Chinchillas are a very unique creature that original lived in the Andes Mountains where they roamed the mountainside. These little guys have one of the softest furs out of any animal on the planet. If you love your chinchilla, then it's important to care for him well so he lives a long, happy life. Here's some secrets to keeping your little friend healthy for years to come.
Your chin has a very sensitive digestive system that can be easily disrupted if you don't keep him on a strict diet. Be sure to only feed your chinchilla specially made pellets for chins, and not just anything that looks close. If you feed him rabbit pellets, for instance, he can get sick and develop health problems.
The problem with pellets is that they contain little moisture, so you better have a water bottle hooked up so he can drink when he's thirsty. Try not to use any type of open bowl, it can get soiled easily or get your chin wet (which is never good). If you do have to use a bowl for a time, be sure to use a heavy clay bowl or stainless steel that connects to his cage.
Pellets also don't contain enough fiber for your chin, so he will need a supplement of hay. You should not feed your chinchilla excess treats either, it will cause him health problems. So limit special treats to once a day (at most).
You may also notice that your chin's teeth constantly grow throughout his whole life. They will need to be filed down regularly, but he will take care of that if you provide him the means. Giving your chinchilla wood blocks to chew on is usually enough to keep his teeth the right length. If they do get too long and are noticeably causing him discomfort, then you should take him to your vet to get those teeth filed down.
When choosing a block for your chin to chew on, be sure to stick with wood. If you get one of those nutrient blocks it will give him digestive problems and make him sick. There are also certain types of wood you should stay away from, mostly any treated wood or citrus wood. Cedar, apricot, cherry, plum, prune, peach and walnut are other woods to steer clear of.
By taking good care of your chinchilla, you will help him live a happy, more energetic life that can last up to 20 years (seriously!). So be sure to pay close attention and spend time with him regularly so you know if his attitude or behavior changes to detect problems early. But most importantly , enjoy your pet and he will enjoy you!