Chinchillas have delicate digestive systems. It is therefore important to be vigilant about changes in behavior that can indicate digestive issues.
Constipation
One of the most common chinchilla ailments is constipation. Usually, constipation is caused by insufficient fiber. Constipation can also be caused by stress from new surroundings, a change in food, and lack of fresh water.
Constipation symptoms include smaller, drier, and thinner droppings. If you suspect your chinchilla is suffering from constipation make sure there are sufficient hay cubes in the cage. Also, offer the chinchilla a raisin or two. If they've been cooped up in the cage for the last few days, make sure to let them out so they can get some exercise. If the situation doesn't improve within a few days you should consult a vet.
Diarrhea
Another common chinchilla ailment is diarrhea. Diarrhea is fairly simple to detect as the chinchilla's stool will be soft, sticky, and easy to flatten when stepped on. Too many treats or a change in food can result in this ailment. The first thing to do when detected is to stop providing treats. If the problem persists and there's no reason to suspect that the pellets or hay are bad, consult a veterinarian.
Enteritis
If the diarrhea persists for a long time, it could be a sign that your chinchilla's intestine is irritated or inflamed. These things can be caused by infection or the extended use of antibiotics. Along with the continued diarrhea, a chinchilla with enteritis will often lose interest in food and treats. If you think that your chinchilla may have enteritis you should take it to the vet.
Sources:
Bettina's
A New Owner's Guide to Chinchillas by Audrey Pavia
Entries (RSS)
September 2nd, 2007 at 12:20 pm
Our Chincilla lost it's appetite 2 days ago. The 1st day, he would eat raisins. Yesterday, he would not eat anything. This morning, it looks like a 2 inch portion of
his bowel is sticking out of his rear-end (telescoping?) Last nite when we put him in
his exercise ball, he passed what looked to be "Pet Fresh" bedding with blood on it.
I'm worried he is dying. I'm trying to get him to the vet, but being memorial weekend, it seems no one is available. He has had an unending supply of hay daily, fresh water daily, and good mineralized and vitamin rich chinchilla food.
Any hope?
August 13th, 2007 at 9:36 pm
Morgan,
The best advice we can give is that if you're not sure if the treat is safe then throw it out. We can't know if treats from pet stores are safe and even if they generally are, who's to say that you didn't get a bad batch? It's better to stick to the natural treats in. Check out this article and this other one for ideas.
August 13th, 2007 at 8:27 pm
hi i just have a quick question…today i went to the pet store and bought mineral treats in the shape of ice cream cones and they said they were full of calcium. they are from the company "super pets" and they are called "kritter kones". After i gave one to my chinchillas i came back after a few hours and some of the droppings were not brown but instead a shade of green.but they still look regular. please tell me if this is ok or if i should through the treats out.Thanks
May 9th, 2007 at 9:53 pm
Katie,
We've seen that with our chinchillas. It seems to pass on its own.
If you notice other issues or it continues for a long time, your chinchilla may have a bladder infection requiring the attention of a vet.
May 9th, 2007 at 8:18 am
Just a quick question I don't know if anyone can help me. My one chinchilla has had a really dark colored urine the last couple of days, almost a reddish color. Does anyone know what might be causing that? Or have had the same problem before?
Thanks for the help.