What Special Health Problems Do Chinchillas Have?

Chinchillas are larger rodents that may resemble a cross between a rabbit, hamster and gerbil. Chinchillas are approximately the length of a ruler and have relatively smooth bodies with very thick fur and a fluffy tail. Though chinchillas may develop possible health problems throughout their years, they are no more likely to develop health problems than other pets if given proper care.

  1. Temperature and Diet

    • Chinchillas are very sensitive to temperatures. They should not be kept in areas that are colder than 40 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit, and should not be kept in temperature above 75 to 80 degrees as they may overheat. Overheating can cause seizures in chinchillas, as can vitamin deficiencies. It's important to make sure that you feed you chinchilla appropriately. It should mostly consume hay and water, with a side of chinchilla feed, the amount of which varies depending on weight and feed brand.

    Fungi

    • Change hay daily so that it doesn't become moist and produce fungus in your chinchilla's cage. Cages should be kept clean and free of moisture. Your pets should also be bathed every 2 to 3 days with a dust bath, which is a powder that you sprinkle in the chinchilla cage for them to roll around in. This dust bath can be bought in any pet store that sells chinchilla products. Never use water to bathe your chinchilla, as this could cause fungal growth.

    Teething Overgrowth

    • Watch your chinchilla's teeth. Your pet should have plenty of hay, feed and wood pieces to chew on so that his teeth maintain a proper height. The top teeth should never overgrow the bottom teeth. This can happen if your chinchilla is not chewing on food enough or due to breeding. If you notice teeth overgrowth, visit your veterinarian as soon as possible. A chinchilla's teeth never stop growing, so it's important to monitor what is going on.

    Digestion

    • Pay attention to your chinchilla's fecal matter. Normally, it should appear as hard pellets. If the matter is too soft, you may be giving your chinchilla too many treats or feed and not enough hay. Take away your chinchilla's feed and treats immediately, and only provide hay and water for 2 to 3 days until the fecal matter hardens. A poor diet and diarrhea can be detrimental to chinchillas as they have very sensitive digestive systems.