Care Sheet...
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Chinchillas originate form the
FEEDING
Chinchillas are herbivores and have a simple and inexpensive diet, which consists of pellets, fresh hay and water. An adult will eat around 1ounce of pellets a day, with a handful of hay being adequate. Fresh water should always be available. Chinchillas do have a sensitive digestive system and therefore should be fed only a few tit-bits. Grapes or small pieces of apple will be appreciated, but be careful not to give too much. One or two raisins a day are fine but nuts should be avoided.
Rabbit or rodent mixes should never be fed.
BATHING
Chinchillas have special requirements when it comes to bathing. A water bath should never be given as this can cause serious health problems. Chinchilla require a special sand/dust to bathe in and this is available at pet shops. Dust between ½” - 1" deep should be placed in the bath to allow the animal to roll in to remove excess oils from the fur. The bath can be given daily with the bath being available for 15-20 minutes. The sand can be sieved to remove waste and the sand reused.
TOYS \ CHEW BLOCKS
The teeth of the chinchilla grows throughout their lives, therefore to wear them down it requires pieces of softwood to chew on. Chinchilla blocks and/or pumice stone should always be available to the animal. Plastic items should not be given as this can cause digestive problems.
EXERCISE
Although the chinchilla will get sufficient exercise in its cage, there is no problem in allowing it out to run around a room. However do not leave the chin unsupervised as it may chew on electrical wires and furniture. Also watch out for places where it climb into, ie, behind wall units, up chimneys. 20 minutes is long enough as it is easy for the chin to over heat. In the heat of summer playtime should be stopped until weather is cooler.
HANDLING
Chinchillas can be quite nervous animals when their surroundings have changed. Patience is required until the chin is settled. By placing a hand in the cage your pet will come and sniff, run away and return to sniff again. It may nibble on your finger nut this is only to determine the possibilty of food. It will get familiar with you then trust you. Most enjoy being stroked under their chin and behind their ears.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION\READING:
"Chinchillas, A Complete Introduction" by Jack C Harris. ISBN 0-86622-393-2
"All About Chinchillas" by Karen Zeinert. ISBN 0-86622-143-3
"Practical Chinchilla Keeping" by Jean C Coulton ISBN. 185259-070-X
"Breeding And Caring For Chinchillas" by Egon Mosslacher. ISBN 0-86622-804-7