Health

Like most chinchillas your chinchilla can be a quick little animal along with being easily frightened. If for any reason he/she has been startled before opening his cage he may jump from corner to corner. The best way to get your chinchilla out of his/her cage is to slowly reach into the cage with one hand and follow the animal around until you can firmly grasp the tail near the base. This is said to be the most acceptable and proper way to pick up a chinchilla.

As you catch his/her tail be sure to position your other hand under his body, and remove him from the cage in an upside-down position. Take extra precaution when doing this to ensure that you dont lose your chinchilla and unexpected jump could result in a serious injury.

Another good way to handle your chinchilla and only if you are comfortable with the chinchilla and visa versa is to place one hand safely on its bottom and the other hand on its chest and scoop up towards your body.

Be sure to NEVER catch your chinchilla by his back or neck, this can cause possible injury and fur loss. Since chinchillas have a floating rib cage it is best not to squeeze him/her around the ribs, this could result in internal injuries.

A chinchilla can be known for biting if they become frightened or overly excited. There is no reason for alarm if your chinchilla bites a little too hard causing skin to break, just be sure to clean the wound the same way as if you were treating a scrape

Chinchillas like to be used to their surroundings, and dont care for loud/sharp noises, you can neutralize their surroundings by playing soft music or keeping noise to a minimum.

Normally chinchillas are a very healthy animal, and under reasonable surroundings/conditions they will live healthy and reproduce. With a proper diet, clean environment and careful handling, there should be no need for additional medical care. Remember that over-handling, too many treats, constant change to their environment and routine can cause alarm for the animals health.

Ways to help insure your chinchilla stays happy and healthy

. Keep housing area clean
. Water bottles and stoppers should be sterilized and the water supply kept pure.
. Use of proper bedding/litter (kiln dried pine or aspen are 2 of the best)
. Replace pellets and hay daily.
. Provide plenty of chew blocks, or various chew toys to help maintain healthy teeth
. Proper room temperature is a must (an average of 60-70 degrees is best).
. Observing your chinchilla daily is the best prevention for early diagnosis to any possible diseases or problems.
. Keeping an eye on your chinchillas droppings (if they become hard and smaller it could indicate constipation, or if the feces become soft and watery that is an indication of diarrhea and could be an alarm for intestinal infections).