CHINCHILLA
Chinchillas are fun to watch and bond with. They require dust baths several times a week to keep their fur and skin healthy and soft.
SET UP AND CARE
Chinchillas can grow up to 16" and live for 10-15 years. They are most active at dawn and dusk. They can be kept in groups of same-genders. They need a multi-level cage that is at least 24x24x42.5" in low humidity and out of direct sunlight. Temperatures should be around 65-70 degrees F. Cover the bottom of the cage with proper bedding and spot clean as needed. Replace bedding as directed on packaging. Furnish the cage with hides to gnaw on and burrow into. Consider adding a chilling stone or frozen marble slab as temperatures above 80 degrees can be very dangerous for them.
DIET
They need Timothy hay or oat grass at all times. Once a week feed them leafy greens fresh veggies, and fruit. You can give them alfalfa hay, rose hips, and hibiscus as treats twice a week. They also pelleted food at all times. They need clean water at all times.
CONTACT A VET IF:
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you notice them not eating or drinking normally
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overgrown front teeth or drooling
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cloudy, sunken or swollen eyes
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bare patches of fur
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lethargy; weight loss
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sneezing
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discharge from eyes or nose
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diarrhea, discolored droppings or absence of droppings for more than 6-8 hours
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continously tilted head