Why Do Chinchillas Throw Poop? The Truth Revealed!

Chinchillas are soft, lively and fun to watch, which is why many people keep them as pets. If you're new to them, though, some of their habits can surprise you.

One of those habits is flinging droppings out of the cage. Many owners report it, so what is going on?

Chinchillas produce a lot of small, dry droppings, and many end up scattered simply because chinchillas are so active. Kicking or flicking droppings around more than usual can also be a sign of stress, frustration or boredom, for example in a chinchilla that is alone a lot or kept in a cramped cage.

Below, we look at the likely causes and how to reduce the mess.

Why Do Chinchillas Throw Poop?

Not all chinchillas do this, and it isn't a sign of a "bad" pet. Several things can be behind it.

Activity. Chinchillas run, jump and bounce off the cage walls, especially at dawn and dusk. Droppings get kicked around and out through the bars.

Stress or frustration. A stressed chinchilla may be more restless and agitated. Never punish your chinchilla for scattering droppings; it won't understand, and punishment only adds stress.

Loneliness. Chinchillas are social animals. The Merck Veterinary Manual notes that wild chinchillas are gregarious and live in large groups. A single chinchilla needs plenty of daily interaction from you.

Bright light and loud noise. Chinchillas are most active at dawn and dusk and rest during the day. A cage in a bright, noisy spot can disturb their rest and make them more stressed.

Boredom. Chinchillas have a lot of energy. One that spends all its time in a small cage with nothing to do can become restless.

Daily supervised exercise in a chinchilla-safe room gives your pet a chance to burn off energy. Remove electrical cords and anything toxic or chewable first.

How Often Do Chinchillas Throw Poop?

It varies by chinchilla. Some scatter droppings every day, while others rarely do.

Spot-clean the cage daily and do a thorough clean regularly. A cage guard or a tray that extends beyond the bars can help catch stray droppings.

If the scattering suddenly increases, look for something that has changed, such as a new pet, more noise or less time out of the cage.

How To Stop Chinchillas From Throwing Poop?

These steps can reduce the behavior.

Create A Calm, Social Environment

Spend time with your chinchilla every day, talking to it, offering it a safe space to explore and handling it gently if it enjoys that.

If you can, consider keeping a compatible pair. Introductions should be done slowly and carefully, so ask your vet for advice.

Put Your Chinchilla In The Right Room

Place the cage in a quiet room away from direct sunlight, loud noise and heat. Chinchillas have sensitive hearing and rest during the day.

Temperature matters too. Merck notes that chinchillas tolerate cold well but are sensitive to heat, and that they are adapted to about 65 to 80°F (18 to 27°C). Higher temperatures, especially with high humidity, can cause heatstroke.

Get Your Pet Chinchilla Some Toys

Give your chinchilla safe chew toys, ledges, a hiding house and room to jump. A larger, multi-level cage gives it more to do.

Maintain A Proper Diet

Merck says chinchillas need a high-fiber diet made up mainly of high-quality grass hay, supplemented with chinchilla pellets.

Offer timothy or other grass hay at all times, a small daily portion of chinchilla pellets and few, if any, treats. Sugary foods and sudden diet changes can upset their digestion.

Do Chinchillas Poop A Lot?

Yes. Chinchillas produce many small, dry droppings every day, so keeping the cage clean is a daily job.

Keep an eye on the amount and shape of your chinchilla's droppings. Fewer, smaller or no droppings, or diarrhea, can be an early sign of illness and needs a prompt vet visit.

Final Verdict

Chinchillas scatter droppings partly because they are active and produce a lot of them. More scattering than usual can point to stress, loneliness or boredom.

Give your chinchilla a quiet, cool spot, daily attention and exercise, toys and a hay-based diet. If its droppings or appetite change, see your vet.

Sources

• Chinchillas, Merck Veterinary Manual
• Chinchillas: Feeding, VCA Animal Hospitals