AboutJedediah Expertise I can answer questions about exotic rodents (among others jirds, mice species, chinchillas, degus): how to keep them, what to feed them, how to make toys ect.
I cannot answer questions on breeding or medical questions. If your animal appears to be sick, you need to see a rodent vet as soon as possible, don`t waste time asking me.
Experience I keep, have kept or am planning to keep a number of exotic rodents and I am constantly doing research on many species to keep informed.
Expert: Jedediah Date: 5/18/2008 Subject: what do chincillas eat
Question What do chincillas eat and what do they do??
Answer Dear Marissa,
thank you for your question.
Chinchillas must have high-quality hay and water, you should also offer them a good pellet brand (no rabbit or guinea pig pellets). As treats, you can offer dried vegetables and a little fuit, but chinchillas are prone to diabetes, so anything sweet should make up a very small part of their diet.
They are nocturnal, so you won't see much of them during the day. They must be kept in (same sex) pairs or groups because they are extremely social. They will interact with each other and with you once they are tame. Chinchillas are very inquisitive and will investigate anything new, especially if you let them out of their cage - make sure the room if safe for them. They can become very tame, but most don't like being petted that much because it makes their fur greasy. They need a huge cage and will use every inch of space that you give them, jumping and running with extraordinary agility.
This website has a lot more info on chinchilla care, it's a very good resource if you are thinking about getting chinchillas as pets: http://www.chincare.com/
I hope I was of some help to you
Jennifer
