Before bringing your Chinchilla home you will need a cage. Chinchillas are active and will need plenty of room or a wheel to exercise. I recommend a metal wheel because the will chew a plastic one. It is important to maintain a clean cage for your Chinchillas health. It is recommended that the cage be cleaned once a week. For the bedding pine shavings are good because they are most absorbent. Despite what most Chinchilla experts say, Chinchillas can do very well in cold temperatures, as low as 30 to 40 degrees. Chinchillas can adapt to warmer temperatures as well. Chinchillas can over heat if temperatures are too high (over 90 deg) and if it is hot and humid. If the Chin does become to hot, wrap him/her in a dry towel and lay a plastic bag with ice on the towel until your Chin cools down.. Chinchillas can't get wet but sometimes do. If this happens quickly wrap your Chin in dry towel and dry them off. If they really wet you can use a blow dryer on low and dry them off. Do not allow them to remain wet because they can loose their fur and possibly die from it. Once a week your Chin will need to receive a dust bath. The dust bath can be found at any pet store. Sand or cat litter should NEVER be substituted! Sand or litter can irritate the eyes and nose and can make your Chin sick if ingested. About any container can be used, such as a large glass jar or you can purchase a bath house at pet store. A diet of quality Chinchilla pellets is a necessity. I feed mine Mazuri pellets. The Chins love the taste and they grow very well on it. Chins also need plenty of roughage ( Alfalfa and hay blend) will provide your Chin with a healthy meal. Always provide fresh water for your Chinchilla. Items for chewing like wood blocks or chew toys made of wood will help keep the Chins teeth filled down. Chins teeth should be orange to gold in color and appear straight. If they become to long you need to take them to a vet to have them trimmed. If they become too long, the chin would be unable to eat and will drool. When handling your Chin hold him/her in a way they feel secure and safe. I hold mine as if they were a baby, close to my chest and supporting their legs with my hand. Always be careful because they do have fragile legs. Remember Chinchillas can live any where from 16 to 25 years and they become a part of your family enjoy them. If you have any question please feel free to call me and I will try to answer any questions you may have. Jami, 419-220-4088. Fun fact Chinchillas love apple sticks, and you can make these yourself, they are fun and easy. If you have any kind of apple tree cut off some branches wash them and then place them on a cookie sheet set oven for 350 and bake for half an hour let them cool off and then they are ready for your chin to chew on. They love them so make sure you make enough for them to enjoy! They also enjoy an empty toilet paper roll or a card board box!