Choosing between a chinchilla and a ferret is really hard. Both of these animals are full of cuteness and seem like lovable pets. Before making a decision you have to know whether chinchillas or ferrets suit your preference better.
You should make a detailed research about their likes, dislikes, and their lifestyle. Good research will help you know whether these animals are for you or not.
Knowing this stuff beforehand is really important because a late realization might make you regret the decision you made. So, read this article before investing your time, money, and love in any one of these pets.
Which Families Do They Belong To?
Well, firstly, we will start from the basics.
Ferrets belong to the Mustelid family, which comes from a family of weasels. This explains to us why ferrets look almost like a weasel.
While chinchillas belong to the Chinchillidae family, which comes from a family of rodents.
Visual Differences Between Chinchillas And Ferrets
The first thing we notice is the looks of these animals. While there are a few things that make them similar, there is also a lot of other things that differentiate them from each other.
An average adult chinchilla is about 10 to 15 inches long and weighs at least 2 pounds. But even with their small bodies, they live healthily and easily for more than 10 years. The limited life span of a chinchilla is said to be at least 20 years.
On the other hand, an adult ferret is more or less 16 inches long and its weight is at least 4-5 pounds. However, their lifespan is a little less as compared to chinchilla. Ferrets live for about 5 to 10 years at most.
Facial Differences
Chinchillas seem as if they are a mixture of a rabbit and mouse because of their tiny bodies and facial looks. They have bushy tails and figures of a mouse, while their round ears and big black eyes make them resemble a rabbit.
Ferrets are longer than chinchillas with usually a dark coat on their back that reaches their tail. Their undercoat is a pale white color.
Characteristics of Chinchillas and Ferrets
One of the main differences between a chinchilla and a ferret is their social skill.
Chinchillas remain active and athletic even as they age, while ferrets start becoming less social as they get older.
Ferrets are the kind of pets that can get along with both humans and other ferrets. They want the attention of their owner and love to play and snuggle with them. A ferret’s habits are similar to dogs and cats in that sense.
On the contrary, a chinchilla mostly only gets along with his fellow chinchillas. Their habits are similar to a mouse because they don’t necessarily need the attention of their owner.
Chinchillas are great pets if you like to be in your own space and prefer to watch your pet play around on its own.
Also, if ferrets are considered the predator then chinchillas are definitely the prey.
The Diet Difference Between Chinchillas And Ferrets
Since ferrets are carnivores, they need meat in their diet. You should provide them with fresh raw meat. Ferrets love poultry meat so you can buy that from a store and include it in their diet.
You can also find high meat protein for them that is found in different ferret foods. If you don’t have any food for your ferret then you can also feed them kitten food.
But chinchillas have their own special pet food that is available easily in pet stores. Chinchilla formulated pellets are their best diet, and apart from that, they need timothy hay.
Besides that, both chinchillas and ferrets also require treats every now and then.
Ferrets love Ferritone as their treatment and it is a remarkable choice when you want to divert their attention. While chinchillas are sensitive about their treats. You can’t feed anything without proper care. Chinchillas have a sensitive stomach, you have to be really delicate with their treats.
Hygiene Difference Of Chinchillas And Ferrets
Chinchillas are low maintenance. That means they don’t require as much cleaning as a ferret. Their fur is pretty dense so they only need a dust bath at least twice a week.
Chinchillas have very little fur so they don’t need trimming. You only need to get the food stuck in them out of their hair.
When it comes to ferrets, it is common knowledge that ferrets always carry a certain pungent smell with them. You can’t always get rid of it completely, and sometimes the only option you have is to get used to the smell. If you try to get rid of it by washing it off, it can only make the smell worse.
In that matter, chinchillas are pretty odor-free. If you ever find that your chinchilla is smelly then it is most likely that it is sick.
Costs Of Having A Chinchilla Or A Ferret
Chinchillas are may be smaller but they cost almost the same as ferrets.
If you have a pet then you are bound to buy accessories and toys for them from time to time. You have to set up the cage first and buy them a resting place and food bowls. Next, you have to buy them food and treats on a regular basis.
If you include all these costs, then a single chinchilla will at least cost you 250$ or more.
While a single ferret costs a little less as compared to a chinchilla. If you include the cost of everything then a ferret can cost you less than 250$.
Keep in mind, ferrets require vaccination. If you don’t get a ferret that is already vaccinated, you will have to factor extra costs into it.
Conclusion
All in all, both of these pets cost the same. They have unique personalities and both of them come with special pros and cons. If you think you connect better with the cuddly attention-seeking animal then ferret is the best choice for you. However, if you wish to enjoy the sight of your pet playing on its own, then a chinchilla is recommended.