What can cause a chinchilla to die?

How do most chinchillas die?

Respiratory diseases are often seen in pet chinchillas. A relatively minor respiratory problem that is left untreated can rapidly progress to pneumonia, which can be fatal. Conditions such as overcrowding, poor ventilation, and high humidity may predispose to pneumonia.

What is poisonous to chinchilla?

There are a number of foods that are poisonous to chinchillas so always double check before you feed them. DO NOT FEED your chinchilla with the following: asparagus, avocado, peas, cabbage, corn, lettuce, broccoli, spinach, rhubarb and rhubarb leaves. Other dangerous foods are banana, sunflower seeds and peanuts.

Do chinchillas play dead?

I taught my chinchilla a NEW TRICK (playing dead) – YouTube

What is the average lifespan of a chinchilla?

I taught my chinchilla a NEW TRICK (playing dead) – YouTube

How long does it take for a chinchilla to starve?

One week is too long to leave your chinchilla completely alone. Even with adequate food, water, and play materials to keep them active, 72 hours is the maximum time you should leave your chinchilla alone.

Can chinchillas have heart attacks?

The chinchillas suffer the pain of a full-blown heart attack until their hearts finally stop beating.


Are Cheerios OK for chinchillas?

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 only be given in moderation. Cheerios have a higher concentration of phosphorus than chinchillas need, so too much can cause a nutritional imbalance.

Can chinchillas have bananas?

Fruit choices include strawberries, pears, bananas and apples. Always chop vegetables and fruits up into very small bites. Don’t let them stay in your chinchilla’s cage when they’re no longer fresh. If your chinchilla is unwell for any reason, don’t feed fruit or other foods that have significant sugar content.

Are raisins good for chinchillas?

Chinchillas can safely eat raisins but should do so in moderation. Raisins are high in sugar and can cause health problems if your chin eats too many of them.

Do chinchillas go into hibernation?

Chinchillas are nocturnal creatures and more active at night, preferring to sleep during the day. They don’t hibernate.

Can chinchillas get too cold?

The lowest temperature a chinchilla can tolerate is between 25° to 40° Fahrenheit (-4°C to 4.5°C). However, it is unlikely that your home will ever reach such cold temperatures because it will be uncomfortable for you.

How do I know if my chinchilla is lethargic?

Chinchillas may not exhibit noticeable signs of illness until they are very sick. A sick chinchilla will lost interest in food, look dull/depressed, be lethargic and often sit hunched over in a cage corner.

How much is a chinchilla worth?

First off, the initial cost of the Chinchilla itself can vary widely, depending on the breeder and the Chinchilla’s coloring. Standard grey Chinchillas are typically cheaper. Chinchillas cost $80 – $150 from breeders.

List of Chinchilla Care Supplies and Cost.

Cage $200-$300
Carrier $15-$30

Do chinchillas like to be held?

They are typically active and playful as pets. And, with gentle handling from a young 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 dogs and cats.

Do chinchillas love?

While chinchillas prefer not to cuddle, they are still very affectionate with their pet parents. They are naturally curious and enjoy being out of their chinchilla cages whenever possible—supervised by their pet parent, of course!

How do you nurse a chinchilla back to health?

You can place that in your chin regular food bowl for him to eat throughout the day. Give him fresh puffed pellets a couple of times a day. You can also add a little Critical Care to the puffed pellets. You often have to add a small amount of water to make a semi dry thick mixture.

How many days can chinchilla go without water?

12 hours without food or water will not harm your chinchilla. They may not be a happy camper, but it’s better than choking on refluxed food or water after being put under anesthesia.

How many times a day should you feed a chinchilla?

Feed your chinchilla twice a day.

Chinchillas need between one to two tablespoons (15 to 30 mL) of commercial pellets each day. The pellets should be split evenly between two meals. One meal should be served in the morning and the other should be served at night.

How do you treat chinchilla pneumonia?

Treatment of Pneumonia in Chinchillas

With bacterial pneumonia, the vet will prescribe sulfamethoxanol and trimethoprim, or Bactrim, which is given twice a day for fourteen days. If necessary, a second antibiotic (Baytril) may be given to your pet.

How do I know if my chinchilla is in pain?

Signs of illness/injury include sore feet, wetness around the eyes/mouth and fur loss. Consult a vet immediately if you suspect they’re in pain, ill or injured. Chinchillas that are frightened or in pain may change their behaviour or develop unwanted habits e.g. aggression or hiding.

What happens when chinchillas overheat?

Bright red ears are the most obvious sign your chinchilla might be too hot. … Chinchillas will sometimes feel warmer than normal if they’ve been very active. However, if your chinchilla’s body stays warm for longer than 10 minutes, they may be too hot and you should speak to an exotic vet for advice.

Do chinchillas like the dark?

Chinchillas are not truly nocturnal animals, but they do have excellent vision that allows them to see well in the dark. This makes them successful at nocturnal life, although they prefer a crepuscular lifestyle.

What is chinchillas favorite food?

80-90% of a chinchilla’s diet should be high quality grass hay, such as timothy hay or orchard grass hay. Your chinchilla should always have hay available. Pellets should be plain, hay-based pellets, with no seeds, nuts, or dried fruit.

Can a chinchilla eat strawberries?

In a nutshell, most chinchillas can have strawberries, but only sparingly. That is, maybe once in a while as a special treat. For the most part, though, it’s better to avoid giving your chinchilla strawberries or any other kind of fruit to be on the safe side.

Can chinchillas eat peanut butter?

Eating too many peanuts can cause indigestion, and your chinchilla may experience diarrhea or soft stools if they’re not getting enough fiber. … Raw peanuts and peanut butter still have fat contents that are too high to be appropriate for a chinchilla’s diet.

Should chinchillas be in pairs?

Chinchillas need: Keeping with at least one other friendly chinchilla, unless advised otherwise by a vet/clinical animal behaviourist. Chinchillas can be kept as male/female pairs* or single sex groups. They¿re naturally sociable, living in groups in the wild.

Can chinchillas eat grapes?

Chinchillas can eat small amounts of fruit such as: Apples. Blueberries. Grapes.

Can chinchillas eat chocolate?

Chocolate is filled with fat and sugar which can: Damage your chinchilla’s digestive tract. Damage your chinchilla’s nervous system.

Can chinchillas eat lichen?

Chinchillas are attractive little rodents famed for the fluffy appearance that sets them apart from other animals. These rodents are omnivorous, feeding a diet of both plant and animal matter. … They also eat roots, mosses, and lichens.

Can chinchillas eat eggs?

In the wild, chinchillas are omnivores, which means that they eat both plants and meat. However, they eat mostly vegetation and seeds. Occasionally, they will eat insects and bird eggs. … They are also known for eating bark, which is very high in fiber.

What should I name my chinchilla?

Cute Chinchilla Names

  • Pinto.
  • Chip.
  • Biscuit.
  • Turk.
  • Scooter.
  • Waffle.
  • Nacho.
  • Nib.

Are chinchillas intelligent?

Chinchillas are a type of small rodent and are more intelligent than most people imagine. They have many different abilities that prove what brainiacs they really are. They learn social skills, answer to their names, and even pick up on new commands during training.

Do chinchillas like the heat?

Chinchillas evolved in an area that is cool and dry. … Because of this, chinchillas do not tolerate heat and humidity very well and can overheat quite easily. When overheating, a chinchilla can suffer from heat stroke and die.

Can chinchillas be in the sun?

Keep Your Chinchillas Away from Direct Sunlight: Chinchillas should not be exposed to direct sunlight without supervision, and should not experience direct sunlight for an extended period of time (I will allow my chinchillas to be photographed by the window for no more than 5-10 minutes on a partly cloudy day).

How often do you bathe a chinchilla?

Over-bathing can cause chinchillas’ skin, feet, and ears to dry out, so it is important to limit bath-time to 2 – 4 times a week based on each individual chinchillas’ needs. In very hot, humid weather or climates, chinchillas often need access to their dust baths closer to 4 times per week.

Why is my chinchilla laying on its side?

Sleeping on their side: If a chinchilla sleeps on its side, it can mean it is hot, tired after exercise, pregnant or just likes sleeping that way. Hopping and jumping: This is quite normal behaviour for a chinchilla when it is playing.

How can I tell if my chinchilla is depressed?

Depression Symptoms

When depressed, a chin will eat very little, will refuse to play or interact with his toys, and will neglect to move around his cage. A depressed chinchilla may chew his fur and become indifferent to his surroundings.

Do chinchillas have seizures?

Cases of spontaneous epilepsy in chinchillas have been anecdotally reported in the literature (Hollamby, 2009). A case of a spontaneous human herpes virus type one infection causing ocular and neurological signs including seizures has also been reported in a one-year-old chinchilla (Wohlsein et al, 2002).