Key points for keeping chinchillas: temperature, sand bath and teeth
There is a risk of heatstroke if the temperature exceeds 28 degrees Celsius.
Chinchillas are native to the Andean plateau. Their coats are extremely dense and have poor heat dissipation capabilities. It is recommended that the ambient temperature be controlled between 15 and 24 degrees. If it exceeds 28 degrees, heat stroke will occur, and if it exceeds 30 degrees, it is considered a high risk. Air conditioning must be turned on in summer. This is a hard condition.
Sand bathing takes ten to fifteen minutes a day and uses special volcanic ash. Ordinary sand cannot effectively remove oil and can clog pores. Sand bath tubs should be screened out of debris after use and replaced regularly.
Chinchillas' teeth grow throughout their lives and need to be provided with molar wood or mineral blocks. Excessively long teeth can cause drooling, food refusal, and increased eye discharge, which are emergencies that require medical attention.
The diet is mainly timothy grass and special chinchilla food, with only a very small amount of sweets and nuts. A high-sugar diet can trigger intestinal flora imbalance, and chinchillas have more sensitive stomachs than rabbits.
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