Archive
Signs a Chinchilla Shows Before Giving Birth
Chinchillas easily become pregnant after mating and show signs such as a pear-shaped body and increased appetite; the closer to birth, the clearer the signs. This article explains the symptoms before a chinchilla gives birth.
Supplies You Need to Care for a Chinchilla
A good home and the right gear are essential for keeping a chinchilla healthy. This article lists the items you'll need—cage, nest box, dust bath, feeder, water bottle, exercise wheel, bedding, and food—so new owners know what to prepare.
What Is a Chinchilla’s Personality Like? Key Things to Know Before You Get One
Chinchillas—also called velvet rats—have dense, soft fur and a gentle, non-aggressive temperament, which makes them a favorite pet. This article covers their fur, personality, lifespan, and diet so new owners know what to expect.
Symptoms and Treatment of Chinchilla Fur-Biting
Fur-biting is rare but hard to cure; congenital cases are incurable, while acquired ones can be treated. Remove old fur, add vitamins, and isolate in a calm, clean space.
How to Handle a Chinchilla That Bites Its Fur
Fur-biting, or trichophagia, has nervous, genetic, and nutritional causes. Ensure good nutrition, a calm environment, and electrolyte supplements; isolate affected chinchillas.
A Chinchilla’s Senses
Chinchillas are nocturnal with sharp hearing, smell, and touch, but poor height perception. Knowing their senses helps you care for them better.
How to Care for a Chinchilla
Chinchillas are relatively easy to keep, but feeding differs by life stage. Here is how to feed kits and adults, plus key cautions on diet and housing.
What to Do When a Chinchilla Has Heatstroke
Chinchillas come from cold, dry, well-ventilated highlands, so they tolerate heat poorly and many die of heatstroke yearly. Cool them gradually and seek a vet promptly.
Types and Treatment of Chinchilla Enteritis
Chinchilla enteritis is split into acute and chronic forms, with acute being more severe. Learn the symptoms of each type and how to treat the underlying cause.
What to Do When a Chinchilla Has a Cold
Chinchillas catch colds easily in spring and autumn and can die from a simple cold or secondary pneumonia. Isolate, disinfect, and treat with chinchilla-specific cold medicine.