Can Chinchillas Jump? (+How To Prepare For Chinchilla Jumping)

I always laugh when I hear this question.

I can’t help it.

The reason I can’t help but laugh when someone asks if chinchillas can jump, is that “jump” doesn’t begin to describe it.

Chinchilla jumping abilities are insane!

Seriously, this is the one thing that surprised me the most when I first got my chin.

But as cool as these crazy jumping skills are, they can also make your life a bit more difficult.

If you aren’t prepared for it. So let’s get prepared.

Keep reading to learn just how high a chinchilla can jump, why you need to encourage jumping, and how best to do so in a safe manner.

How High Can Chinchillas Jump?

Chinchillas can jump 6 feet or higher. They are also very coordinated and balanced when jumping. They are capable of landing in difficult spots and can maneuver with their jumps quickly and accurately.

Naturally, this jumping ability will present some problems. If you’re like me when I first looked into getting a chinchilla, you’ll want to know how you can prepare for this little jumping maniac.

I’ll cover everything you need to know about chinchillas jumping, including what you need to know to prepare and how to structure your cage and playtime in your home, to create a safe environment.

Chinchilla Jumping

A stated above, chinchillas can jump, and they can jump very well. Up to 6 feet if they choose to.

But that’s nothing to worry about. If you are adequately prepared, it’s delightful to watch. Especially when they are out for playtime and interacting with you.

Chinchillas, once they are warmed up to you, will do all sorts of crazy fun behaviors. Chinchilla popcorning is absolutely adorable.

For instance, my chinchilla loves to jump into my lap, climb onto my shoulders and then after a minute or two of just sitting, she will jump onto my head and just hang out there, until she feels like running around again.

I know some of you may think this sounds a little odd, but I suppose you would have to own a chinchilla to understand why this is humorous and a lot of fun to be a part of.

Make Sure Your Cage Encourages Jumping And Climbing

It is essential to accommodate for a chinchilla’s unique jumping abilities. This means protecting all areas where we you let your chinchilla out to play and ensuring that your chinchilla cage is structured in a manner that allows your pet to jump and to exhibit other healthy behaviors.

In the long run, this keeps your chinchilla happy and healthy. Especially if you have your chinchilla alone instead of with another chinchilla.

You see, chinchillas are social, friendly, and loving pets. They need to be able to be themselves and interact daily with you or with another chinchilla.

Now, I do understand that life gets in the way from time to time. You can’t always make the time, but it is crucial to at least ensure your chinchilla is afforded the option to jump, climb, and be crazy in its cage and when it is out for playtime.

It’s also important you do this in a safe manner.

What The Cage Needs To Encourage Jumping And Climbing

This moves us into the specifics about what your chinchilla will need to encourage jumping in its cage, and outside of the cage. Let’s start with the physical cage set-up and structure.

For starters, chinchillas need a large cage. This far into the post, I’m sure we can all understand why.

It’s vital that you have several shelves (made of wood) and plenty of hanging toys they enjoy playing with and chewing. Not only does this promote encourage proper dental health for your chinchilla but it also keeps your pet active.

I see many owners in Facebook communities or other forums who start off with small cages. That’s okay. I did the same, because expenses are highest when you first purchase your chinchilla.

I do highly recommend upgrading at one point or another, to allow your chinchilla sufficient space.

Currently, I’m using a dual-level Critter Nation cage. It is, quite simply, the best cage you can get for your chinchilla.

It is sturdy, was easy to assemble, and my chinchilla just loves all of the vertical space. She has plenty of space for jumping and climbing, with multiple levels and lots of shelves and ramps.

There are also tons of locations where you can hang various items that your chinchilla enjoys playing with.

Always remember, the more you can encourage your chinchilla to chew on safe items, the fewer tooth-related health problems you will run into in the future.

You can typically spot dental problems if your chinchilla begins grinding its teeth or it emits an odor. Chinchillas naturally do not smell, so if you smell a foul odor, your chinchilla is probably sick. You should call a vet immediately.

Once you have a proper sized and safe cage, it’s time to make sure you know how to safely allow your chinchilla to roam other rooms of your home.

Structure Play Time So Your Chinchilla Can Jump And Run Safely

Playtime is absolutely essential for your chinchilla. Outside of this, owning a chinchilla is extremely easy, but you do need to dedicate some time to play with your chin every day, when possible.

With that being said, you need to structure playtime carefully to encourage jumping and natural chinchilla behaviors. For starters, this means limiting the space for your chinchilla to one room so it can’t run away and make it difficult to find it.

Additionally, playtime is when chinchillas are the most active. The constant jumping and climbing means your chin could easily overheat, so you need to ensure you are in a cool room.

This is vital, but sadly often overlooked.

Chinchillas have incredibly dense fur and can overheat quickly. Cool rooms with temperatures below 70 degrees help ensure your pet does not overheat.

Next, you need to make sure all cords are protected, so your chinchilla doesn’t chew any wires. This is easy, and you can simply purchase Velcro wrap cord protectors and protect all cords.

Remember, this post is about chinchillas climbing and jumping. Having wires exposed on higher shelves is also dangerous, and they also need to be protected. It’s not just the wires on the ground.

I use this Velcro Cord Protector in my home. You can choose from tons of different sizes and colors and it only takes a few minutes to secure all cords.

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11/11/2024 06:35 pm GMT

Outside of these recommendations, you should be in good shape to allow your chinchilla to have fun and interact with you. Get ready to witness some epic jumps!

Some jumping will be by bouncing off walls, landing on shelves, and doing all sorts of other behaviors that make chinchillas extraordinarily unique and a blast to own.

The natural abilities that chinchillas have are one thing that makes them such excellent pets to own. If you are currently on the fence about adopting a chinchilla, I definitely recommend pulling the trigger. I don’t regret getting one and can’t imagine you will either.

Can Chinchillas Jump: Final Thoughts

If you follow the recommendations, I have laid out here today, your chinchilla should be happy and have the necessary safety precautions in place to do what comes naturally and jump around to its heart’s content.

These little rodents can jump exceptionally well, so be prepared and be diligent and enjoy the fun your chinchilla can bring to your life.

Chili and I wish you the best of luck with your new chinchilla, and be sure to always promote those jumping behaviors!

Now we want to hear from you!

Do you have fun stories to share about your chinchilla jumping?

Do you have any further recommendations for the readers?

What do you do and how do you structure your chinchilla cage to encourage jumping and climbing?

Be sure to share those thoughts, stories, and concerns by dropping a comment below.

As always, Chili and I appreciate you stopping by and reading today. Thanks again and we will see you again next time!