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Is My Chinchilla Well?

To be able to make a decision whether or not your chinchilla is well, you need to know what is “normal” for them. Like children, behaviour in chinchillas can be inherited or learnt. Some behaviour is instinctive, such as suckling their mother as soon as they are born. The rest of a chinchilla’s behaviour is learnt from parents and by observation, and then becomes instinctive. Animals continually learn throughout their lives. They rely heavily on sight, sound and smell. Verbal signals are avoided as they could result in detection by a predator. The functions of behaviour are to eat, to avoid being eaten, and to reproduce.

Click on a link below to find out more:

• Normal Behaviour
• Health Care
• Eye Problems
• Ear Problems
• Runny Nose
• Mouth Problems
• Fur
• Pneumonia
• Constipation
• Diarrhoea

Normal Behaviour

Chinchillas are nocturnal animals and like company, preferably another chinchilla. Solitary chinchillas can suffer behavioural problems and can pine for company.

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Health Care

If you provide the correct care, diet, environment, exercise and attention to your chinchilla it will normally stay fit and healthy, and will be bright, alert and eating and drinking normally. Younger and older pets are often more susceptible to illness due to lowered resistance. Handling your pet every day gives you the opportunity to examine him for signs that may indicate illness.

Chinchillas should be bright and alert. Monitor their food intake to check that they are eating and drinking normally.

Any change in normal behaviour may indicate an underlying problem.
Watch out for:

eating or drinking more or less than normal
restless or lethargic – or a crouched, huddled appearance
coat that looks dull, is soiled or itchy, and check for cuts and lumps
discharge from the eyes, ears or nose
soiling around the vent with urine or faeces
faeces abnormal in colour or texture
more or less urine being produced – or unusual in colour
offensive odour from the ears, mouth or vent
difficulty in eating, drinking or moving
difficulty in breathing – or raspy noises from the chest

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Common Illnesses

Chinchillas are hardy creatures. However, they can suffer from numerous conditions and illnesses, and it is important to detect signs of these at an early stage. Getting to know your pet by handling and grooming is the most essential aspect to recognising if there is a problem. These are some of the most common illnesses and health problems that chinchillas can suffer from:

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Eye Problems

Healthy eyes are clear and sparkling. If there is any discharge or the eyelids are inflamed and sore, it may be that there is irritation or infection that must be treated with medication from a vet.

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Ear Problems

If you notice any discharge from the ears, or if your chinchilla is pawing its ears or there is a lack of balance and direction, you should take your chinchilla to the vet. Once home, do not allow your chinchilla to have a dust bath until it is well again.

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Runny Nose

Discharge from the nose may mean that your chinchilla has a cold. Keeping it warm and ensuring that it drinks a lot of fresh water should clear the problem. If the conditions worsen, take your chinchilla to the vet.

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Mouth Problems

Chinchillas are rodents. This means that their teeth grow continuously throughout their life. If is very important to ensure that chinchillas always have something to chew and gnaw on to help wear down their teeth. If the teeth become overgrown, it can prevent the chinchillas from eating so it may lose weight and become weak and, therefore, more susceptible to illness.

Other indicators that the teeth have become too long may be dribbling from the side of the mouth when eating, pawing the mouth or weight loss. It may be necessary to take your chinchilla to the vet to have his teeth trimmed if they have overgrown.

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Fur

Chinchillas have very dense fur and there are very few instances of mites or other parasites. The exception is a fungus. The fur can look limp and messy and, in some cases, the whiskers break. You will need to take your chinchilla to the vet who will probably prescribe a fungicidal powder to put into your chinchilla’s dust bath.

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Pneumonia

If your chinchilla is wheezy, finds it difficult to breathe or has a runny nose, it may have a chest infection or pneumonia. You need to take your pet to the vet immediately as pneumonia puts a lot of stress on their bodies and can be fatal.

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Constipation

Constipation is often caused by stress, a change in diet, or lack of water. If your chinchilla has constipation you will often notice a lack of droppings and that he looks tired and bloated. You can help relieve this by ensuring that there is plenty of fresh water and fibre available. Also ensure that he is getting enough exercise. If necessary, offer the dust bath more frequently. If you are unhappy, always consult your vet.

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Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea is quite common. It is usually an indicator that the chinchilla (especially young ones) have over-eaten or that they have eaten bad hay or food. This condition can also be caused by stress, a sudden change in diet, or too much green food. Again, your vet will be able to advise on treatment.

Always consult a vet if you have ANY reason for concern.

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