For ages: 14 & up, with adult supervision
Pet lifespan: up to 15 years
Pet size: 9"-10" (23-26 cm) body plus 6" (15 cm) tail
Nutrition
Choose a fortified chinchilla diet. Fill the bowl approximately 3/4 full.
A small handful of Timothy hay daily adds fiber to your chinchilla's diet.
Treat your chinchilla to a small piece of apple or carrot, or two raisins every day.
These hard and crunchy treats keep your chinchilla's front teeth trimmed - always keep one in the habitat.
Water
Change and fill your chinchilla's water bottle or dish with clean water every day.
Remember that fresh food items require their own dish and should be removed from the habitat after four hours to avoid spoilage.
Health
Signs of a healthy chinchilla:
Clean, bright eyes
Soft, clean fur with no bald patches
Curious, active behavior
Eats and drinks normally
Well-formed droppings with no diarrhea
Things to watch for:
Overgrown front teeth
Bare patches in the fur
Diarrhea or discolored droppings
Lethargic behavior
Weight loss; not eating or drinking normally
Labored breathing
Sneezing; discharge from the eyes, nose or mouth
