Chinchilla sounds and noises: barks, squeaks and what they mean

What sounds do chinchillas make and what do they mean?

Chinchillas live in colonies in the wild and have a set of calls to keep in touch, warn each other and settle disputes. The RSPCA says they have very sensitive hearing and are easily startled by loud or sudden noises, which is why so many of their sounds are alarms. Chewy's guide, which quotes three vets including an exotic animal specialist, gives the fullest list we found, and we have checked it against the RSPCA, Crittery and The Vet Desk.

The table draws mainly on Chewy's vet-quoted guide, with the RSPCA, Crittery and The Vet Desk. Our guide to chinchilla behaviour and body language covers the postures that go with these sounds.

Why is my chinchilla barking?

Because it is alarmed. In Chewy's guide, one vet calls barking the chinchilla's alarm system: a guttural sound made when it feels upset or threatened. The Vet Desk describes it as rhythmic, urgent and a little duck-like, used to warn of danger or a predator. The RSPCA lists barking among the noises a stressed or frightened chinchilla may make.

Chinchillas sleep through much of the day and are more active at night, the RSPCA says, so night is when you are most likely to hear it. Likely triggers are anything that reads as a predator or a sudden change: another pet near the cage, or a loud or sudden noise, which the RSPCA says startles them easily. Crittery notes that a low bark can sometimes mean excitement rather than distress, so look at what else is going on before you worry.

1. Look for the scare. Check for pets, noises or lights near the cage and remove what you can.
2. Keep calm and quiet. Talk softly. The RSPCA asks owners to be quiet and gentle around chinchillas because they startle easily.
3. Give cover. Make sure there is a hide for each chinchilla to retreat into.
4. Watch how often. Chewy's guide says frequent barking is a reason to see an exotic vet, and continuous barking with laboured breathing is an emergency.

What do chinchilla squeaks mean?

Soft squeaks are usually friendly. Chewy's guide describes a contact call, a low warble or squeak a chinchilla makes when it meets something or someone it likes, often after an exploratory call, a high note that drops quickly in pitch and tells others where it is. The Vet Desk also describes low, gentle squeaking as a sign that all is well, and says continuous squeaking is usually excitement at seeing a friend, a person or food.

That same source warns a similar continuous squeak can mean distress, so go and look if it does not stop. Chewy's guide adds that chirping usually means a comfortable, playful chinchilla, and a low coo from the belly means a happy, bonded one.

Why is my chinchilla chattering its teeth?

Usually because it is irritated. Chewy's guide describes chattering as rapid teeth clicking that normally means irritation, especially when it comes with barking or hissing. Crittery says urgent, continuous chattering is often a sign of anger. Both say it can sometimes be boredom or even happiness if the chinchilla's body is relaxed, and The Vet Desk notes some chinchillas chatter when content. So read the body: tense, upright and facing you means back off.

Is my chinchilla grinding its teeth because it is happy?

Usually, yes. Chewy's guide describes a low, repetitive grating sound that generally means a calm, happy chinchilla, and Crittery says low teeth grinding can show they feel safe, such as while eating a favourite treat. The exception is grinding with drooling or a wet chin, which Chewy's guide says can mean tooth pain and needs a vet. Our chinchilla health guide lists the signs.

What is chinchilla kacking?

Kacking is a sharp spitting or coughing sound that means give me space. Chewy's guide says it can happen in disputes between chinchillas and may build up to barking. The Vet Desk describes the same sound as anger or defensiveness and says if it keeps happening, something else may be wrong. A chinchilla that kacks at your hand wants to be left alone for now. Our guide on how to tame and handle a chinchilla explains how to build trust without forcing it.

Why are my chinchillas fighting and making noise?

Usually over food, space or a mate. The Vet Desk describes a frantic, irregular, bark-like sound during disputes over food, territory or a female, and Chewy's guide says kacking during disputes can build to barking. Short spats while a pair sorts out rank are common, but chasing that does not stop, fur pulled out or bite wounds mean it has gone too far. The RSPCA lists chewing fur, their own or a cage mate's, as a sign of stress. Separate them into side-by-side cages and get advice before trying again.

Why did my chinchilla scream?

A scream means fear, pain or frustration. Chewy's guide says a sudden scream or shriek expresses fear, pain or frustration, and that screaming at night may mean pain or distress, so see a vet as soon as possible. Crittery agrees that higher-pitched screams are more distressed and should be investigated.

Check for injury, a fall, a foot caught in the cage or a fight. Check the temperature too: Crittery warns that chinchillas are prone to fitting if they overheat or get stressed. Our chinchilla temperature guide explains the safe range.

Which chinchilla noises mean you should see a vet?

Any breathing noise, a scream you cannot explain, hiccup-like barks that sound wheezy, constant barking, and grinding with drooling. PetMD lists wheezing, fast or laboured breathing, open-mouth breathing and breathing with the belly among the signs of pneumonia in chinchillas, along with discharge from the nose or eyes, weight loss and lethargy. It calls pneumonia a medical emergency that needs immediate vet treatment.

• Wheezing, whistling, clicking or rattling as they breathe.
• Breathing with the mouth open, or with big movements of the belly.
• Hiccup-like barks with a wheezy sound.
• Continuous barking, or barking with laboured breathing.
• Teeth grinding with drooling or a wet chin.
• A scream, especially at night, with no clear cause.

Why is my chinchilla so noisy at night?

Because night is their day. The RSPCA says chinchillas need to sleep undisturbed for long periods in the daytime and are more active at night, with 12 hours of darkness. After dark you will hear running, jumping and chewing, plus the odd squeak or alarm bark. Move the cage to a quiet room if the noise keeps you awake, rather than disturbing them in the day. Our complete chinchilla care guide covers the rest of what they need, and our guide to chinchillas as pets explains whether their timetable suits your home.