How Long Can Chinchillas Go Without Water? Top 50 Best Answers

August 20, 2019

Dust Til Dawn: Chinchillas and Their Dust Baths

Written by Dianne Cook, LVT

Chinchillas are one of the most fascinating (not to mention adorable) exotic companion mammals we’ve ever brought into our homes. With thick, ultra-plush fur, a squirrel-like tail, and big, soulful eyes, it’s almost impossible not to fall completely in love with these docile little creatures. Adding a chinchilla (or better yet, two) to your furry family will surely provide years of entertaining company, but there are a few unique facets to their care that are necessary to keep them healthy. One of the most misunderstood aspects of pet chinchilla parenting is a chinchilla’s need for regular access to dust baths.

Chinchillas retain their enviable, luscious locks thanks to sheer density. They have an average of 60-70 hairs sprouting from each follicle, giving them the title of having the densest coat of any land mammal. In comparison, most mammals, including humans, only produce one hair per follicle! As you can imagine, this thick, luxurious coat performs several key functions, but doesn’t dry easily. Therefore, it is best to avoid letting chinchillas get wet, as moisture can become trapped near the skin, which can lead to several types of skin diseases, including pyoderma (skin infection) and dermatitis (skin inflammation). Instead of soap and water, chinchillas “bathe” in fine dust that helps evenly distribute natural oils, removes dirt and debris, and keeps their fur silky soft.

In their native, arid habitats in the mountainous regions of South America, chinchillas use volcanic ash to keep themselves clean. Although most chinchilla parents don’t live in an area that offers natural access to this particular type of ash, prepackaged products are available. However, just like with diet, it is important to choose a product that not only meets your chinchilla’s needs but is also of high quality. It is important to find a product that is made from 100% volcanic ash and has been sourced and manufactured without the use of chemicals. There are many different quality chinchilla dust products on the market. Some have a coarser consistency, similar to sand, but it’s important to choose a quality product with finer, silky particles. Sand isn’t nearly as effective at absorbing the natural oils that chinchillas produce, and the grains can get stuck to the hairline, potentially causing skin irritation and/or infection. Because of this, it’s important to only use high-quality chinchilla volcanic dust and never use sand or dust-like products that are packaged for other exotic pets, no matter how similar they look.

Chinchillas are naturally active and agile creatures, and when given a dust bath, they instinctively twist, roll and flutter, kicking up generous feathers as they work the dust from hair tip to root. They are so efficient at their dusty dance that an inch of dust in the bottom of a suitable dust bath enclosure is enough to ensure complete coverage. Many pet parents use bowls or litter boxes for their little ones’ dust baths, while others opt for enclosed plastic or wooden bathhouses to contain some of the dust. When choosing a dust bath container, the most important thing is that it’s both strong and slightly larger than the chinchilla itself, leaving enough room for its dust-wielding acrobatics.

Excessive bathing can cause chinchillas’ skin, feet and ears to dry out, so it’s important to limit bathing time to 2-4 times a week, depending on the needs of each individual chinchilla. In very hot, humid weather or climates, chinchillas often need access to their dust baths about four times a week. In cold weather or otherwise dry environments, they may only need to bathe twice a week. It’s also important to control the amount of time your chinchilla has access to their bathroom. Usually 3-5 minutes at a time is sufficient. If left in a chinchilla’s enclosure for too long, a dust bath will often be mistaken for a litter box, so it’s best to remove the dust container as soon as your fur baby is done bathing. It’s perfectly acceptable to reuse dust for multiple baths, but it should be discarded once it starts to clump or becomes dirty.

Aside from the hygienic reasons above, dust baths also provide a great source of mental and physical enrichment for our fun little friends, and offer pet owners a great way to strengthen that all-important animal-human bond. It’s also important to remember that every pet is unique, and should your chinchilla ever develop any skin or coat problems, it’s always best to consult a trusted veterinarian. Have fun bathing and let the dust fly!

Chinchillas were prized for their beautiful fur long before they became pets. Water doesn’t really penetrate the extremely dense fur, so getting a chinchilla wet to clean it isn’t a good idea.

These naturally clean animals need dust baths to keep their coats in good condition and to avoid tangles or odors. Only use dust specifically marketed for chinchillas and available at pet stores. Place a few inches of the dust in a large pan, then let your chinchilla get to work. Let your pet use their dust bath about three times a week for 15 to 20 minutes each time.

Too much dust bathing can irritate their eyes and dry out their fur. Also, you would have even more dust in your house. There is no getting around the dust when keeping chinchillas.

Chinchillas are small rodents native to rocky, arid regions of South America. As pets, they are typically active and playful. And with gentle handling from an early age, most chinchillas can become quite tame and bond closely with their owners. But don’t expect them to like being held and cuddled like many cats and dogs. They don’t usually do this, although they often express their affection for you in other ways. Chinchillas as pets require a moderate level of care as they have some specific housing and dietary needs.

Species Overview Common Names: Chinchilla, Long-Tailed Chinchilla Scientific Name: Chinchilla lanigera Adult Size: 9-14 inch body, tail adds an additional 3-6 inches Lifespan: 10+ years

Chinchilla Behavior and Temperament

Chinchillas are largely nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night. They are sometimes referred to as “crepuscular,” meaning their activity peaks at dawn and dusk. In any case, they should be kept in a fairly quiet area during the day. And while they’re mostly quiet animals, their nocturnal movements can keep some people awake if their enclosure is near your bed.

Pet chinchillas don’t often bite, especially if handled from an early age. You must be gentle and consistent to gain a chinchilla’s trust. It can take a chinchilla some time to get used to your hands. And some chinchillas will never really like to be held. They would rather explore or climb on you than hold on. But if you move slowly and are patient, you can often get even the most timid chinchilla used to being handled.

Chinchillas can be kept individually and usually do well with same-sex couples, especially if the two chinchillas are littermates or are introduced at a young age. Keep chinchillas away from other pets to avoid stress or injury.

1:32 Watch Now: Are chinchillas good pets?

size info

Chinchillas are typically about 9 to 14 inches long with their tail a few inches longer. They typically weigh less than 2 pounds, with females being slightly larger than males.

Housing

Chinchillas are perhaps best known for their incredibly soft, thick, luxurious fur. In the wild, this coat protects them from the elements. But in captivity, it makes them somewhat prone to overheating. This needs to be considered when deciding where to place your chinchilla in the home. The temperature should stay between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. While chinchillas are cold tolerant, heat stroke can occur in warmer temperatures.

For your chinchilla’s cage, choose a multi-story home with platforms, solid-floor ramps, and perches. The cage should be at least 4 feet by 4 feet by 3 feet. But the bigger the cage, the better. Wire cages are the best material to allow for ventilation. Choose one with a solid bottom that is easy on chinchilla feet.

Inside the cage, add a chinchilla exercise wheel (solid floor, no bars), pet-safe chew toys, a nest or some type of shelter, and food and water bowls. Additionally, a “chinchilla block” or pumice stone can be provided to chew on, which will help keep the chinchilla’s teeth in good condition.

Specific substrate requirements

Line the cage with a few inches of dye-free paper bedding. Avoid pine and cedar shavings as they can irritate a chinchilla’s respiratory system. Spot clean soiled bedding daily and change full bedding weekly when washing everything in the enclosure with mild soap and water.

The Spruce / Anastasiia Tretiak

The Spruce / Anastasiia Tretiak

The Spruce / Anastasiia Tretiak

The Spruce / Anastasiia Tretiak

Melanie Dawn Harter/Getty Images

Melanie Dawn Harter/Getty Images

What do chinchillas eat and drink?

Chinchillas are herbivores and have specific dietary needs. They require a lot of roughage, so their diet should consist primarily of high-quality grass hay, such as grass hay. B. timothy grass hay exist. Feed an unlimited amount of hay every day and make sure there’s always some available. You can use a special feeder called a hopper or just stack them on the enclosure floor.

Offer a commercial pelleted chinchilla food to supplement the hay. Discuss the best amount with your veterinarian, as this can vary based on factors like size and activity level. Place pellets in a ceramic bowl in the chinchilla’s enclosure for a day. Discard any uneaten pellets after 24 hours before adding the next day’s portion.

You can also offer certain fruits and vegetables as occasional treats, but you should have your vet check the types and amounts of food first. Place all fresh food in a separate bowl in the enclosure and remove after a few hours to prevent spoilage.

Finally, you should always provide your chinchilla with fresh water. You can use a small water bowl, but a water bottle is easier to keep sanitized. However, make sure the chinchilla is using the bottle before removing the shell. Refresh the water daily.

The Spruce / Nusha Ashjaee

Common Health Problems

Chinchillas are subject to some common health issues, including:

respiratory infections

digestive problems

heatstroke

skin problems

Overgrown or impacted teeth

Bite wounds and other injuries

If your chinchilla is showing any signs of illness, seek medical attention immediately. Meanwhile, keep it in a quiet place and avoid handling it to relieve stress.

Tip Not all veterinarians accept chinchillas as patients. So before you buy, make sure there is a veterinarian in your area that specializes in this animal.

education

The most common training people do with chinchillas is hand taming. To do this, always move slowly around your chinchilla, as sudden movements can startle them. You can lure it to your hands by holding a favorite treat. Get your chinchilla used to being gently petted before attempting to pick them up. To try to pick it up, let it run onto your hands. (It helps if you hold a treat.) Then gently lift it with both hands so it feels secure.

exercise

Chinchillas need plenty of exercise to keep them mentally stimulated, physically fit, and to ward off health problems like obesity. This means you need a variety of toys for chinchillas to keep them busy and active. And most importantly, you need safe chews to keep those ever-growing teeth busy. In addition to toys marketed specifically for chinchillas, some wooden parrot toys are good for them, as are wicker balls and rings that you can often find for rabbits. Make sure the toy does not contain any small and/or plastic parts that could be a choking hazard.

Additionally, running wheels for chinchillas can be excellent for burning off some energy. Look for a 15-inch wheel (anything smaller is too small for most adult chinchillas) with a firm tread and one open side with no cross braces like spoked wheels, which are dangerous for feet and tails could be.

Time outside the cage is also key to training. However, avoid the plastic exercise balls you often see on other small animals like hamsters, as these pose a risk of overheating for chinchillas. Instead, chinchilla-proof a small space by removing electrical cords and other dangerous objects, and ideally let your chinchilla explore the space under your supervision for a few hours a day.

personal hygiene

Chinchillas should never be bathed in water. As natives of dry climates, chinchillas need access to a dust bath to maintain a healthy coat and skin. The sand mixture absorbs excess oils and removes dirt. Purchase commercially available chinchilla dust and place a few inches in a container that your chinchilla will easily fit in. Place the container in the enclosure for about 10 to 15 minutes a day. Change the dust weekly to keep it hygienic.

maintenance costs

The most important regular expenses for a chinchilla are its diet and bedding. Expect to pay around $25 a month depending on the strains you choose and the size of your enclosure. They also need to regularly replace chew toys and other worn-out items for about $10-$20. Also, make sure you budget for routine veterinary care and emergencies.

Pros and cons of keeping a chinchilla as a pet

Chinchillas make interesting pets that are fun to look at and friendly when properly socialized. They’re also pretty quiet and don’t take up much space. However, many chinchillas require a lot of patience and effort when it comes to taming them. And they sleep during the day, so they wouldn’t be a good companion for someone who wants to interact with a pet during the day.

Similar exotic pets like the chinchilla

If you are interested in chinchillas as pets, check out the following:

Otherwise, check out other exotic animals that can be your new pet.

Buying or adopting your chinchilla

You can find chinchillas at many pet stores. However, it’s usually better to acquire one from a reputable breeder or rescue group. They often have better information about the animal’s health, history, and temperament. Expect to pay between $50 and $200 on average, although this can vary depending on factors like the animal’s age.

reproduction/breeding

Check with local exotic animal vets for recommendations on a good chinchilla breeder or rescue group. The main advantage of going to a breeder is that you are more likely to have a larger selection of younger animals. However, chinchillas are often already tame in rescue groups.

Ask to see the animals before selecting one to ensure they are being kept in a hygienic environment and appear to be in good physical condition. And if you bring home more than one chinchilla, make sure they are of the same sex to avoid accidentally becoming the breeder.

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.

Keeping chinchillas as pets

Keeping pet chinchillas can be challenging, so here’s a handy checklist of what your pet chinchilla needs to stay healthy and happy.

You need:

Easy access to the things they need – like space to jump and run, safe hiding and resting spots, a dust bath, water and food.

– such as space to jump and run, safe hiding and resting places, a dust bath, water and food. Sleep undisturbed for long periods of the day. They are more social and feed at night, and they need 12 hours of darkness.

. They are more social and feed at night, and they need 12 hours of darkness. Safe wooden toys to play with and chew on.

. Socializing – Chinchillas are sociable, so they need opportunities to interact with friendly chinchillas and people. You should house them with one or more friendly chinchillas.

– Chinchillas are sociable, so they need opportunities to interact with friendly chinchillas and people. You should house them with one or more friendly chinchillas. Don’t touch too much – Chinchillas can learn to enjoy the company of familiar people and being petted, but tend not to like being handled and often fight when picked up. They are curious creatures that use their mouths to explore and chew on objects in their environment.

– Chinchillas can learn to enjoy being around familiar people and being petted, but tend not to like being handled and often fight when picked up. They are curious creatures that use their mouths to explore and chew on objects in their environment. Daily Exercise – Chinchillas are active animals and need regular exercise to stay fit and healthy.

– Chinchillas are active animals and need regular exercise to stay fit and healthy. Rest areas – they need constant access to nest boxes filled with hay where they can rest and sleep.

– They need constant access to nest boxes filled with hay where they can rest and sleep. Hiding places – Chinchillas are a prey species and need to be able to avoid things that frighten them such as the sight or smell of predators such as dogs, cass or ferrets. Provide them with hiding spots where they can walk away from mates or escape when frightened, and make sure there are enough nest boxes and hiding spots for at least one at a time. Give them at least one box large enough for them all to rest together.

Keep an eye on your chinchillas’ behavior

Along with these basics, you also need to keep a close eye on your chinchillas’ behavior. If it changes or you notice regular signs that it’s stressed or frightened, consult a veterinarian or clinical animal behaviorist – it could be stressed, bored, or hurt.

Chinchilla behavior depends on their age, personality, and past experiences. When frightened or in pain, chinchillas may change their behavior or develop undesirable habits, such as aggression or hiding.

Signs that your chinchillas are suffering from stress or anxiety may include:

Make noises, like barking or whistling

, such as barking or whistling, hiding

Chewing fur – either your own or that of another chinchilla

– either their own or another chinchilla’s fur patches, which come off when touched

when dealing with them away. Changes in diet or toilet habits

or toilet habits Excessive drinking or playing with the water bottle

or playing with the water bottle Reluctance to move

Repetitive movements such as running back and forth on the floor of the cage

If your chinchillas’ behavior becomes an ongoing problem, seek expert advice.

Treat your chinchillas with kindness

Remember that your chinchillas have very sensitive hearing and are easily startled by loud or sudden noises, so be calm and gentle around them and treat them with kindness. If you grab them, do so close to the ground, away from shelves and furniture, that they may try to jump on them, injuring themselves. Never yell at them or punish them as they will likely not understand them and this could make them more nervous and anxious.

Learn more about caring for your chinchillas.

Health and Welfare of Chinchillas

To ensure your chinchillas a happy, healthy life, you should give them the care and attention they need.

Buy chinchillas

Before you buy a chinchilla, find out more about its rearing, care and diet. Make sure you know if they’ve had any health or behavioral problems before you buy them, and ask a veterinarian if you’re unsure.

Caring for your chinchillas

Make sure you feed your chinchillas the right diet – this should consist mostly of hay and grass which will help prevent many common problems such as dental and intestinal diseases.

Check that your chinchillas are eating every day and that they are passing lots of dry droppings. Keep track of the amount and type of food they eat and how much they drink. If their eating or drinking habits change, or their poop volume decreases or stops, contact your veterinarian immediately as they could be seriously ill.

Give your chinchillas a shallow tray filled with clean, fine sand or chinchilla dust to bathe in and keep their fur in good condition. Remove after use or clean through a sieve to avoid contamination.

Chinchilla Health Checks

Chinchillas have pain thresholds similar to humans, but are not good at showing outward signs of pain and can suffer a lot before you realize it. Changes in their normal behavior can be early signs that they are sick or in pain, but because chinchillas sleep during the day, you may not be as quick to notice when they are unwell. If your chinchillas aren’t eating or are quieter than usual, they are most likely ill or in pain.

Check your chinchillas every day for signs of illness or injury, and ask someone else to check them when you’re not around. Watch their behavior in the evenings or at night when they are most active.

Signs of illness or injury include:

sore feet

moisture around the eyes or mouth

Loss of fur around the eyes or mouth

See a veterinarian immediately if you suspect your chinchilla is in pain, sick, or injured. Take them for routine vet check-ups at least once a year, and consider getting pet insurance to cover unexpected vet bills.

Only treat your chinchillas with medicines recommended by a veterinarian, as medicines intended for other animals are dangerous to chinchillas.

Signs your chinchilla is stressed

Chinchillas that are scared or in pain may change their behavior or develop undesirable habits, such as aggression or hiding. Stressed chinchillas are more likely to get sick.

Here are some signs to look out for that may show your chinchilla is stressed:

Fur stains come off during handling

loosen during handling. Make noises like barking or whistling

, such as barking or whistling, hiding

Chew your own fur or the fur of other chinchillas

or the fur of other chinchillas, changes in their feeding or toilet habits

or toilet habits Excessive drinking or playing with bottled water

or playing with water bottles Reluctance to move

Repetitive movements such as B. running back and forth on the cage floor

If your chinchilla’s behavior changes or regularly shows signs of stress or anxiety, seek advice from a veterinarian or clinical animal behaviorist.

August 20, 2019

Dust Til Dawn: Chinchillas and Their Dust Baths

Written by Dianne Cook, LVT

Chinchillas are one of the most fascinating (not to mention adorable) exotic companion mammals we’ve ever brought into our homes. With thick, ultra-plush fur, a squirrel-like tail, and big, soulful eyes, it’s almost impossible not to fall completely in love with these docile little creatures. Adding a chinchilla (or better yet, two) to your furry family will surely provide years of entertaining company, but there are a few unique facets to their care that are necessary to keep them healthy. One of the most misunderstood aspects of pet chinchilla parenting is a chinchilla’s need for regular access to dust baths.

Chinchillas retain their enviable, luscious locks thanks to sheer density. They have an average of 60-70 hairs sprouting from each follicle, giving them the title of having the densest coat of any land mammal. In comparison, most mammals, including humans, only produce one hair per follicle! As you can imagine, this thick, luxurious coat performs several key functions, but doesn’t dry easily. Therefore, it is best to avoid letting chinchillas get wet, as moisture can become trapped near the skin, which can lead to several types of skin diseases, including pyoderma (skin infection) and dermatitis (skin inflammation). Instead of soap and water, chinchillas “bathe” in fine dust that helps evenly distribute natural oils, removes dirt and debris, and keeps their fur silky soft.

In their native, arid habitats in the mountainous regions of South America, chinchillas use volcanic ash to keep themselves clean. Although most chinchilla parents don’t live in an area that offers natural access to this particular type of ash, prepackaged products are available. However, just like with diet, it is important to choose a product that not only meets your chinchilla’s needs but is also of high quality. It is important to find a product that is made from 100% volcanic ash and has been sourced and manufactured without the use of chemicals. There are many different quality chinchilla dust products on the market. Some have a coarser consistency, similar to sand, but it’s important to choose a quality product with finer, silky particles. Sand isn’t nearly as effective at absorbing the natural oils that chinchillas produce, and the grains can get stuck to the hairline, potentially causing skin irritation and/or infection. Because of this, it’s important to only use high-quality chinchilla volcanic dust and never use sand or dust-like products that are packaged for other exotic pets, no matter how similar they look.

Chinchillas are naturally active and agile creatures, and when given a dust bath, they instinctively twist, roll and flutter, kicking up generous feathers as they work the dust from hair tip to root. They are so efficient at their dusty dance that an inch of dust in the bottom of a suitable dust bath enclosure is enough to ensure complete coverage. Many pet parents use bowls or litter boxes for their little ones’ dust baths, while others opt for enclosed plastic or wooden bathhouses to contain some of the dust. When choosing a dust bath container, the most important thing is that it’s both strong and slightly larger than the chinchilla itself, leaving enough room for its dust-wielding acrobatics.

Excessive bathing can cause chinchillas’ skin, feet and ears to dry out, so it’s important to limit bathing time to 2-4 times a week, depending on the needs of each individual chinchilla. In very hot, humid weather or climates, chinchillas often need access to their dust baths about four times a week. In cold weather or otherwise dry environments, they may only need to bathe twice a week. It’s also important to control the amount of time your chinchilla has access to their bathroom. Usually 3-5 minutes at a time is sufficient. If left in a chinchilla’s enclosure for too long, a dust bath will often be mistaken for a litter box, so it’s best to remove the dust container as soon as your fur baby is done bathing. It’s perfectly acceptable to reuse dust for multiple baths, but it should be discarded once it starts to clump or becomes dirty.

Aside from the hygienic reasons above, dust baths also provide a great source of mental and physical enrichment for our fun little friends, and offer pet owners a great way to strengthen that all-important animal-human bond. It’s also important to remember that every pet is unique, and should your chinchilla ever develop any skin or coat problems, it’s always best to consult a trusted veterinarian. Have fun bathing and let the dust fly!

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.

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

Chinchillas feed on a wide variety of plants in their natural habitat. But if you’re a pet parent, you might be tempted to give your chinchilla certain foods or treats like popcorn. Can you feed your chinchilla popcorn, and if so, will your chinchilla eat it?

Chinchillas can eat popcorn, but it comes with some risks. Too much popcorn causes digestive problems in chinchillas. Your chinchilla may experience bloating or have irregular bowel movements. Salt in popped popcorn could also be a problem for chinchillas.

Read on to learn why popcorn might be problematic for your chinchilla.

Can chinchillas feed on popcorn?

Chinchillas can eat popcorn, but only in moderation. Popcorn contains minerals and fiber that are good for chinchillas. You can give your chinchilla popcorn as a treat, but be aware that salted popcorn and too much popcorn can cause bloating or increase the risk of choking in your pet.

The ingredients in popcorn cannot poison your chinchilla. A 100g (3.5 oz) serving of popcorn contains:

Fiber: 15 g (0.53 ounces)

15g Calories: 387

387 carbs: 78 g (2.8 ounces)

78 g (2.8 oz) Protein: 13 g (0.46 oz)

13 g (0.46 oz) sugar: 0.9 g (0.03 oz)

0.9 g (0.03 oz) water: 3.3 g (0.11 fl oz)

3.3 g (0.11 fl oz) fat: 4.5 g (0.16 oz)

Chinchillas require around 15% to 35% fiber per serving of food. 100g of popcorn provides 15% fiber, which is reasonable for chinchillas.

The calories in popcorn are more than the 200 calories chinchillas need. These animals require around 2–3 g (0.07–0.1 oz) of fat, while popcorn provides over 4.5 g (0.16 oz).

The carbohydrate content in popcorn is also higher than what chinchillas need. Chinchillas require approximately 35g (1.2 oz) of carbohydrates per serving of food.

Popcorn does not provide chinchillas with enough protein. The snack contains 13g (0.46 oz) while chinchillas require 16-21g (0.56-0.74 oz) of protein.

Also, the water content in popcorn is too low compared to what chinchillas need in a meal. An ideal chinchilla diet should have around 10-15% moisture content.

In terms of diet, popcorn is not the best diet for chinchillas. Popcorn is high in calories, low in fiber, low in water, and higher in fat.

Why isn’t popcorn good for my chinchilla?

Popcorn is not good for your chinchilla because it can cause bloating. Because popcorn isn’t packed with a lot of fiber, chinchillas digest it quickly. As a result, the popcorn begins to ferment before it can be absorbed. Fermenting releases a lot of gas that chinchillas cannot pass through.

The chinchilla’s digestive system prevents popcorn from being properly digested. Of course, chinchillas are leaf eaters. Their food intake consists of a high-fiber diet such as grass and leaves. And because they eat a lot of fiber, their digestive systems are well adjusted to a high-fiber diet.

How does popcorn cause gas in chinchillas?

Popcorn causes gas in chinchillas by creating an imbalance in the digestive system. The low-fiber popcorn breaks down quickly and ferments quickly in the chinchilla’s intestines. The fermentation is accompanied by gases that the chinchilla cannot emit. This accumulation of gases causes bloating.

Most of the food breakdown in chinchillas takes place in the bacteria-filled cecum. It is in this sac that fermentation of the spent cellulose takes place, releasing vital nutrients to the chin. This process is crucial and takes about 15 hours. Any imbalance in this system will cause intestinal problems in chinchillas.

Popcorn is one of the foods that cause an imbalance in the chinchilla’s gastrointestinal system. Unlike grass/hay, popcorn is not high in fiber. Popcorn breaks down quickly upon entering the cecum, resulting in rapid fermentation.

Rapid fermentation causes gas to build up in the chinchilla’s stomach. Unfortunately, a chinchilla cannot emit large amounts of gases. It also cannot relieve gas build-up from vomiting. Too much gas could rupture the intestines and kill the chinchilla.

Your chinchilla will no doubt struggle with gas and bloating if ingesting excessive amounts of popcorn (more than two popped popcorns). Unfortunately, flatulence is life threatening and can kill your pet.

Aside from bloating, popcorn isn’t the most nutritious item for chinchillas. Chinchillas could become overweight if they eat popcorn.

How does popcorn cause obesity in chinchillas?

Popcorn is high in calories, which leads to obesity in chinchillas. The recommended calorie allowance per 100g (3.5 oz) of food for chinchillas is approximately 200 calories. However, 100g of popcorn contains 350 calories. Chinchillas store the excess calories as fat and eventually become obese.

Chinchillas’ bodies are naturally built to cope with gastrointestinal (GI) stasis. Your chinchilla will eat the food you have provided throughout the day to prevent GI stasis. Such an action could be problematic if you give your chinchilla popcorn frequently.

Popcorn is a high-calorie food for chinchillas. It contains about 350 calories per 100 grams (3.5 ounces), while chinchillas require 200 calories per 100 grams (3.5 ounces) of food. Your chinchilla will not shed the excess calories. Instead, those calories are stored as fat. The fat accumulates dangerously if you keep feeding popcorn to your chin.

Vegetable oil, which is used to make popped corn, is also high in calories. Popped popcorn will no doubt accelerate your chinchilla’s obesity. Similar to humans, obese chinchillas are prone to various diseases.

Is Salted Popcorn Harmful to Chinchillas?

Salted popcorn is harmful to chinchillas. The pure salt added to popcorn is harmful to your chinchilla’s health. Sodium, a component of salt, increases calcium levels in your chinchilla’s kidneys. Calcium can bind to fat and form calcium oxalate and eventually kidney stones.

Salt is an important ingredient in popcorn. Most popcorn-making processes add about 1/8 teaspoon (5.69 g) of salt to 1/2 cup (62.5 g) of popcorn kernels. While this amount of salt is safe for human consumption, it is dangerous for chinchillas.

The amount of salt in popcorn is high enough to cause a significant mineral imbalance in the chinchilla’s body. As previously mentioned, salt can cause an increase in calcium in the urine, which can lead to kidney stones in chinchillas.

Can popcorn choke your chinchilla?

Popcorn can easily choke your chinchilla. Popped popcorn can get stuck in your chinchilla’s throat and present serious challenges. Chinchillas cannot throw up, meaning choking problems can quickly become fatal. Unpopped kernels may be too small to choke on chinchillas.

According to a 2013 rodent study, most rodents cannot throw up because their brains cannot trigger emetic episodes. The digestive tract of these animals is also structured to suppress vomiting.

Chinchillas, being rodents, cannot vomit even if they choke – a piece of popcorn can certainly choke and kill them.

bottom line

Although chinchillas can eat moderate amounts of popcorn, it is not advisable to feed them popcorn. Popcorn can cause digestive problems in chinchillas, choke them, or make them obese. Salt and toppings in popcorn can seriously affect a chinchilla’s health.

Additional information about animals that eat popcorn

Are you curious which animals can eat popcorn? Click here for an animal overview or click on an animal below for specific details:

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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.

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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.

A chinchilla’s diet consists of hay, chinchilla pellets and water. Timothy hay is perhaps the best variety. Always make sure the hay is free of weeds or anything else that could potentially kill your chin. Alfalfa is also another alternative, but due to its high protein content, it needs to be alternated with oat, wheat, and barley hay or some other low-protein, high-fiber grass hay.

The best water you can give your chinchilla is bottled water. It contains no chlorine and no parasites found in tap water (please make sure it is spring water). If you use tap water, always boil it the evening before giving it to your chinchilla. That’s just as good as getting bottled water. Filtered water is also a good choice as it filters 99% of Giardia parasites out of the water.

Give some cranberry juice to pregnant women after the birth of their babies. Some women don’t have milk for their babies because they don’t have enough calcium in their diet. Besides, calcium deficiency leads to other problems like hunchback, teeth problems etc. Calcium can be found in alfalfa and veal manna and many people use this product and their chin likes it. Also give vitamin C to your pregnant chin or chin that is not pregnant.

Treats for chinchillas can be dried fruit or yogurt. Never give them fresh cranberries, fresh fruit, or nuts of any kind except in small amounts. Never give too much green food, like lettuce leaves, as this can constipate your chinchilla and make it very unhealthy. Raisins are also a big deal for treats for chinchillas, as well as dried bananas. Apricots, papaya, and pineapple are also good (dried naturally). Papaya and pineapple are good sources to prevent hairballs on chinchillas. Never give your chinchilla too many treats in one day, it can make the chin sick, but if your chinchilla has constipation it is good to give them raisins to loosen the poop.

It’s obvious to say, but chinchillas need access to an unlimited supply of fresh water. This should be provided in your chinchilla’s cage with a water bottle. Do not put water in a bowl or pot for them. Water in a bowl can easily spill as your pet chinchilla hops around the cage, or it can become contaminated with food, debris, or hair. A chinchilla water bottle is the best way to keep your chin hydrated.

Glass bottles are recommended as they cannot be chewed, but a plastic water bottle can be used if it is hung in a way that the chinchilla cannot chew on. The bottle should be hung on the outside of the cage with only the spout protruding through the bars. Some owners recommend having two water bottles on hand in case the first one fails so the chinchilla always has access to water. Here are some recommended bottles to try.

Chinchilla Water Bottles

Lixit 8 oz. Glass water bottle

Lixit makes some of the best pet water bottles out there. It’s what we’ve been using for our exotic pets for years. The chinchilla water bottles are made of durable glass, which is absolutely the best buy. The glass is extra thick and our bottles have survived multiple falls without cracking or breaking.

The 8 oz. The size is perfect for chinchillas. The Lixit water bottle comes with a pen holder with metal clips to easily attach to the outside of your chinchilla’s cage. Since it is metal, the holder is also buyable.

Kay tea 6 oz. Chewable glass water bottle

Kaytee offers another chew-safe glass bottle option, this time in a 6 oz. Size. The bottle attaches to the side of your chinchilla’s cage with a stainless steel spring hanger. The cap is also made of stainless steel and is therefore 100% buyable.

The spout is equipped with a double ball bearing, making it drip-proof and creating a vacuum seal.

Also available in 12 oz., 16 oz. and 26 oz. Sizes so you have enough water available no matter how many Chins are in a cage.

Lixit 16 oz. Glass water bottle

Here’s another great glass water bottle from Lixit. The big difference with this one is that it has a rubber stopper to connect the drinking tube to the bottle. The mounting hardware is also stainless steel and is more secure than the regular spring mounts.

This water bottle is marketed for birds but works perfectly for chinchillas. All components can be sterilized in the dishwasher or in boiling water to keep the bottle clean and bacteria-free.

To make sure you have all the cage accessories you need to keep your chinchilla happily fed, be sure to check out our articles on cage ledges and shelves and food bowls.

Q

Why do chinchillas bite?

A

In the wild, chinchillas are prey. They are hunted and killed by predators. The chinchilla’s first reaction to danger is to run or flee. Chinchillas generally live in rocky areas, so they retreat to a safe burrow in the rocks whenever possible.

This behavior changes when a chinchilla is in a cage. The confines of a cage can trick the chinchilla into believing there is no escape route. If no escape route is available, the chinchilla may bite the threat (often the owner’s fingers). This type of biting is most common when the pet owner tries to suddenly reach in to grab the chinchilla.

Chinchillas have long and extremely sharp front teeth. A bite can be severe, deep, and painful. If you are using some type of “chinchilla house” in the cage, make sure it has a front entrance and also a rear or side “escape entrance”. With no way to escape, the chinchilla may feel trapped and more likely to bite if an owner reaches into the “house.” If the owner provides an environment where the chinchilla does not feel threatened, chinchillas very rarely bite.

Gain your chinchilla’s trust

To avoid being bitten, take some time to gain the chinchilla’s trust. Put your hand and fingers right inside the cage door and leave them there for a few minutes. Get a chair so you can sit down. Most chinchillas are naturally curious and in time will stop by, sniff your hand and probably nibble some of it on your hand. Chinchillas will also nibble on jewelry, fingernails, and anything else that protrudes above the skin, such as scars or scabs.

Once the chinchilla comes to your hand willingly, try gently rubbing or scratching the chinchilla under the chin or on the side of the neck. At first the chinchilla can run further back into the cage, but in a short time the chinchilla will come forward again. Gaining that trust can take a few weeks. Over time, most chinchillas get used to being touched and are able to enjoy the scratching sessions.

Once the chinchilla is more relaxed around you, you can try lifting the chinchilla up by reaching under it. Some chinchillas don’t mind being picked up, but many never want to be picked up. If picking the chinchilla up is absolutely necessary, for example to examine an injury or to give the chinchilla a supplementary food, there may be a bit of a struggle reaching in and grabbing. However, if you have established a good level of trust beforehand, the chinchilla is not usually resentful and will come to scratch and pet after a while.

Other reasons for nips or bites

taste test

When a chinchilla smells a particularly delicious scent on your fingers, they may nibble gently on a “taste” or bite down harder, believing your finger is a delicious treat. This type of bite is not performed out of fear or anger. To prevent this, always wash your hands before handling your chinchillas.

personal hygiene

Sometimes chinchillas will gently nibble your hand, arm, or fingers. This is a type of grooming behavior that chinchillas usually do to each other. Usually one chinchilla will groom the other for a few minutes and then they’ll swap back and forth. Your chinchilla may nibble a bit and then stop. He’s waiting for you to return the favor. Often you can make some gentle scratches under the chin, between the front paws, around the neck, down the back or even around the face.

communication

Occasionally, when a chinchilla doesn’t want to be held anymore or needs to urinate, it might nibble your hand gently a few times and might even emit a squeak or two. To make the point, if you ignore these nips, your chinchilla may nibble harder, or there may be an “accident” on your lap.

By: Marty Hull

Featured image: Courtesy of Marty Hull