Other Cooling Methods
Please be aware the methods below should only be used in combination with air conditioning and not in replacement of.
Air conditioning will work best and cost less when the room is kept at as naturally a low a temperature as possible, which is why these methods are suggested. However once temperatures exceed 21C/70F, there is no replacement for air conditioning and this must be turned on for your chinchilla’s safety.
Air conditioning will work best and cost less when the room is kept at as naturally a low a temperature as possible, which is why these methods are suggested. However once temperatures exceed 21C/70F, there is no replacement for air conditioning and this must be turned on for your chinchilla’s safety.
1. Keep curtains and blinds shutKeeping these closed during daytime may make your neighbours think you're still in bed (!) but this really does help to block out the sunlight which will heat the room up considerably.
Investing in thick black out blinds will also help to limit the heat from the sun getting in. |
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2. Keep windows closedAvoid the knee jerk reaction of throwing windows open unless you are sure the air outside is cooler than inside. In warm weather you are much more likely to be letting hot air in.
An outdoor thermometer will be able to confirm whether the temperature outdoors is indeed cooler than in your house. Once the outside temperature is cooler (usually at night) open windows to allow the room to cool down. |
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3. Invest in chinchilla cooling slabsPlace these in your chinchilla's cage for them to sit on for enhanced coolness.
Again only use in combination with air conditioning, these do not lower room temperature and your chinchilla may choose not to sit on them anyway so these can't be relied upon! |
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4. Turn off unecessary electrical appliancesRunning electrical appliances such as TVs, playsations and computers can easily raise the room temperature by several degrees, if not more. Turn off all unused appliances to keep the room temperature as low as possible.
If your air conditioner is running but struggling to keep the room at a safe temperature during a heat wave, refrain from using any non critical electrical devices until the temperature returns to a safe level. |
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4. Limit the number of people in the roomHumans give off a surprising amount of heat and raise the room temperature, so during hot weather stay out of your chinchilla's room if the air conditioner is struggling to keep the room cool.
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Have a back up plan for when Air Conditioning breaks
Air Conditioning can and will break, therefore having a back up plan mapped out in advance is essential, particularly if you live in a hot country. Each Summer chinchillas pass away from heat stroke due to air conditioning failure, leaving their owners distraught and blaming themselves. Please be prepared for how you would solve this problem before it happens, as chinchillas will quickly die in warm climates if your air conditioning fails.
What to do when your Air Conditioning Breaks
- Invest in a spare portable air conditioning unit
- Have an arrangement with a friend/neighbour where you can take your chinchilla there if yours fails
- Find out if your chinchilla can board at a local vets or petsitter if your air conditioning fails
- If you have a basement, check if the temperature is cool enough for you to keep your chinchilla there until it's fixed
- Stay in an air conditioned hotel with your chinchilla
- As a last resort until you find a fixed solution, place your chinchilla in a pre-air conditioned vehicle. Other emergency options include placing your chinchilla in the fridge or in front of the freezer with the door open (never put your chinchilla inside the freezer).
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