![]() Even healthy rabbits can harbor a variety of bacteria that can cause morbidity or mortality.Ĭhinchillas have more hairs per square inch than any other animal. Rodents should not be housed near rabbits. 19 One source describes optimal temperatures as low as 10☌ (50☏). Temperatures between 18.3-26.7☌ (59☏-70☏) are best for holding and ambient temperature. 18 The best period to socialize animal is before sexual maturity.Ĭhinchillas easily succumb to heat stress at temperatures exceeding 26.7☌ (80☏). Pairs, trios, and harems as well as single-sex groups can live together peacefully. The larger “flying saucer” wheels do not force the animal into an abnormal hyperextended back position, but individuals can still develop limb problems due to abnormal loading of joints and muscles.Ĭhinchillas are social animals. “Flying saucer” exercise wheels are preferable over “regular” exercise wheels to minimize the risk of back and limb problems. If not kept in a room especially set up for chinchillas, animals require at least 30 minutes of exercise or play outside of their cage daily. hazelnut, willow, birch) are suitable do not offer branches from stone fruit trees or conifer trees. Branches of unsprayed deciduous trees (e.g. Clean or sieve sand regularly (see important medical conditions below).Ĭhinchillas also require material for gnawing or chewing to reduce the risk of dental overgrowth. Use commercially available chinchilla dust. Provide free choice access to dust baths, whenever possible. The hiding boxes should be placed on different levels in the cage, however the highest hide box will probably be the preferred sleeping place. ![]() Provide a separate hiding box to each animal. Provide visual security, such as PVC piping, cork caves or sleeping cottages with a minimum size of 30 x 20 x 20 cm. ![]() The floor is covered with recycled paper bedding or aspen wood shavings. A latrine area can be cleaned daily, but the remainder of the room can be cleaned once a week. The best enclosure for chinchillas is a chinchilla room with branches and wooden platforms (S. Select small-gauge wire (15 mm x 15 mm) to prevent limb injury. The cage floor should ideally be solid and covered with aspen shavings or recycled paper product. For each additional animal at least 0.5 m 3 are required. The minimum dimensions should be 50 cm (20 in) wide and 150 cm (60 in) high with a volume of at least 3 m3 (800 gallon). ![]() CagingĬhinchillas require a great deal of space with multiple levels for jumping and climbing. 19Ĭhinchillas are crepuscular to nocturnal, although they can be active during the day. While water intake is larger from bowls, which may reduce the risk for urolithiasis 11, water in bottles stays clean longer. In the wild, chinchillas nibble rain drops from leaves or stones, either water bowls or water bottles are suitable and have different advantages. Do not feed high-fat foods, like nuts and seeds, or foods rich in sugar, like fruits (e.g. The digestive system of the chinchilla is perfectly adapted to extract energy and nutrients from a barren food supply, which puts captive animals at risk for obesity and hepatic lipidosis. Small quantities of fresh vegetables can also be fed (see important medical conditions below). 28 Dried herbs and high-fiber chinchilla or rabbit pellets, approximately 15-30 ml (1-2 teaspoons) per animal per day, can be offered. The hay must always be freely available, dry, and free of odor, mold, or dust. The bulk of the diet should consist of high-quality grass hay. 14, 27Ĭaptive animals should be fed a high-fiber diet, similarly low in protein, sugar, and fat. 28 The digestive system of chinchillas is perfectly adapted to these nourishments, the long intestine guarantees an optimal utilization of the sparse food. Almost all food items are high in dietary fiber with little fat, sugar, or protein. The natural diet of chinchillas consists of grasses, cactus fruits, dry roots and tubers, as well as the bark and leaves of small shrubs and bushes.
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