How long can chinchillas go without food?

How long can chinchillas go without food?

12 hours without food or water will not harm your chinchilla. They may not be a happy camper, but it’s better than choking on refluxed food or water after being put under anesthesia.

What do you do when your chinchilla won’t eat?

Ileus can be deadly if left untreated so within 24 hours of your chinchilla not eating or pooping you should be starting treatment. If you can’t get into an exotics vet in that time frame, start by syringe feeding (mixed vegetable baby food or Critical Care) and offering water in a dish or by syringe.

Can chinchillas drink Pedialyte?

Pedialyte (or LiquiLytes): Excellent for dehydration and helps to replace electrolytes. We have found that apple or unflavored are most liked by chins. Give to your chin often by syringe in cases of constipation or severe dehydration.

Why is my chinchilla not drinking?

While chinchillas can go quite some time without water, this does not mean that it shouldn’t cause for alarm as a chinchilla may quickly become dehydrated depending on the temperature they are in. Your chinchilla may also refuse to drink because they are afraid or because there is a change in their environment.

Why is my chinchilla acting lethargic?

Respiratory diseases are often seen in pet chinchillas. Common signs of respiratory disease in chinchillas include lack of appetite, lethargy, difficulty in breathing, nasal or eye discharge, and swollen lymph nodes. As is true with many rodents, overgrown and impacted teeth are common in chinchillas.

Why is my chinchilla lethargic?

Conditions such as overcrowding, poor ventilation, and high humidity may predispose to pneumonia. Common signs of respiratory disease in chinchillas include lack of appetite, lethargy, difficulty in breathing, nasal or eye discharge, and swollen lymph nodes. Chinchillas can also get deep tooth root infections.

What should I do if my Chinchilla is not eating?

You will also want to put them on a soft diet until they can eat normally. To make a soft diet, just add warm water to moisten the regular diet. You may even consider isolating them until they get well. Injury-proof the cage and provide ample areas for the chinchilla to maneuver safely up and down.

What kind of health problems does a Chinchilla have?

Although chinchillas are relatively robust and hardy, they can succumb to several common health concerns, most of which are preventable. The most common illness that a chinchilla will contract is going to be either a respiratory concern or heat stroke (see below).

When to see a vet for a chinchilla infection?

Otherwise, if you notice signs of infection, you will need to wash the wound with sterile saline two to three times a day to assist the healing process. If the infection worsens, consult a vet ASAP. These cases tend to occur when you introduce a new chinchilla to your existing chinchilla (s) without following proper introduction procedures.

What should I do if my Chinchilla has a broken tail?

Put the chinchilla in an isolated cage until you can transport them to the veterinarian. Examine the cage regularly. Make sure that wire openings in the cage are about 1″ x 1/2″ and avoid wire-bottomed cages. Also, learn proper handling techniques. 5. Broken or Frozen Tails

What happens if you don’t treat a chinchilla?

Dental issues with chinchillas are one of the most common occurrences you will encounter and can escalate into death if not treated when an issue does arise. Chinchilla’s teeth continue to grow at rapid paces like many rodents. If a tooth becomes overgrown, it can become infected.

What causes a Chinchilla to die of heatstroke?

Many things can cause a chinchilla to die, but most frequently, a chinchilla will die from heatstroke, respiratory infection, or another illness that causes a lack of eating.

When do you start to notice symptoms of a chinchilla?

It’s important to know that chinchillas hide their symptoms very well, so when it comes to identifying the main symptoms of disease in them, you usually don’t notice them until after several days. 1. Respiratory Disease

What to do if your Chinchilla’s tail freezes?

Frozen tail: The tail will typically fall off without any unfavorable results. If the chinchilla starts to chew at the tail, use an Elizabethan collar. Visit your vet to get an antibiotic prescription to prevent any secondary infection. Learn proper handling techniques and house your chinchilla in an appropriate temperature-controlled climate. 6.

Why is my chinchilla sick?

Consult a vet immediately if you suspect they’re in pain, ill or injured. Chinchillas that are frightened or in pain may change their behaviour or develop unwanted habits e.g. aggression or hiding. Stressed chinchillas are more likely to become ill. If patches of fur come away during handling it means they’re stressed.