Things to know about your pet chinchilla
General Chinchillas
Please first review the basic needs list of equipment. .
By this time you know basically what a chinchilla looks like.
But you may not know they can live for 15-20 years or more with proper care.  One of the original (wild caught) males lived for 31 years in captivity.   You need to think about this before getting one.
Most health related issues (not including genetic defects) can be prevented by proper diet and care.
A healthy adult chin has brown/orange to orange/yellow teeth. White teeth is a sign of ill health in a full grown chin.
Potential chin buyers should locate a proficient exotic vet clinic to care for their pet before they need anything.  Most chins will live their lives without need for a vet, but don't be stuck looking for one at the last minute.  Chins that are showing illness can expire quickly.
Poop is a big indicator of health and will being.  Chin poop should be firm, dark and shaped like a cigar.  Also, color and position of ears... red ears (heavily veined), shows stress or high temperatures.
Chins have a very delicate rib cage and fraigle bones, and great care must be taken when handling.

Chinchillas must chew for their entire lives, as their teeth grow the whole time.

Many pet chins are given way too much in the way of snacks and treats. Their diet needs to be kept basic and stable.

Chins thrive on routine and the mundane. This is true in both schedule and diet.  Any changes to food and water (basic diet) should be made gradually over 2 or more weeks. Do everything you can to give them this and everyone will stay happy.
Chinchillas do not require a salt lick or salt spool.
NEVER put anything, like vitamins, in a chinchillas water unless instructed by your vet.
Chinchillas should be given regular tap water, what ever you drink in water is fine.  Bottled water is unneccesary, distilled water could be deadly.  I have known a person that gave only distilled spring water and the chins bred poorly and killed their offspring.

High temperatures (near 77 degree F) enhanced by high humidity will be fatal to your pet. 

Physical and mental stress can have severe effects on a chin.  Single chins that do not adjust well are at risk, but any stress can affect health and well being.  Predatory animals can stress a chin very much, and cause a decrease in health.

DANGERS can come from scented candles, inscene, paint thinner or paint fumes, some clean solutions, air fresheners, or any strong odor in the air.  Chewing on electrical cords, cables and the like can be hazardous.  One shock can ruin the tooth enamel and this will slowly kill a chin.