x 120 cm). But bigger is better, especially vertically. This cage is ideal.

Make sure to deep clean the cage every now and then, since no chinchilla likes living in a dirty cage. And clean out the poop daily, if not more often.

 

Feed It A Nutritious Diet

Aggression can stem from nutritional deficiencies and hunger. Feed your pet a nutritious diet, as directed by your veterinarian. You can also check out this comprehensive guide that covers what to feed chinchillas.

 

Give It A Companion

It is best to house two or three chinchillas together, since solitary chins are more likely to develop behavioral issues like aggression. Introduce the chinchillas properly to prevent shows of aggression or dominance.

 

Give It An Hour Of Playtime Daily

Your chinchilla needs some cage-free time every day, preferably for an hour or two. You can set up a play pen like these where your little furry friend can run and play with other chinchillas. Also, provide a secure running wheel inside the cage.

Try to interact gently with your chinchilla. You can speak to it soothingly, teach it tricks, and give it treats to get it to like you.

 

Provide Proper Stimuli From A Young Age

To prevent aggression in adulthood, start socializing your chinchilla at a young age. Expose it to various sights and sounds. Give it plenty of toys and introduce it to other chinchillas and humans. This will make your chinchilla more confident.

 

Prevent Stress

A stressed and anxious chinchilla is more likely to display aggressive behavior. Make sure that your pet gets to sleep well and avoid making noise during its sleeping hours.

Avoid handling your chinchilla too much. Do provide plenty of resting areas, hideouts and tunnels in the cage.

Do not move the cage too often, and avoid placing the cage in direct sunlight or near drafty windows.

 

Treat Underlying Health Issues

If your chinchilla continues to show aggression, please see the vet to see if your pet is suffering from an illness or injury that may be causing the behavioral changes.

 

Are Chinchillas Vicious Or Violent?

Chinchillas aren’t violent by nature. They are prey animals and are mostly docile and timid.

 

Do Chinchilla Bites Hurt?

Yes, chinchilla bites can hurt. These animals have sharp teeth that can pierce the skin, causing significant pain and discomfort. That said, chinchillas are not dangerous and their bites won’t cause you any real harm, unless they become infected.

 

What To Do If A Chinchilla Bites You?

If your chinchilla bites you, please wash the wound with warm water and antibacterial soap. Apply some antiseptic cream and cover the bite with a bandage. If the bite continues to bleed or develops pus, see your doctor immediately.

 

Aggressive Chinchilla Behavior: Final Thoughts

Chinchillas are not usually aggressive, but some individual chinchillas can be. It usually comes down to how they were socialized when they were young.

However, a usually calm chinchilla can also change and suddenly become aggressive. In such cases, there is generally something going on in its life that is causing it stress, which leads to it acting out in an aggressive manner.

If your chinchilla has suddenly become more aggressive, see if any of the reasons for chinchilla aggression listed above apply in your case. If so, take steps to fix the issue and hopefully your pet will calm down.

Our article on how to relax a chinchilla can help. In not, and your pet continues to display aggressive behavior, it may be best to see a vet.