Why doesn’t a chinchilla drink water?
Expert Answer
A chinchilla may not drink because the water’s quality or taste is poor, so it refuses. It may also be a faulty drinker, such as a blocked or poorly designed spout. In addition, a sick or uncomfortable chinchilla may be unable to drink on its own.
To encourage drinking, give fresh, clean, tasty water and a proper drinker. If the chinchilla seems unwell, take it to a vet.
My chinchilla once stopped drinking because the bottle spout clogged, so I check the feeder before assuming he's sick. Try fresh, clean water in a working bottle, and some owners offer a shallow dish. If he's truly refusing and looks lethargic or his droppings are dry, that's dehydration, a real emergency in chinchillas, get him to a vet. Usually it's the equipment, not the will, so rule that out first.