This week’s pet is an interesting type of pet. His name is Buddy, and he is a chinchilla. His owner is seventh grader Cassidy Berkheimer.

“I got this pet because my friend and I both wanted one,” Berkheimer said.

 Chinchillas are a very unique type of pet. They have pros and cons to them. Before someone adopts a chinchilla, he or she should be well educated on them and make sure that they can properly care for them.

There are basics to caring for a chinchilla like chinchilla food, water and timothy hay. There are special care requirements too. These requirements include dust baths (never give them a bath with water) a large cage with a nesting box and an exploring area.

“Buddy chews up his bowl,” Berkheimer said.

Chinchillas all have a different personality. After someone adopts a chinchilla, they should try to handle it regularly. Sometimes if the chinchilla is older, it won’t be very friendly and won’t want handled.

“Buddy jumped from the floor of his cage to the roof of his cage,”

Chinchillas are very curious and rambunctious animals. They love to explore and chew everything to see whether or not it is edible. That is why they should be in chinchilla proof rooms if they are allowed to explore. Their cage should also be big enough that they will stay entertained.

“I’ve had Buddy for about seven months,” Berkheimer said.

The average lifespan of a chinchilla is 15-20 years. As long as they have the care requirements they need, a chinchilla should live a long and happy life.