Thinking about getting a chipmunk as a pet? You should know they’re pretty different from your average cat or dog. Chipmunks are wild animals, and honestly, they don’t usually thrive in a home. Their natural instincts and boundless energy make them tough to keep happy and healthy indoors.
Chipmunks, like the eastern chipmunk (Tamias striatus), really need space—lots of spots to dig, climb, and explore. They stress out easily. Small cages or too much handling can mess with their wellbeing.
If you want a pet that acts relaxed and fits into your routine, chipmunks might not be it.
Are Chipmunks Good Pets?
Chipmunks demand special care and a thoughtful home setup. They’ve got personalities and quirks that aren’t like most pets.
If you’re set on keeping one, you’ll face a few challenges. The specific species makes a big difference in how you care for them.
Personality and Behavior of Chipmunks
Chipmunks are busy little creatures. You’ll see them digging, climbing, and hiding food everywhere.
They don’t really enjoy being held or cuddled. Try to force it, and they’ll just get stressed.
They like having hiding places to feel safe. If something startles them, they’ll bolt or disappear in a flash.
Quiet, calm spaces suit them best. Loud noises or other pets nearby? Not ideal.
They hoard food, especially in autumn. It’s just how they cope and feel secure.
In winter, their activity slows down. They might enter a light torpor, almost like a mini hibernation.
Common Challenges of Keeping Chipmunks
Chipmunks need a big enclosure with space to climb and dig. Cramped cages or boredom can make them act out—sometimes they get aggressive or just hide all the time.
They eat a mixed diet: fresh fruits, nuts, and seeds. You’ll have to clean their space regularly, especially where they use the bathroom.
Handling them isn’t easy. They’re quick and get nervous, so chasing or loud noises won’t help.
Watch for dull fur or a loss of appetite. If you spot those signs, it’s time to call a vet.
Species of Chipmunks Kept as Pets
Most pet chipmunks are Siberian chipmunks. With care, they might live up to 10 years.
Eastern American chipmunks, found in the USA and Canada, don’t do well with others. People usually keep them alone.
Siberian chipmunks sometimes live in pairs or small groups, but only if they get along. Males can fight, so you’ll need to keep an eye out.
Make sure each chipmunk has at least one hiding spot, plus a couple extras to keep stress down.
Some places ban buying or selling chipmunks, but if you already have one, you’re allowed to keep it.
Legal and Care Considerations
Keeping chipmunks as pets isn’t something to take lightly. You’ll need to know the rules about ownership and what it takes to keep them healthy.
Chipmunks have specific needs you can’t ignore.
Legal Status and Permits
In many places, laws regulate chipmunk ownership, especially for Siberian chipmunks. Most places don’t allow people to buy, sell, or breed them.
If you already have one, you can usually keep it for life. Getting a new one, though, is often illegal.
Some areas require a permit to keep wildlife as pets. U.S. states have different rules, and some ban chipmunks completely.
You should always check your local laws before getting a chipmunk. That way, you avoid trouble and help protect wild populations.
Proper Diet and Nutrition
Chipmunks need a balanced diet with cereals, nuts, fruits, and veggies. About half their food should be cereals like oats, corn, or barley.
Unsalted seeds and nuts—like pine nuts—make great treats. Fresh fruits such as apples and pears, and veggies like carrots or sweet potatoes, round out their meals.
Don’t feed them stone fruits with pits; those can be toxic.
A clean cuttlefish bone helps keep their teeth in check and gives them calcium. Always provide fresh water.
If you change their diet, do it slowly to avoid stomach issues. Watch for any signs of illness as you go.
Habitat and Housing Needs
Try to make your chipmunk’s home feel a bit like the wild. Set up a large, secure space—think the size of a roomy aviary—with solid floors.
Cover the floor with dust-free bedding, like wood shavings or shredded paper. Chipmunks love to dig, so make sure the bedding is deep enough for them to burrow.
Toss in some branches and ropes for climbing. Add several hiding spots and nest boxes, and stuff those with shredded paper or hay so they can rest comfortably.
Definitely skip wire mesh floors; those can hurt their feet. Find a spot for their home that’s away from direct sunlight, heat, or loud noises.
If you keep them outside, you’ll need to shield them from drafts and cold—extra bedding and shelter really help. You’ll want to clean their space regularly to keep things healthy and stress levels down.
For more details on chipmunk care, including legal advice, check out advice on caring for pet chipmunks.
