As with all rodents, Chinchillas' teeth grow throughout their lives, including their front teeth and their molars. From a "survival in the wild" perspective, this constant growth is required to ensure that chinchillas' teeth don't get worn down to nothing from all the chewing their food requires. As pets, we need to make sure our [...]
If a chinchilllas teeth have grown too long, what can be done about it? My chinchilla may be drooling(?) he has been getting wet from the mouth down his belly and has been pulling out his belly hair...his skin is clear and slightly pink and appears to be in good condition.... I've dried him several times because he is "wet"...His ears, nose and eyes are clear and clean and he is energetic ,eating and pooping with no diarrhea....From what I've read, he could either be stressed and/or having teeth problems....Another site I found said it is likely stress....What do you think? What can I do? He has plenty of things in his cage to chew on and I feed him Timothy Hay and Timothy chinchilla food...with an occasional carrot or raisin...Help!
If you provide your chinchillas with a lot of options for chewing (wood, pellets, pumice stone, etc.) there shouldn't be any problems with their teeth. Also note that chinchilla teeth are supposed to be yellow and not white as you might expect.
Our chinchillas haven't had any teeth-related problems.
Hello, your ansswer with my previous question was very halpful, but I have a few more:
Since their teeth grow throughout their lives does that mean that they are prone to malocclusion or abseces?
Have your chinchillas had either one?
if so, was the treatment difficult or alot of extra maintanence?
I'm sorry, I know that those are alot of question but the answer really affects my decision to get one. Thanks for all your help.
i have baught a mineral block for my new chinchilla, its called "gnaw it chinchilla nibble" is this going to be ok? it looks kinda like a pumice stone type block, i was just wondering as i know there are many products sold for chinchillas that arent actually very good for them.
If a chinchilllas teeth have grown too long, what can be done about it? My chinchilla may be drooling(?) he has been getting wet from the mouth down his belly and has been pulling out his belly hair...his skin is clear and slightly pink and appears to be in good condition.... I've dried him several times because he is "wet"...His ears, nose and eyes are clear and clean and he is energetic ,eating and pooping with no diarrhea....From what I've read, he could either be stressed and/or having teeth problems....Another site I found said it is likely stress....What do you think? What can I do? He has plenty of things in his cage to chew on and I feed him Timothy Hay and Timothy chinchilla food...with an occasional carrot or raisin...Help!
Di,
If you provide your chinchillas with a lot of options for chewing (wood, pellets, pumice stone, etc.) there shouldn't be any problems with their teeth. Also note that chinchilla teeth are supposed to be yellow and not white as you might expect.
Our chinchillas haven't had any teeth-related problems.
Hello, your ansswer with my previous question was very halpful, but I have a few more:
Since their teeth grow throughout their lives does that mean that they are prone to malocclusion or abseces?
Have your chinchillas had either one?
if so, was the treatment difficult or alot of extra maintanence?
I'm sorry, I know that those are alot of question but the answer really affects my decision to get one. Thanks for all your help.
Kimmey,
As long as it is just a pumice stone you should be fine. We have one. Our chinchillas don't chew it all that much though.
i have baught a mineral block for my new chinchilla, its called "gnaw it chinchilla nibble" is this going to be ok? it looks kinda like a pumice stone type block, i was just wondering as i know there are many products sold for chinchillas that arent actually very good for them.
Kelly,
The formulation is likely different so we don't recommend it.