AboutMae Expertise I have the ability of answering questions about your chinchillas (I also know little bits here and there about your other small animals!) - whether you are a new owner and worried about your little one, or just have any general questions, even health questions.
Experience All about the ownership of chinchillas. ie. Health, Illnesses, Diet, behaviour etc.
Publications On various Chinchilla Forums throughout the US & UK.
Question I just got my chinchilla on 07/03/08 and it seems it has not been drinking from its water bottle. What could be the reason for this? He is very active when he is out of his cage he runs around and likes to be held very active. dose not seem like any thing is worng with him. can you please help me
thank you
Answer Hi there Jeff,
Welcome to the ownership of Chinchillas!
When you purchased your chinchilla did he/she have a waterbottle or a little bowl with water in it? If he/she had a little bowl with water and no waterbottle he might have difficulties switching over as he may never have come across a waterbottle before.
If this is the case, I suggest getting a raisin splitting it in half and rubbing it on the tip of the waterbottle. Ofcourse do not give your chinchilla any raisin as they are toxic. This will just draw them towards the tip of the waterbottle and the will think there is something there which will make them lick and they should soon find out what it is for.
Also, Chinchillas normally do their eating, drinking and jumping about at night time as they are nocturnal therefore we wouldn't see them do that often in the daytime.
Your chinchilla ofcourse might be drinking and you just don't realise it. You should put a little line on the outside of the bottle were the water lays before you go to bed. Then in the morning, check to see if any has been taken from it.
Hope this helps you, Jeff! Do not be afraid to ask anymore questions you may have....This is what I am here for :)
Mae.
Check out my ever growing website for more chinchilla information: www.freewebs.com/crazycritters
