How Long Can Chinchillas Go Without Food? The 135 Top Answers

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How to know if you have a happy pet

With some pets, it’s pretty easy to tell if they’re happy. Dogs, for example, are such a giveaway with their wagging tails and big, sloppy smiles. With other pets, signs of happiness can be a bit more difficult to spot.

Enthusiastic Dogs

Along with a tall, wagging tail, a happy dog ​​will have soft eyes and floppy, relaxed ears that aren’t tense or pressed flat against the head. A relaxed posture is also a good sign that he’s cold, as is leaning on your hand when you pet him. Happy dogs are playful dogs and will play “bows,” where your dog will lie on his elbows with his back higher than his front to tell you he’s feeling good and wants to have fun. Try bowing and see your dog’s face light up.

Happy cats

Cats are much harder to read than dogs. Genetically predisposed to be lonely hunters who must rely on themselves, cats tend to hide their emotions. Of course, as any cat owner will know, a purring kitten squeezing your lap shows that your pet is quite content. Another way cats show that they are feeling happy and relaxed is by putting their feet under their body with their eyes closed, or by turning around and showing their tummy. Be warned though, unlike a dog asking for a tummy tickle, this isn’t an invitation from your cat for a tummy rub – claws may come out if you try. A slow blink from your cat is a sign of true affection – in the feline world, closing your eyes in the presence of another is a sign of trust. You can return the affection by slowly blinking back.

Happy Bunnies

Gentle, gentle grinding of teeth, almost like a cat’s purr, conveys contentment. The ears are like a rabbit’s radar, used to adjust to what’s going on around them. Flattening both ears is the rabbit’s relaxed way of saying, “It’s all good and I can give my radar a break.” Two bonded rabbits will groom each other, and the licking is your rabbit’s way of saying, “Me.” like you”. To communicate that they are feeling very happy and playful, rabbits use the “binky”. This is an amazing acrobatic hare jump accompanied by a twist of the body or kicking of the legs. A rabbit that is sitting still or grooming itself may suddenly fall on its side and lie still. This can look pretty disturbing, but it actually means, “I’m just so relaxed.”

Happy guinea pigs

Chatty little creatures, guinea pigs let you know how they’re feeling using a variety of sounds, including the familiar “wheek-wheek” call — a sign of excitement or to find a friend — and a low “purr” that they say when they feel content and relaxed. They also make a series of short “putt-putt” sounds when they’re happily exploring. When really excited, guineas can jump up and down straight, often turning 90° in the air and performing a neat little move known as “pop corning.”

Radiant rats

Once rats trust your company, they’ll happily perch on your lap or shoulder and grind their teeth to show they’re quite content – this is known as “bruxing” and is similar to a cat’s purr. And just like humans, rats laugh when they’re happy. This was discovered in the 1990s by neuroscientist Jaak Panksepp, who used a bat detector to make their ultrasonic chirps audible. Rats laugh when they play with each other and when they are tickled. Laughing rats playfully seek tickles from humans, just as dogs urge their humans to play.

Exuberant ferrets

When ferrets are feeling happy, they often perform the “Dance of Joy.” This includes blowing up your tail, showing your teeth, tossing your head back and hopping in all directions. When your ferret paws at the ground, he’s inviting you or another ferret to wrestle him. Happy, excited ferrets also produce barking noises and chirping noises known as “dooking.”

Happy chinchillas

It is important for happy chinchillas to let them sleep undisturbed for a long time during the day. As nocturnal creatures, they are likely to be more sociable at night. However, shy chinchillas prefer to interact with people on their own terms and are generally averse to being picked up. A chilled chinchilla that has bonded with you will prefer it if you sit on the floor and let them bounce you all over the place while they make little chattering noises along with some excited little squeaks. Some even like a little snuggling. A really happy chinchilla will make popcorn and hop around excitedly.

Happy hamsters

If you’re wondering if your hamster is happy, look at their body language. A yawning hamster is pleasantly sleepy and comfortable. Relaxed grooming, stretching, burrowing, foraging, and lively acrobatics in the cage are signs that life is good for your hamster pal. A jump in the air signals a good mood and shows that he or she is in a really good mood.

Funny gerbils

When your gerbils jump in the air, it’s a sign they’re excited – you’ll notice they’re doing this when they see you first thing in the morning, or when you play with them to let you know they are are happy to socialize with you. Burrowing, tunneling, or burrowing are positive signs in gerbils, showing they are happily going about their gerbil business. A comfortable, laid-back gerbil uses its tongue to brush or wash its paws, tummy, face, and tail—doing this while being held by you shows that it is feeling happy and calm. If your gerbils vibrate or purr when you pet them, this signals that they are very happy and relaxed.

Fine and dandy degus

Degus show affection for one another by grooming each other – so don’t worry if your degus start gently nibbling your skin – it’s their way of showing their care. When you pet your degus and they make a trilling or chirping sound, it means they are feeling very happy and content.

Did you know?

In fact, in the UK, it is a legal obligation for pet owners to ensure that their pets are happy and healthy. The Animal Welfare Act 2006 (England and Wales) and Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) 2006 make a pet keeper legally responsible for ensuring that all domesticated animals in his care meet their five animal welfare needs. All pets have the legal right to:

Live in an appropriate environment Eat an appropriate diet Display normal behavior patterns Be housed with or apart from other animals Protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease

If you found this interesting, you might also like:

Messy pets give our health a boost

The tiny microbes that animals bring into our homes can be good for us.

Are you an animal expert?

how smart is your dog Why do cats groom themselves so much? How high can chinchillas jump? What do you call a group of rats? Test your pet’s general knowledge with our fun and informative quiz.

Sources: rspca.org.uk, pdsa.org.uk, bluecross.org.uk, cats.org.uk, chewy.com

Cheerios are a popular, healthy breakfast cereal that many people enjoy, but can chinchillas eat this famous cereal? Yes, chinchillas can eat Cheerios, but they should be given in moderation. Cheerios have a higher concentration of phosphorus than chinchillas need, so too much can lead to a nutritional imbalance.

Read on to learn more about Cheerios for chinchillas and what foods you should and should not feed your chinchilla for optimal health.

What are Cheerios?

Cheerios are a whole grain cereal made with oats, cornstarch, salt, sugar, tripotassium, phosphate, and vitamin E. While all of these ingredients are safe for chinchillas, too much can pose a problem.

One of the best aspects of Cheerios, both for humans and pets, is that they are low in calories and fat. They also have many essential nutrients, including iron, fiber, and vitamin D.

Here’s the nutritional value of one cup (28 grams) of plain, no-dairy Cheerios:

Should Chinchillas Eat Cheerios?

Cheerios are perfectly safe for chinchillas. There is no ingredient that is toxic or dangerous to chinchillas on its own.

However, chinchillas require a balance of calcium and phosphorus in a 2 to 1 ratio. These two essential minerals are necessary for good health and numerous physiological functions.

Without the right balance, a chinchilla can develop muscle and bone problems, muscle cramps, and brittle bones. A calcium-phosphorus imbalance detected early can be corrected with mineral supplements under veterinary supervision.

Cheerios have a 1:1 ratio of calcium to phosphorus, which doesn’t provide enough calcium that chinchillas need. For this reason, Cheerios should be limited to a treat and not an addition to regular meals.

What about flavored Cheerios?

Your chinchilla can have a few Cheerios every now and then without causing any harm. However, this should be considered a treat and not a normal part of the meal. Treats specially designed for chinchillas should be the preferred option, but there’s nothing wrong with an occasional Cheerio.

However, you should only feed your chinchilla original, plain Cheerios. Avoid flavored varieties like Honey Nut or Multigrain Cheerios as they have higher sugar content.

What foods are toxic to chinchillas?

Several foods are toxic or dangerous to chinchillas, including:

Chinchillas are herbivores and native to South America. In the wild, chinchillas eat grass, leaves, and twigs. Because of this, chinchillas need a diet high in fiber and protein but low in moisture and fat.

The foods mentioned either contain unsuitable nutritional profiles for your chinchilla that can affect their health, or are toxic to your chinchilla. It’s also best to avoid foods high in fat, which can make chinchillas sick or overweight.

When in doubt, avoid feeding your chinchilla anything unfamiliar and consult your veterinarian for proper nutrition and treats for your individual pet.

What is the ideal diet for chinchillas?

Chinchillas need a high-fiber diet consisting of grass hay such as timothy hay, orchard grass, oat hay, or meadow hay. You can occasionally add some alfalfa hay as well, but it shouldn’t be the only hay on offer. Alfalfa hay is high in calcium and can contribute to bladder stones.

You can add a small amount of commercially available pelleted chinchilla food to your chinchilla’s diet. A tablespoon or two a day is adequate for most chinchillas.

When fed properly, chinchillas do not require any vitamin or mineral supplements. As a treat, you can offer small portions of high-fiber fruit, such as apples, or low-calcium green vegetables. There are many commercial chinchilla treats that are safer for your chinchilla than offering “human food.”

Your chinchilla needs a low-moisture diet, but should still have access to fresh, clean water at all times. Depending on the mineral content of your tap water, you may only want to give your chinchilla bottled spring water or distilled water. You should clean your chinchilla’s water tank with soap and water every day.

Most people provide water through a drinking bottle attached to the side of the cage, but you can use a bowl as well. Remember that bowls are more likely to get dirty or spill, so you need to be careful when changing the water and washing the bowl. Never leave water standing even if it looks clean as it can harbor dangerous bacteria.

Conclusion

Cheerios can be a fun treat for your chinchilla every now and then, but they should not be included in your daily diet. A single Cheerios or two occasionally can be a tasty and harmless treat for your chinchilla, as long as you remember moderation.

Selected image source: PublicDomainPictures, Pixabay

by Cat Logdon

Before accepting pets into your life, it is important to educate yourself about their proper care and special needs. Not every pet is right for every person and as it is only fair to consider their needs and whether or not we can provide adequate care for them, we ask that you consider the following information before deciding to adopt a chinchilla to adopt.

Chinchillas are adorable, delicate and interesting companions that can live for 12-18 years, with some known to live up to 20 years!

Chinchillas need to live indoors where they are safe from predators, extreme weather, and loneliness.

Chinchillas are crepuscular, meaning they are most active in the late afternoon/early evening and early morning hours. They adapt fairly well to the human schedule and generally like to sleep in the midday to mid-afternoon hours.

Chinchillas are very sociable and social creatures that like to live in large groups (often up to 100 chinchillas in the wild!) so it’s best for them to keep them in pairs (neutered and neutered of course).

Chinchillas should be spayed or spayed by exotic animal vets experienced in working with chinchillas. Not all vets see chinchillas, so it’s important to find one who will before a medical emergency arises.

Chinchillas need a special dust bath every day to keep their fur healthy. It’s also a lot of fun for them and very cute to look at.

Chinchillas need toys to play with and at least 2-4 hours of playtime outside of the cage in a chinchilla-safe area each night.

While chinchillas make wonderful adult and/or family pets, they aren’t particularly well suited to children as they are sensitive, prefer quiet – and can be easily injured by small feet or mishandling.

Housing

Chinchillas are active and need large, spacious enclosures to stay healthy and happy. Large, multi-level cages are best, as they provide multiple “tiers” to chin hop, play, or look out of. Chins have long, powerful hind legs and need to hop around to keep their muscles in good shape. These multi-tiered types of cages can be purchased or handcrafted. You can put a basket of hay on one tier, a bed on another, a stash tube or box, various toys—or nothing at all. Make it fun for your friend!

Chinchillas don’t do well with high temperatures, so cage placement is very important. The enclosure/cage should be in a well-lit area where the ambient temperature does not exceed 78°F. Although you may see your chin dozing outside of the cage in a sunny spot during its playtime, it’s important that the cage is kept out of direct sunlight.

Wire on cage floors as well as the different tiers should be covered with low-pile rugs or grass mats to prevent little feet from falling through (legs or toes can be easily broken if they fall through). The bottom tier can be filled with chinchilla-safe bedding such as Carefresh or Aspen wood shavings. Pine and cedar wood shavings/litter are not safe for small mammals as they contain oils that can be harmful to the respiratory tract and liver.

Kinne like to hide and snooze, so a large hideout house or tube made of wood or cardboard is a nice thing to put in the cage.

A water bottle and pellet pot should be provided. The water should be changed daily, and the bottle should be checked for proper flow at each refill.

Chinchillas don’t need litter boxes, but some can use them. Their homes should be swept/cleaned every day to rid them of feces and urine.

toys and exercise

Chinchillas are active and need toys to play with and chew on, as well as plenty of time outside the cage (at least 2-4 hours a day) to hop around and explore their surroundings (which must be ‘chinchilla-proof’, see below). Many Chins love to have large plastic wheels. DO NOT use spoked wheels or plastic sprocket wheels as small feet could slip and your chin could be injured when walking.

Hanging wooden toys, chewable slingshot toys, plastic keys, small balls, cardboard tubes, toilet paper rolls, mini rabbit bags, and zooh chew balls are fun toys for your chin. Every chin is different, some like toys and some like others. Check out some of the toys in our Zooh Store! Your chin will love you.

Chew toys are fun and necessary for your chinchilla’s dental health as well. It is important to provide your chinchilla with safe things to chew on, such as wooden blocks to bite/gnaw on (front teeth) and a variety of safe twigs and chews to chew on (back teeth). At Zooh Corner we have many wonderful chew toys specially designed for your pet’s dental health such as: We also have a variety of chew rings, natural hay and treat-filled chew baskets, and our wonderful BunnyBags™ filled with herbs and chews.

For time outside of the cage, a cardboard cottontail cottage is a lot of fun. These two-story cardboard climbing huts can be purchased at Zooh Corner events or online at Cats and Rabbits and More. These cottages have small cardboard doors and windows – we recommend cutting these out for smaller animals such as chinchillas and smaller breed rabbits (Dutch dwarfs).

Hay, the most important ingredient in a healthy chin diet, is also an excellent way to keep your chin teeth in good condition, which brings us to our next topic, nutrition.

diet

Grass hay such as timothy, orchard and oat mixes are the most important element in your chinchilla’s diet. Your chinchilla should have 24-hour access to fresh, varied grass hay. The fiber and nutrients that grass hay provides are key to good health.

Pellets are another part of the healthy Chin diet. Young Chins (under one year old) can be offered an unlimited amount of pellets, but once they turn one year old and the nutritional needs are no longer those of a growing baby, the pellets should be reduced to about 1 or 2 tablespoons a day. OxBow Hay Company offers a Chinchilla Pellet that is high in fiber and nutritionally balanced. It’s called Chinchilla Deluxe. Not all pet stores sell OxBow products, but many local exotics vets do, or you can order online (www.oxbowhay.com) and also see the list of local retailers.

**It’s important to note that your average pet store isn’t always the best place to buy pellets and hay. Many pet stores don’t carry the right type of pellet for bunnies or bunnies, and their pellets and hay have often been in storage or on the shelves for a while and they can tend to be a little stale. Good places to buy hay and pellets: Local rescue organizations often sell fresh hay in bulk at good prices to fund their rescues; Local forage retailers carry (grass) hay and may be willing to sell part bales at good prices. Pellets can be purchased online at OxBow.com from some animal rescues, and often your own exotics vet will carry them.

Zooh Corner Rabbit Rescue have a wonderful selection of Fresh Grass Hay and we ship to the US and Canada. We pack weekly or bi-weekly and track all types of hay to ensure our hay is always fresh, healthy and delicious. We offer timothy grass, orchard grass and Zooh Mix (a mix of oat, wheat and barley hay).

Vegetables are an important part of a healthy diet. Offer about ½ cup per day (per chin) of fresh leafy greens: parsley, cilantro, dark green lettuce, fresh herbs (mint, basil, etc.), bok choy, carrot tops. All vegetables should be washed as for human consumption. When you start offering veggies, start with a small amount and gradually increase to about 2/3 cup per day. Not all Chins like the same vegetables.

Treats are fun and Chins love them, but they should only be given small amounts: a small slice of carrot, a piece of apple or pear, a piece of cactus apple (part of the natural diet of wild quinines!), a raisin, a piece of strawberry, a Blueberry… Treats should be offered in very small quantities.

dust baths

Chinchillas need a special dust bath to keep their fur healthy. It is best to offer them this dust bath daily. Commercial chinchilla dust is available at most pet stores. A plastic container, square and big enough for you to roll around in, should be filled with about 3 inches of dust. Chins often spend up to an hour wallowing in the dust, but shouldn’t have access all day, as too much dust bathing can cause conjunctivitis. After your chin has been bathed, clean the dust by scooping out any fecal pellets and storing the container in a dry place. Completely change dust every 2-3 days.

Note: It is not advisable to offer the dust bath in closed commercial “chin baths” as the trapped dust may cause eye and/or respiratory irritation.

Chinchilla Proofing – Make your home safe for your chinchilla

Chinchillas are small and can move quickly and jump onto things. So, when making your home security-proof, there are several things to consider:

Power cables must be covered. Not only on the ground, but also higher up. Plastic tubing can be slit lengthwise and the cables tucked in, or you can purchase commercially available cable protectors.

Chins are small and can squeeze into all sorts of dangerous spots: plexiglass and plywood barricades can help keep them out, and bricks can be used for some ground-level areas. Again, keep in mind that chinchillas can jump on things to get to all sorts of places. Therefore, checking just a few inches or a foot up may not be good enough.

Make sure your chin doesn’t have access to poisonous plants and that it can’t get into any cupboards.

Handling and spending time with your chinchilla will help ensure that they are friendly and easy to handle and catch. When you first let your chin out of its cage to play, it’s a good idea to do so in a small enclosed space, perhaps a bathroom (make sure the toilet is closed). Once you’re sure you can catch him, let him into the security-checked rooms you’ve chosen. His first outings should be short and frequent. This way you can find out what mischief he is prone to so you can do further safety proofing (or eliminations) and help him realize that he is responsible for food, water, rest and toilet breaks on his own cage can return.

Make sure that all doors and windows to the outside are properly closed and locked. There is a very good chance that if your chinchilla goes off outside, you would never catch him!

Veterinary care

Not all vets are trained to care for chinchillas, which are considered “exotic” in the vet world. It’s best to see a good, qualified chinchilla vet before you get your chinchilla and then make an appointment for a “good chinchilla” check-up within the first week or two so you can begin a working relationship with build up to your veterinarian. For comparison purposes, it’s also helpful to find a useful guideline for your veterinarian to know how your pet will be doing when healthy. It’s good to do this early on in your new pet so that in case of an emergency, your vet will be more familiar with your pet and better able to treat them.

Chinchillas should visit a veterinarian for a check-up at least once a year, and of course as needed in the case of special concerns and emergencies. We recommend annual blood draws and dental X-rays. They do not require any special vaccinations or vaccinations.

If you would like a referral from a local veterinarian, please contact us – Please put “Chinchilla Veterinary Referral” in the subject line.

Chinchillas are herbivorous animals (i.e. they only eat plant food) and like most other rodents, have a complicated and delicate digestive system. You will find that they tend to feed early in the morning or late at night. Although individual needs will depend on your pet’s age, lifestyle, and health status, here are the most important factors to consider when caring for chinchillas:

Chinchillas have a very sensitive digestive system and in the wild they will eat grasses, leaves, twigs, roots and stems. As pets, chinchillas need a high-fiber diet based on grasses and hay to keep their digestive systems functioning properly.

Also, extra hay should be available to your chinchilla at all times to aid in digestion.

Chinchillas’ teeth grow throughout their lives and need to be worn down and kept in the correct length and shape by eating grass and hay. If they are not fed the right diet, it can lead to serious dental disease.

It is not advisable to make sudden changes to your chinchilla’s diet as this can make them very ill. Always introduce new diets gradually.

Fresh, clean water must always be available. There are water bottles on the market specifically designed for chinchillas and you just need to make sure you check the water level regularly. The bottle should be clean and the water should be changed daily. You should also make sure that your chinchilla can easily reach and drink from the bottle.

A sign of a healthy chinchilla is if it eats every day and sheds a lot of dry poo. Always keep an eye on how much your chinchilla is eating and drinking. If you notice a change in your pet’s eating/drinking habits, or reduced or no faecal production, contact your veterinarian immediately as your pet could be seriously ill.

Like rabbits and guinea pigs, chinchillas use a digestive process called caecotrophy to extract as much goodness as possible from their food. Put simply – they eat their feces (caecotrophs), which allows food to be eaten again!

Chinchillas can suffer from obesity if they are not fed the right food, which can lead to many other health problems. The common cuprits are too many treats or too much kibble with too much sugar.

There are a number of foods that are toxic to chinchillas, so always check before you feed them. DO NOT FEED your chinchilla the following: asparagus, avocado, peas, cabbage, corn, lettuce, broccoli, spinach, rhubarb, and rhubarb leaves. Other dangerous foods are bananas, sunflower seeds and peanuts. This list is not exhaustive, and when in doubt as to whether something is safe to feed, it is best to avoid it.

Your chinchilla with: asparagus, avocado, peas, cabbage, corn, lettuce, broccoli, spinach, rhubarb and rhubarb leaves. Other dangerous foods are bananas, sunflower seeds and peanuts. This list is not exhaustive, and when in doubt as to whether something is safe to feed, it is best to avoid it. There are a number of nutritionally balanced diets for chinchillas on the market. Manufacturers have experts available to advise you on what to buy for your chinchilla and how much and how many times a day to feed it. So, reach out to them directly for more advice on specific products. A list of PFMA members who manufacture pet food for small furries can be found here.

Color vision in chinchillas

September 3, 2018 – News

Chinchillas are nocturnal and were thought to have a purely rod-like retina — but new research has shown that’s not true. Few animals have no cones in their retinas at all, and apart from some species of deep-sea fish and nocturnal reptiles, most nocturnal animals have some form of color vision.

A recent study aimed to investigate the presence of cones in chinchillas by electroretinography in 6 chinchillas and by analysis of histological and immunohistochemical findings in the retinas of 2 of the animals.

The results are consistent with the presence of two types of cones (red/green and blue) and rods. This suggests that chinchillas are indeed animals with bicolor vision. Red/green cones were found in a higher proportion than blue cones, although their contribution to the chinchilla’s vision has not been determined.

In Sandalon S, Boykova A, Ross M, Obolensky A, Banin E, Ofri R. Contrary to popular belief, chinchillas do not have a pure rod retina. Veterinarian Ophthalmol. 2018

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What to feed a chinchilla pet?

Chinchillas are herbivores – they eat a lot of plants and grasses.

Your diet should be high in fiber and protein and low in fat and moisture. It should be about 35% carbohydrate, 15% protein, 30% fiber, 4% sugar, and no more than 3.5% fat.

In their natural environment, chinchillas chew the bark of trees. If your pet chinchilla is deficient in fiber in their diet, their teeth can become overgrown, which can then lead to fur chewing. A low-fiber diet also interferes with their digestion.

Too much fat in a chinchilla’s diet can cause liver damage.

Chinchillas will eat different types of vegetation, but overabundant plants could upset their stomachs, so amounts must be carefully regulated.

A constant supply of hay is strongly recommended. Hay makes up the majority of their diet. Chinchillas’ digestive systems need hay and grass to stay healthy.

Chinchillas can get very sick without water, so they need constant access to clean drinking water. Use a drinking bottle to keep the water clean.

If you also want to insure your pig, ExoticDirect is the only insurer in the UK that can cover up to £2,000 in veterinary costs for micro/mini/teapot pigs. Request an offer here

In this Article: What Fruits and Vegetables Can Chinchillas Eat? | Can chinchillas eat rabbit food? | Can you buy chinchilla food? | What treats do chinchillas like? | Foods Chinchillas Can’t Eat | Chinchilla diet dos and don’ts

Leafy greens should be part of a chinchilla’s main diet. Fruit should only be given as a treat.

What fruits and vegetables can chinchillas eat?

The following vegetables can make up the bulk of a chinchilla’s staple diet:

carrot

Kale

alfalfa

celery

Potato

sweet potatoes

To squeeze

Chinchillas need about a teaspoon of fresh greens every day.

Fruit should only be given as a treat as it contains a lot of sugar. Chinchillas can eat small amounts of fruit, such as:

apples

blueberries

Grapes

raisins

sultanas

Can chinchillas eat rabbit food?

Exotic pet sources disagree on this matter, but rabbits and chinchillas have different dietary needs, so it’s best not to feed chinchillas rabbit food pellets.

Some experts say that high-quality rabbit food is fine for chinchillas, but it’s not clear how high the quality needs to be. Show rabbit food is the highest quality rabbit food you can get, but it is not available in all pet stores and would still need to be labeled as safe for chinchillas.

A number of brands sell chinchilla feed pellets

Can you buy chinchilla food?

You can buy chinchilla feed pellets at pet stores.

Feed about two tablespoons of pellets daily, preferably in the morning and evening, as chinchillas are most active at midnight and dawn.

Treats should only be given in small amounts as they are high in fat and sugar. Too much fat in chinchillas can be life-threatening

What treats do chinchillas like?

Small amounts of dried fruit and root vegetables such as raisins, sultanas and carrots.

Some sources recommend nuts and seeds as treats, but you have to consider the high fat content in these. Chinchillas can become seriously ill if given fatty foods, so avoid feeding nuts and seeds and other high-fat foods.

Control the amount of treats you give as they can be high in sugar and providing your chinchilla with too much of it can lead to obesity which can lead to illness.

Chinchillas have sensitive stomachs, so avoid giving them too many fruits and vegetables as this can cause diarrhea.

Treats usually contain more sugar and fat; too many can lead to liver damage and weight gain, so don’t overfeed treats.

Foods chinchillas cannot eat

cabbage

Corn

banana

nuts

sunflower seeds

lettuce

asparagus

avocado

rhubarb

rhubarb leaves

Peas

broccoli

spinach

Always check with your veterinarian if you are unsure.

Chinchilla diet dos and don’ts

Always make sure they have clean drinking water and plenty of hay available. Replace the hay frequently as it can become moldy.

Don’t introduce sudden dietary changes as they can make her very ill.

Make sure they eat and drink and defecate dry feces every day.

Like rabbits, chinchillas are coprophagous—they eat their own droppings. They do this to take in extra nutrients, so don’t discourage them from doing so.

Avoid nuts and seeds as they are high in fat, which can make chinchillas very ill.

Top treats.

According to our online community of chinchilla owners, the most popular and healthiest treats for chinchillas are timothy hay, rose hips, plain cheerios, dried calendula, and goji berries.

It is recommended that you try a small amount of each to see what your chinchilla likes. They each have their own favorites and one of our community’s LOVED flowers, Willow Leaves, Vine Leaves and Rose Hips!

They can also buy tons of flowers, willow and vine leaves, and rose hips for the new chin, and it may turn out that all they want is pumpkin/hay biscuits, oatmeal, and pear sticks!

You can also feed dried calendula and a goji berry every 3 days. It is very important to know that one should not give too many treats, otherwise one will get a thick and diabetic chin.

For a full breakdown of chinchilla food, see our chinchilla food blog post

Always ensure that your chinchilla has fresh hay to eat 24 hours a day. Roughage is important for your animal’s gastrointestinal tract, but also for its dental health. Both loose hay and hay cubes are suitable. Some suitable hay options include timothy hay, meadow hay, orchard hay, and alfalfa hay. However, always make sure there is plenty of timothy hay. Offer your chinchilla fresh hay daily. If you leave it outside longer you risk it getting moldy or otherwise dirty – not good.

While female chinchillas can occasionally be aggressive toward other females, much of their aggression is directed at males attempting to mate with them. This is not a problem for females. If you already have a boy, find another boy. If you have a girl, choose another girl. Solid opposite-gender duos sometimes work, but mostly with siblings. Littermates who have never been separated are comfortable with each other and are therefore not as prone to fights. If you ever have chinchillas that are violent and don’t get along, place them in separate enclosures immediately. They often manage successfully to live permanently alone. Remember that spacious enclosures are always a good idea for chinchilla cohabitation. Get a case that’s as big as your space will allow.

Thinking about becoming a new pet parent and adding a little furry friend to the family? If yes, have you ever considered an exotic pet like a chinchilla? Native to the Andes, these plush friends are critically endangered in the wild – but before you fret – you’ll be pleased to know that they continue to thrive as pets! While chinchillas can be part of the rodent family along with mice and hamsters, they require specific chinchilla care and have personalities all their own. Would you like to find out more? Here are 10 reasons chinchillas make great pets!

1. Chinchillas require a low-maintenance diet.

Chinchillas don’t require many complex foods, but it’s important to stick to their modest but essential dietary needs. Chinchillas are herbivores and feed on a simple high-fiber, low-fat, low-sugar diet of timothy hay and compacted chinchilla pellets. Since their diet is low-maintenance, it’s also important to keep sweet treats to a minimum – an excess on board can do more harm than good.

2. Chinchilla fur is considered the softest in the world.

Chinchillas are known around the world for their soft, luxurious and extremely thick fur. Their fur is so thick that one follicle can hold up to 50 hairs or more! They also don’t produce as much dander as other pets – which is great for pet lovers who are prone to allergies; Also, fleas and mites have little to no interest in their naturally impenetrable fur.

However, thick fur also brings with it the susceptibility to overheating. Temperatures just above 75 degrees Fahrenheit — while comfortable for humans — can be too much for these little creatures, so they need to be kept in a cool and air-conditioned area.

3. Chinchillas use their fur as a defense mechanism.

Want to learn another fun fact about chinchilla fur? It serves as a defense mechanism.

“Because chinchillas are a prey species, it’s not uncommon for them to end up in the mouths of predators in the wild,” explains Dr. Laurie Hess, DVM, owner of the Veterinary Center for Birds & Exotics in Bedford Hills, New York, and director of pet health and nutrition at ZuPreem. “To help them flee a hungry predator, chinchillas have the ability to automatically release patches of fur to escape — known as fur slip.”

That’s why you should never grab a chinchilla by the fur, as mishandling your fur baby can mean it doesn’t stay as furry for long.

4. They bathe in the dust.

Yes, you read that right – unlike other pets, chinchillas should not bathe in water as this will strip the natural oils from their thick fur. Instead, they need a dust bath to keep their fur silky smooth. As an added bonus, dust baths can even help relieve stress in your pet chinchilla – meaning more fun for them.

To keep it looking and feeling its best, it is recommended that you bathe your chinchilla pet in an all-natural dust bath at least twice a week. Since you probably don’t want to use your own bathtub, you should also consider a chinchilla dust bath house. This provides your furry friend with a safe and easy to clean enclosure to roll around in to her heart’s content.

5. They have a long service life.

Chinchillas have an average lifespan of 10-15 years and can even live up to 20 years! This allows you to form a strong, long-lasting bond with your chinchilla. A chinchilla pet is perfect for a dedicated parent who wants years of company.

6. They’re the perfect pet for working parents.

If you’re worried about not having enough time to devote to your pet because you work all day, then a chinchilla might be the perfect friend for you. Chinchillas are nocturnal to crepuscular, meaning they typically sleep indoors during the day and are most active at night, or at dusk and dawn. With a chinchilla, you can go to work feeling guilt-free, knowing that your furry friend is resting happily in his chinchilla cottage, perfect for some playtime when the sun goes down.

You may also want to place your chinchilla cage somewhere other than your bedroom – so you can get a good night’s sleep without being disturbed by their playful ruckus.

7. Chinchillas are affectionate.

While chinchillas prefer not to cuddle, they are still very affectionate towards their pet parents. They are naturally curious and enjoy getting out of their chinchilla cages whenever possible – under the supervision of their pet parent, of course!

“In the wild, chinchillas spend a lot of time foraging for leaves and food that they don’t have the opportunity to do in captivity,” says Dr. Hess.

As such, she recommends letting chinchillas out of their cages at least once a day for as long as possible as part of proper chinchilla care.

8. Chinchillas are fast.

Although “chill” is in their name, chinchillas are usually far from it.

“Chinchillas are usually very shy animals because they are a prey species,” says Dr. Hess.

They also love to run, jump and climb, so they prefer not to be restrained. Chinchillas have the perfect temperament for building a reciprocal relationship with other chinchillas and pet parents, but just like us, they all have their own unique personalities.

9. Chinchillas are trainable.

Chinchillas are trainable and with a lot of patience they can learn to go on the potty and be held gently. It helps to start when they are young and you need to develop a strong bond with them. A bonded chinchilla is more social and receptive to being held than one that has not had an opportunity to bond.

“Chinchillas can be funny and very cute, but you have to work with them and teach them to be comfortable around you,” says Dr. Hess.

This will take time and effort, but once you bond with your chinchilla, you will build an even stronger relationship over time.

10. The more chinchillas, the better

Chinchillas typically live in colonies or “herds,” which is actually called a group of chinchillas. So if you’re considering getting a chinchilla—although it’s not required—there are two of them to consider. This way your furry friend will never get bored or lonely.

As you can see, these cute creatures have many amazing traits and can make the perfect pet for the right parents. You can form a bond that will last for years—and let’s face it, who doesn’t want a pocket-sized best friend?

By Mimi Hepstinstall

Don’t underestimate the intelligence of any animal, especially the smaller rodents like chinchillas. If rats can memorize their way through a maze, why can’t chinchillas do the same? Animal intelligence is critical for a species to adapt to a new environment and use its environment to survive. Chinchillas are an intelligent species when you consider what they are capable of.

How smart are chinchillas?

A type of small rodent, chinchillas are more intelligent than most people realize. They have many different abilities that prove just how smart they really are. They learn social skills, listen to their names, and even learn new commands as they train. You might not be able to give these animals an IQ test, but it’s easy to see that they are perfectly capable of using their brains to the best of their ability.

Can chinchillas have good memories?

Intelligence goes hand in hand with memory. The more you remember, the easier it is to learn from past mistakes and adapt to new situations. Chinchillas have fantastic memories when it comes to faces and voices. Chinchilla owners often express how excited their pets are when they enter the room or hear their voices.

These animals are also capable of memorizing their spatial environment. Put one in a cage and he’ll memorize the entire layout in no time. They are also smart enough to keep their cage clean. Chinchillas often urinate in the same places in their enclosure to keep the area hygienic.

Related Read: Chinchilla for Sale: Breeder List in the US, UK, and Canada

Do chinchillas learn their own names?

Just like a dog learns its name, chinchillas are capable of it. Over time, these animals associate the specific sound with some form of positive reinforcement. In the wild, identifying different sounds or voices has helped protect them from predators.

Is it possible to train a chinchilla to learn commands?

Training is a crucial part of owning any type of animal. It may surprise you to learn that chinchillas are capable of learning new commands and tricks. For example, some owners choose to teach their chinchillas how to use the litter box. When they have plenty of positive reinforcement, their brain is ready to take over.

Are there any pets smarter than chinchillas?

You can’t deny that chinchillas are intelligent creatures. Because of their memory, trainability, and hygiene practices, they’re way funnier than some other animals out there. In general, they are much smarter than animals like rabbits or squirrels. Some experts even believe their intelligence rivals that of cats and dogs.

Tips for training chinchillas

Training chinchillas is not quite the same as training your dog. Here are a few tips to be successful:

Use treats during a short training session to build trust between the two of you and reinforce good behavior.

Use treats during a short training session to build trust between the two of you and reinforce good behavior.

Related Read: 12 Fascinating and Funny Chinchilla Facts You Never Knew

Final Thoughts

Just because they’re small doesn’t mean chinchillas aren’t intelligent. After spending some time with them, you will quickly realize how amazing and wise they are. After a short time you can see how impressive these animals can be.

Selected image source: AJSTUDIO PHOTOGRAPHY, Shutterstock

What are some of the most common pet chinchilla diseases and health conditions?

Common ailments of pet chinchillas include bite wounds, respiratory problems, overgrown and affected teeth, gastrointestinal stasis, gas, diarrhea, skin problems, and heat stroke.

What are the signs of these conditions?

Bite wounds are common in chinchillas housed with other chinchillas. They can also occur as a result of an attack by the domestic cat or dog. Because of their dense fur, skin wounds are often overlooked. Dog bites can be deadly for chinchillas as a large dog can harm a small, fragile chinchilla. Bites from other chinchillas, dogs, and cats are often infected with various bacteria, most notably Pasteurella multocida, a bacterium commonly found in the mouths of cats and dogs. Left untreated, the infection in the wound can easily spread throughout the body and kill a chinchilla.

Respiratory diseases are common in chinchillas. A relatively minor respiratory problem left untreated can quickly progress to pneumonia, which can be fatal. Conditions such as overcrowding, poor ventilation, and high humidity can predispose to pneumonia. Common signs of respiratory illness in chinchillas include loss of appetite, lethargy, difficulty breathing, nasal or eye discharge, and swollen lymph nodes.

As with many rodents, overgrown and impacted teeth are common in chinchillas. Chinchillas have open roots or continuously growing teeth that grow 5 – 7.5 cm (2 – 3 inches) per year. The teeth must align or meet properly in order to wear against each other properly. Malocclusion occurs when teeth do not meet properly and are therefore not worn properly, resulting in overgrown teeth. This can happen with visible front teeth (incisors) and non-visible back molars. These overgrown teeth can start cutting the tongue, cheek, or lips, which can lead to difficulty eating, decreased appetite, weight loss, drooling (“drooling”), eye problems, and facial scraping. Chinchillas can also get deep tooth root infections.

Tooth overgrowth is also common in chinchillas that do not eat hay as a major part of their diet. Hay is important for chinchillas not only to maintain a healthy gastrointestinal tract, but also to grind down continuously growing teeth. Chinchillas that don’t eat hay don’t wear down their teeth properly, and the surfaces of their upper and lower molars (premolars and molars) then collide inside their mouths. Once these teeth meet, they have no more room to grow, so the roots of those teeth are then crushed in their jaws by the pressure of the upper and lower teeth hitting each other. Typically, all or most of the molars become affected over time, resulting in great pain as the chinchilla initially attempts to chew hard food and eventually any food at all.

“Anesthesia is often needed to allow for a thorough examination of the mouth, and X-rays of the skull may be needed to identify problems.”

If you suspect problems with your chinchilla’s teeth, you should consult a veterinarian familiar with chinchillas immediately. Anesthesia is often required to allow a thorough examination of the mouth, and x-rays of the skull may be needed to identify problems. Infected teeth must be removed, sharp spurs on tooth surfaces must be trimmed, and anti-inflammatory drugs should be administered for pain. Dental disease is generally chronic in chinchillas and can be very difficult to treat.

“Overgrown teeth are common in chinchillas.”

Gastrointestinal (GI) stasis refers to a slowing of the passage of food through the GI tract when chinchillas stop eating for a variety of reasons including dental disease, improper diet, overheating, or other stress. Once the animal stops eating, the normal population of bacteria inhabiting the gastrointestinal tract, breaking down food, mutating and often toxin and gas producing bacteria, overgrows causing even more discomfort to the animal. Regardless of why the pet stopped eating, GI stasis is a potentially life-threatening condition that needs to be treated by a veterinarian as soon as possible.

In addition to GI stasis, chinchillas are prone to developing bloating, or the accumulation of large amounts of gas in the stomach and intestines. Bloating can secondary to GI inflammation, a change in the normal bacteria in the GI tract (dysbiosis), GI stasis, or, in rare cases, intestinal obstruction or torsion (twisting of the GI tract). Affected chinchillas have bloated, sometimes painful abdominal muscles, and they may be weak and lie on their side. If they are overly bloated, they may have difficulty breathing.

In addition to gastrointestinal stasis and bloating, chinchillas sometimes develop diarrhea. Diarrhea is not a disease, but a sign of disease. Rodents have digestive systems designed to digest large amounts of fiber, easily develop diarrhea due to dietary changes, misuse of antibiotics, stress, and diets low in fiber or high in fat, carbohydrates, and protein. Vets will determine the cause of the diarrhea after evaluating the diet and performing diagnostic tests, including stool microscopy, fecal cultures, X-rays, blood tests, or in some cases exploratory surgery.

Chinchillas are also prone to numerous skin and coat problems such as fungal infections (ringworm), fur chewing, hair loss, and an uncommon problem where the fur wraps around the penis in a “ring”, causing irritation or constriction of the penis.

“Chinchillas don’t tolerate moisture at all.”

Heat stroke is a common problem in chinchillas. As native inhabitants of the high Andes, they feel very comfortable with temperatures of 35o – 45oF (2o – 7oC). The optimum ambient temperature in the home should be 55º – 68ºF (10º – 20ºC) and definitely below 80ºF (27ºC). High humidity should also be avoided as chinchillas do not tolerate moisture at all. Temperatures above 80oF (27oC), especially when combined with high humidity, can easily lead to fatal heat stroke. The signs of heat stroke are similar to those seen in any pet with this problem, including panting, high body temperature, open-mouth breathing, and a lack of energy.

How are these ailments and diseases treated?

Bite wounds on chinchillas from other animals can be infected with one or more different types of bacteria and can be fatal very quickly. Bite wounds are true medical emergencies that require immediate veterinary attention. Bite wounds are treated with suitable antibiotics and thorough wound cleaning (possibly with anesthesia).

Pneumonia and other breathing problems are treated with antibiotics. Chinchillas that are lethargic and have stopped eating require aggressive in-hospital therapy, including fluid therapy and force-feeding.

Overgrown and impacted teeth should be trimmed by your veterinarian. Anesthesia is often necessary to prevent injury to the chinchilla. In the past, nail trimmers were used to trim overgrown teeth. However, due to the potential for damaging the teeth and jaw, most veterinarians trim the teeth with a dental drill, which is designed to cut through the teeth without damaging them or the surrounding gums. Long-term anti-inflammatory drugs and a soft diet are generally indicated for teeth that are impacted but not infected or loose.

Treatment for GI stasis includes fluids (generally given subcutaneously or intravenously), injection feeding, pain relievers, and drugs to improve GI motility as long as there is no physical obstruction of the GI tract. In addition, the cause of GI stasis (ie, dental disease, overheating, stress, etc.) must be identified and treated. Treatment for bloating is generally supportive and is similar to GI stasis, except in severe cases where a tube is inserted through the mouth into the stomach to relieve gas pressure. The prognosis is poor for severe flatulence. Proper treatment for diarrhea depends on the cause. Parasites are treated with appropriate dewormers. Bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics. An inappropriate diet is corrected by switching to a more appropriate, high-fiber diet.

Heatstroke is an emergency that requires immediate veterinary attention. The chinchilla is immediately chilled with lukewarm (not ice cold) water baths, cold water enemas, various medications, intraperitoneal fluids (fluids given directly into the abdominal cavity), and intravenous fluid therapy. Care must be taken not to over-chill the animal as a rapid drop in body temperature could kill the pet.

Chinchillas discovered at home with heat stroke should be rinsed with lukewarm (but not cold) water, cooled with a fan and taken to the veterinary clinic as soon as possible.

“NEVER give your pet chinchilla a human medication such as AspirinTM or TylenolTM as these drugs could kill your pet.”

Alcohol applied to the chinchilla’s skin actually decreases heat loss from the body and is not recommended. NEVER give your chinchilla pet a human medication such as AspirinTM or TylenolTM as these medications could kill your pet.

How do I know if my chinchilla is sick?

Certain signs of illness in chinchillas are specific to certain diseases. Unfortunately, the clinical signs are often vague and non-specific, such as For example, a chinchilla with anorexia (loss of appetite) and lethargy that can accompany many diseases, including pneumonia, overgrown/affected teeth, cancer, and even kidney or liver failure. ANY deviation in your chinchilla’s behavior from normal should be a cause for concern and requires immediate evaluation by your veterinarian.

Chinchillas are herbivorous animals (i.e. they only eat plant food) and like most other rodents, have a complicated and delicate digestive system. You will find that they tend to feed early in the morning or late at night. Although individual needs will depend on your pet’s age, lifestyle, and health status, here are the most important factors to consider when caring for chinchillas:

Chinchillas have a very sensitive digestive system and in the wild they will eat grasses, leaves, twigs, roots and stems. As pets, chinchillas need a high-fiber diet based on grasses and hay to keep their digestive systems functioning properly.

Also, extra hay should be available to your chinchilla at all times to aid in digestion.

Chinchillas’ teeth grow throughout their lives and need to be worn down and kept in the correct length and shape by eating grass and hay. If they are not fed the right diet, it can lead to serious dental disease.

It is not advisable to make sudden changes to your chinchilla’s diet as this can make them very ill. Always introduce new diets gradually.

Fresh, clean water must always be available. There are water bottles on the market specifically designed for chinchillas and you just need to make sure you check the water level regularly. The bottle should be clean and the water should be changed daily. You should also make sure that your chinchilla can easily reach and drink from the bottle.

A sign of a healthy chinchilla is if it eats every day and sheds a lot of dry poo. Always keep an eye on how much your chinchilla is eating and drinking. If you notice a change in your pet’s eating/drinking habits, or reduced or no faecal production, contact your veterinarian immediately as your pet could be seriously ill.

Like rabbits and guinea pigs, chinchillas use a digestive process called caecotrophy to extract as much goodness as possible from their food. Put simply – they eat their feces (caecotrophs), which allows food to be eaten again!

Chinchillas can suffer from obesity if they are not fed the right food, which can lead to many other health problems. The common cuprits are too many treats or too much kibble with too much sugar.

There are a number of foods that are toxic to chinchillas, so always check before you feed them. DO NOT FEED your chinchilla the following: asparagus, avocado, peas, cabbage, corn, lettuce, broccoli, spinach, rhubarb, and rhubarb leaves. Other dangerous foods are bananas, sunflower seeds and peanuts. This list is not exhaustive, and when in doubt as to whether something is safe to feed, it is best to avoid it.

Your chinchilla with: asparagus, avocado, peas, cabbage, corn, lettuce, broccoli, spinach, rhubarb and rhubarb leaves. Other dangerous foods are bananas, sunflower seeds and peanuts. This list is not exhaustive, and when in doubt as to whether something is safe to feed, it is best to avoid it. There are a number of nutritionally balanced diets for chinchillas on the market. Manufacturers have experts available to advise you on what to buy for your chinchilla and how much and how many times a day to feed it. So, reach out to them directly for more advice on specific products. A list of PFMA members who manufacture pet food for small furries can be found here.