Dogs and cats are undoubtedly the most popular pets in America. That is unlikely to change very soon. Fido and Fluffy have earned their top rankings with their affection and dedication. What may be more shocking is which of our animal pals holds the third position. Believe it or not, the beautiful chinchilla placed third in multiple states, including Maine, New Hampshire, and Connecticut. This post by a local Saint Lucie County, FL veterinarian discusses basic chinchilla care.
What Makes Chinchillas Unique?
Aside from the fact that chinchillas are quite cute, we would definitely highlight their velvety fur as a distinguishing attribute. Chinchilla coats are quite dense. On average, each hair follicle holds 60 to 80 hairs, as compared to people’s follicles, which only have one. That soft fur keeps them warm in their natural habitat, the frigid Andes of South America. It also acts as a form of defense: if a predator grabs the chinchilla, its fur falls out in patches. (This is comparable to how some reptiles drop their tails when something grabs them.)
Basic Chinchilla Facts:
Chinchillas are native to the arid, rocky Andes and live in groups known as herds, which can range in size from 14 to 100. On average, these guys grow to be around 50 cm long, including their fluffy tail. They also have a long life span, especially when compared to other small creatures. With proper care, they can live for 10 to 20 years.
What Type of Habitat Do Chinchillas Require?
As with other tiny pets, providing a suitable environment for your furry friend is critical to their health and well-being. Chinchillas have very precise needs here.
- The absolute minimum cage size for chinchillas is 1 meter x.5 meters x.5 meters. However, we recommend purchasing something bigger. Your pets will spend the bulk of their time in this cage, so make it as enjoyable and comfortable for them as possible.
- Multi-level cages are always advised for these guys, since they allow for greater jumping and climbing.
- Chinchilla habitats must always have sturdy floors. Wire flooring will not hold substrate and may cause paw damage.
- Temperature is quite essential. Chinchillas are native to cold, dry climates and dislike hot weather. Don’t position the cage in direct sunlight or near a fireplace or heating duct. You do not want them to become too chilly, either!
- For bedding, you can use paper or shavings.
- Avoid pine and cedar products, as their oils might aggravate respiratory problems. Corncobs are likewise best avoided.
- Make sure your pet has a bottle to obtain their water from. Bowls might become contaminated with bedding or droppings. These fellas are prone to overheating, so keep a bottle in the freezer when the weather becomes hot. This ensures that your pet always has access to cool water when it melts.
How Do You Keep Your Chinchilla Happy?
Every pet has their own requirements here. Cats adore furniture, boxes, sunbeams, lap space, paper bags, and catnip mice, whereas canines prefer chew toys, playtime, and exploration.
Chinchillas require a lot of chew toys; else, their teeth would become excessively long. You can buy these or make your own. Many of the DIY ideas available for rabbits, hamsters, and Guinea pigs will work. For example, you can build kebabs for your pet’s toys and treats. The tubes from toilet paper and paper towel rolls can also be pretty useful. You can slice them up and reassemble them into balls, or you can poke holes and branches through them. Just take care with the glue. Some additional materials you can use include plain paper, cardboard, wooden items, loofahs, sea grass; vine, bamboo, wood, and lava stones.
Just make sure to stick to safe stuff. Do not offer your pet anything small or sharp, or anything with ropes or cords. Items covered in varnish, paint, or dye are also hazardous. Contact your Saint Lucie County, FL veterinarian for further information.
What Should You Feed A Chinchilla?
Chinchillas have highly specific diets. They feed on a variety of fibrous plants in the wild.
Here are the basics:
Hay: Your pet will require plenty of grass hay. You can provide Timothy hay, orchard grass, meadow hay, or botanical hay. Alfalfa can be given as a treat, however it might cause dental and/or digestive problems if fed too frequently. Keep your pet’s hay somewhere cool and dry, and watch out for mold.
Pellets: You can feed your tiny companion grass pellets for lunch and dinner. Just measure out portions properly. It is quite easy to overfeed a little animal. Ask your veterinarian for information, including product recommendations and serving sizes.
Treats: Now for the fun part. Like all of our other patients, chinchillas enjoy snacking. You could provide dried fruits, such as apples, bananas, and pineapple; raisins; cranberries; dried rose hips; fruit and fruit branches, including blackberries, strawberries, and hibiscus. Certain herbs, including dandelion, rosemary, and parsley, are also safe. Just don’t go crazy on sugary treats.
Make sure to ask your Saint Lucie County, FL veterinarian for particular recommendations.
What Foods Are Unsafe for Chinchillas?
It’s also crucial to understand what’s not safe. Seeds, cereals, and nuts are out. You should also avoid yogurt drops. They are often sold as chinchilla treats, however they are quite sweet. Too much sugar isn’t a good thing. Other items to avoid are citrus fruits, like lemons and grapefruit, corn, chocolate, dairy products, and fruits with a high water content, like watermelon. Contact your veterinarian for further information.
Do Chinchillas Like To Play?
Chinchillas can be timid, but don’t be fooled. They’re actually extremely playful in their own way. They enjoy climbing and jumping, and will welcome having ladders and branches in their cages.
Why Do Chinchillas Need Dust Baths?
Like all other pets, chinchillas require grooming. However, you should never get these fellas wet. Their fur takes a long time to dry, and they can develop fungal diseases. You’ll need to give your pet dust baths to remove grease and debris. Only use dust designed specifically for this purpose, and remove your pet’s ‘tub’ once they are finished.
(Tip: When it’s extremely hot outside, storing your chinchilla’s dust in the fridge can make these beautification treatments more enjoyable for him.)
What Are the Signs of Sickness in a Chinchilla?
You should keep an eye out for signs of disease with chinchillas, just like you would with any other pet. Chinchillas are classified as exotic pets, so you’ll need to choose a reputable exotic animal veterinarian.
Here are some things to look for:
- Anorexia
- Diarrhea
- Watery eyes
- Drooling
- Hunched posture
- Withdrawal
- Unusual behaviors
- Lethargy
- Having trouble breathing
- Constipation
- Shedding
- Weight loss.
- Dehydration
- Pawing at the mouth
- Poor coat condition
- Reduced feces output
If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your Saint Lucie County, FL exotic veterinarian immediately.
Make An Appointment At Your Saint Lucie County, FL Animal Clinic
Do you need advice on chinchilla care? Please feel free to contact us anytime. As your Saint Lucie County, FL pet hospital, we are here to help.
