So, you’re thinking about a chipmunk as a pet? Technically, yes—you can keep one, but honestly, it’s not for everyone. Chipmunks need special attention, a good amount of space, and a calm home if they’re going to be happy in captivity.
They’re wild at heart, so you’ll have to put in some real effort to meet their unique needs.
Chipmunks have tons of energy and curiosity, but they also get stressed out fast. Most don’t love being handled, either.
Their daily life is pretty different from your average pet. It’s smart to know what you’re signing up for before bringing one home.
If you’re still interested, let’s get into what chipmunk care actually looks like.
Understanding Chipmunks as Pets
Chipmunks are small animals with pretty specific habits and needs. They spend their days bouncing around, so you’ll want to give them an environment that lets them act naturally.
Knowing how long they live, their daily routines, and the legal stuff will help you figure out if a chipmunk really fits your lifestyle.
Characteristics and Natural Behavior
Chipmunks are little, striped rodents who stick close to the ground most of the time. They dig burrows and climb just about anything—trees, bushes, you name it.
If you want them to feel at home, make sure their enclosure has space for digging and climbing.
Since chipmunks are prey animals, they need lots of hiding spots to feel secure. Give them several places to tuck themselves away if something spooks them.
Most chipmunks don’t enjoy being picked up much. They get scared or stressed out pretty easily.
They’re diurnal, which means they’re up and active during the day. That can be fun if you like to watch their antics.
But honestly, they’re quick and a bit jittery, so you’ll need patience if you want to interact with them.
Lifespan and Activity Patterns
A chipmunk in captivity usually lives around 4 to 8 years. Some, with really good care, might even make it to 10.
They spend daylight hours exploring, climbing, and searching for food.
When it gets cold, chipmunks sometimes go into a light hibernation called torpor. They slow down a lot but still wake up now and then to eat or drink.
If you keep them indoors where it’s warm, they might skip this behavior altogether.
Chipmunks love to stash food, so you’ll need to check their hiding spots often. Make sure they always have fresh water, and toss out old or spoiled food to keep them healthy.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
You can keep a chipmunk you already have, but in many places, buying or breeding new ones isn’t allowed. Laws about invasive species can get pretty strict.
In the EU, importing or selling chipmunks isn’t permitted at all.
Since they’re wild animals, chipmunks might not settle into life as a pet very well. You’ll need to commit to giving them the right space and diet.
If you don’t, they could get sick or stressed out.
If you’re thinking about keeping more than one, be careful. Male chipmunks can fight unless you manage their group closely.
Always check your local laws to make sure you’re doing things right and protecting both your pet and the local wildlife.
For more details on legal and responsible chipmunk care, check out How To Care For Pet Chipmunks – RSPCA.
Chipmunk Care Essentials
Caring for a chipmunk means you’ll need to provide a safe, cozy home, a balanced diet, and gentle handling. You also have to watch their health and keep them mentally and physically busy.
Proper Housing and Enrichment
Your chipmunk needs a big, secure home. A tall cage or enclosure works best so they can climb, dig, and explore.
Cover solid flooring with safe bedding—dust-free wood shavings or shredded paper are good options. This lets your chipmunk dig around comfortably.
Add lots of climbing branches, ropes, and nest boxes with shredded paper or hay. Give them hiding spots like hollow logs or tunnels so they can feel safe.
Skip wire mesh floors—they can hurt chipmunk feet.
Keep things quiet and calm around them. Loud noises or other pets (like dogs or cats) can stress them out.
Check their enclosure often for damage. Chewing and digging can break things, and you don’t want any escape routes or hazards.
Recommended Diet and Nutrition
Feed your chipmunk a mixed diet, with cereals like oats, wheat, and barley making up about half. Toss in unsalted nuts and seeds—pine nuts work well.
Offer fresh fruits and veggies such as apples, pears, and peaches (no pits!) in small amounts.
Give them fresh water every day—use a stainless steel spout bottle, and check it twice daily for leaks or blockages.
A cuttlefish bone is helpful, too. It gives them calcium and helps keep their teeth from getting too long.
Don’t use seed-based rodent pellets. Remove any uneaten fresh food before it spoils.
If your chipmunk stops eating or drinking, call a vet right away.
Socialization, Handling, and Health Concerns
Chipmunks tend to be shy, and they get stressed pretty easily. If you want to build trust, try a quiet, gentle approach when you handle them.
Don’t chase or grab them out of the blue—that just freaks them out. Let them come to you, or if you really need to, use a padded net so you don’t hurt them.
Keep an eye out for stress. If your chipmunk gets aggressive, hides all the time, looks scruffy, or stops eating, that’s a red flag.
If you spot any of those signs, it’s probably time to call a vet. You should also watch for breathing problems, wetness around the mouth (which can mean dental trouble), or any weird changes in how they act.
When you have more than one chipmunk, give them places to hide. They sometimes get aggressive with each other.
Only use medicines a vet gives you. Oh, and make sure your chipmunk stays away from toxic foods, plants, or chemicals—better safe than sorry.
