It seems, everyone asks this question,
Male or Female???
Each chinchilla has it's very own personality, and no two are the same,
Just like people!
Females are more territorial than males and they are also known to spray urine when they are upset.(most males don't figure it out) They have pretty good aim too!
Males tend to be more out-going then most females, (but that doesn't mean females arnt out-going also) |
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Bedding
Common acceptable forms of bedding:
-kiln dried pine
-aspen
-Carefresh
Unacceptable:
-cedar
-clay pelleted
-clumping or scented litter
There are a few things to consider when selecting bedding and/or litter for your chinchilla's cage.
1) If it's bedding, is it comfortable?
2) Does it irritate their noses, skin or lungs?
3) Is it safe to be ingested?
-Any bedding or litter that contains phenols (such as cedar). Phenols are dangerous to the respiratory health of small animals, including chins, and can lead to death when exposure is consistent.
-Any bedding or litter that clumps or expands when it gets wet. This is important because if your animal eats the product, and it expands in the digestive tract, it can cause impaction.
-Any litters made of clay or that have been fragranced. Chin noses are sensitive. We need to remember, just because it smells good to us, doesn't mean it smells good to our pets.
Teeth
The normal color of a chinchillas teeth should be dark orange. If the teeth are chalky, yellow or white this is a sign of calcium defficiancy.
A calcium suppliment should be used and the chinchillas diet should be reviewed.
Vit C is also a important part of a chinchillas tooth heath. The chinchillas teeth are not imbedded in bone like most animals-they are free floating are are connected in the socket with connective tissure. They grow through out the chinchillas life so this is why they have the constant need to chew and file them down. Provide plenty of chew toys to help them fulfill this need along with plenty of hay and good quality pellets.
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