When choosing a chinchilla the first question people usually ask is whether to choose a male or female chinchilla. Though chinchillas, like dogs or cats, have their own personalities there are differences between the sexes.

Other than the obvious reproductive differences, the main difference is the way they will defend themselves. Both male and female chinchillas will try to run away and bark if they don’t want to be held. If they are feeling particularly agitated they may give you a warming nip...but around this point the females, when feeling especially threatened, will stand on their back legs and spray you with urine. Also BEWARE they have annoyingly good aim from as far back as 6-8 feet. This nasty little habit is also used to separate fighting offspring in extreme battle royal situations.

When this first happened to me I was pretty angry, but it doesn’t help to yell at or scold your chinchilla. They are not like dogs, and will not learn from their mistake, but will likely become even more frightened by you if you display aggressive behavior. Also at this point if the running away, barking, nipping, and finally spraying (if you have a female chinchilla) were not enough for you to back off, beware that biting is the LAST resort for both sexes of chinchilla. Not the nibbling kind of taste whether you are a raisin treat, but the painful blood drawing kind of bite that will likely leave you with a nasty wound. But, not to worry, this rarely happens. The only time it has ever happened to me was at a pet store with a very unhappy female chin that was never tamed.

Chinchillas also have different prices depending on their sex, color and where you buy them. The price of a standard grey male chinchilla from a breeder ranges from around $65-$90. The same chinchilla from a pet store would likely be $90-$125. Female chinchillas tend to be a bit more pricey and difficult to get a hold of. Many breeders will hold on to their females and sell the males. From a breeder a standard female chinchilla ranges from $80-$150 and from a pet store they will likely range between $100-$175.

Whether you are buying a male or female chinchilla remeber that every chinchilla is different. Some are hyper, some are laid back, some are more cautious, some are more aggressive or territorial. It is important to learn and recognize the type of personality your chinchilla has and respect that in establishing a relationship.

We currently own a total of 7 chinchillas, 4 female and 3 male. Our boys tend to be a little less skittish than the girls, but there are always exceptions to the rule.