Chinchillas are attractive and popular pets. Many people prefer to take this furball home because of the chinchilla`s gentle temperament. The choice of a rodent as a pet is very important because of its uniqueness. The pet owner should know the basic information related to these creatures. Here are some less known facts about the pet chinchilla.
Chinchilla Lifespan
Chinchillas are kind of centenarians in a rodent family. They can live in captivity more than 20 years. Rabbits, Degus and Guinea pigs live shorter – from 2 to 7 years. The chinchilla’s lifespan depends on its balanced diet, supply with fresh water, and enough space for exercising. Moderate temperatures are essential – if pets are exposed to heat for a long time, their life is in danger.
During their relatively long life, chinchs change their size and weight but keep their cheerful temperament and curiosity.
Youngsters are ready to move immediately after birth. Baby chinchillas eat solid food at the age of seven days. At the age of 8 months they become sexually mature.
Dry Bath
When you think of personal hygiene you probably imagine a shower, soap and plenty of water. In fact, chinchillas need a dry bath. What does it mean? These exotic pets clean their silky fur by rolling in special dust. Owners have to offer this bath to their chinchillas three times a week. The procedure takes about 15 minutes. The rabbit-like rodents use the bath not only to keep their fur healthy. This bath is also great fun for them.
Some owners might have an allergy to the dust, so people who intend to buy a chinchilla have to consider this fact.
Chinchilla Health Problems
Heat stroke, diabetes, broken bones are amongst common chinchilla health problems. Chinchs will need an air-conditioned place to live in the summer. These rodents are very sensitive to heat. Another fact to consider is that the chinchilla’s cage should be placed far from, chimneys, direct sunlight or even your kitchen. Another life-threatening factor is humidity.
Problems with digestion are also very common. The first thing an owner can do is provide the pet with balanced food or give the chinchilla only hay. Liquid Vitamin C is also a good first aid option.
Chinchillas often suffer from uneven or overgrown teeth. To prevent this problem the chinch’s parent has to provide his pet with enough hay and wood chewing sticks.
These are some of the less known chinchilla facts everyone should know before deciding to have an exotic small pet. If you already have this creature at home, we hope you will find useful chinchilla information in this article.
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by Ema P Peters
