Are you considering bringing a Chinchilla into your Carlsbad home? Chinchillas are adorable little a...

1. Chinchilla Care | Carlsbad Animal Hospital
Are you considering bringing a Chinchilla into your Carlsbad home? Chinchillas are adorable little
animals, and can make great pets. These little cuties are quite sensitive, however, and have very
specific needs. Chinchillas can live up to 20 years with proper care, so before buying a chinchilla, be
sure you can commit to your little furball for years to come.
Here are a few http://www.answers.com/mt/baby-chinchilla basics:
Temperature
Temperature is very important for chinchillas. These little cuties are just not designed to deal with
heat. Chinchillas don't sweat, so they can become extremely sick very quickly if they get too hot.
Chinchillas do best in temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Once the thermostat
goes over 75, these little furballs can overheat very quickly, and can even die. Fortunately, our local
weather is typically http://wn.com/Baby_Chinchillas ideal for caring for chinchillas, but if you are
going to keep a chinchilla, you'll need to remember to turn on your air conditioner on hot days.
Food
Chinchillas are herbivores, so in the wild, they eat mostly plants. Because their little tummies are
designed to eat specific types of plants, many foods that are safe for other pets can make chinchillas
www.Chinchillafactssite.com very ill. You'll want to feed your chinchilla lots of fiber. Chinchillas
really enjoy hay. Alpine hay, alfalfa, timothy hay, and blue grasses are all appropriate. Make sure to
store your hay so it stays dry, as wet hay can develop dangerous molds. You can also feed your
chinchilla 1-2 tablespoons of pellets per day. You can also supplement with certain fruits and
vegetables, but always check to see if a certain food is safe for chinchillas before giving it to your
little buddy. Be very careful with treats, as too many snacks can cause health problems.
Care
Chinchillas absolutely love to chew, jump, and hide in things. Giving your chinchilla a good
assortment of toys, and changing them out frequently, will keep your little furball happy and
entertained. Chewing keeps chinchilla teeth in good condition, so be sure to provide appropriate
chewing materials. Remember to make sure that there are no exposed wires nearby before letting
your pet have some free time out of his cage, so your pet doesn't chew wires.
Behavior
Chinchillas are very cute and friendly. Some chinchillas like being held, while others may only
tolerate it for short periods. Even if your chinchilla doesn't care to be handled, he may enjoy being
petted, or like to climb on you. Just like people, animals all have unique personalities, and you'll need
to take time to understand your pet.
Please contact your Carlsbad vet with any questions on caring for chinchillas.
http://carlsbadanimalhospital.com/2014/10/01/carlsbad-vet-chinchilla-care/