Why does my Chinchilla keep breaking its feet?
In a cage situation, the chinchilla is often walking on a wire cage bottom or shelving the whole time, so there is never any respite for the bottoms of its feet, and so they become very sore. Because the skin is very hard, the serous fluid builds up behind it and will eventually break the skin.
How can you tell if a chinchilla has Bumblefoot?
The first signs that your chinchilla has bumblefoot are that it will be unwilling to move and certainly won’t want to climb. It will hunch, trying to keep its weight evenly on all its feet, but for preference it won’t put any weight on them at all and may curl up.
What happens if you leave a Chinchilla in a cage for too long?
If dust baths are left in the cage for long periods, they become soiled with feces. When chinchillas do not have access to a dust bath in captivity, the fur becomes matted from oily secretions. Dust bathing often causes irritation of the eyes, resulting in conjunctivitis without associated clinical signs of upper respiratory infection.
What kind of hiding place does a chinchilla need?
Chinchillas are shy animals and need a place to hide when in captivity. In the wild, chinchillas conceal themselves in rock crevices. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plumbing pipes, especially elbow, Y, and T sections, make ideal hiding places. The pipes should be 4–5 in. in diameter and are easy to sanitize by placing in a dishwasher.
When is the best time to see a chinchilla?
Chinchillas are crepuscular which means they are most active during twilight – dusk and dawn. They are not exactly nocturnal. They like to sleep during the hottest part of the day and most don’t want to be bothered. They may not appear as if they’re ever sleeping as you’ll find their eyes open many times, but they rest more than you think.
What kind of fur does a Chinchilla have?
There are three different strains of chinchilla that consist of the Brevicaudata, Lanigera and Costina. Each strain has different characteristics and originated in different elevations. The Brevicaudata has a nice blocky build, but can have a brownish fur color.
What’s the average life span of a chinchilla?
A chinchilla with good diet and husbandry can remain in your family anywhere for over 20 years with average life spans over 10 years. The average male chinchilla weighs between 400-500 grams, while the females can reach 600 grams. Chinchillas
Where did the name Chinchilla come from and where did it come from?
The term “chinchilla” comes from the Indian meaning “little chinta”. Chinchillas are considered rodents, even though they may not look like your average rat that you may find running around the house. Chinchillas originated in South America, where they were trapped for their fur and were almost sent into extinction.
