Chinchillas are very long-lived herbivorous rodents, since they usually live between 10 and 20 years. These animals are very sociable, especially with their own kind, so it is always advisable to have more than one together in the same place. Most of the diseases they have are due to an unbalanced diet, so knowing the correct feeding chinchillas is vital for these rodents to grow he althy and properly.
In this article on our site we are going to explain everything you need to know about feeding chinchillas, in case you already have one or are thinking of adopting several as a pet.
Chinchilla basic diet
Chinchillas are only herbivorous animals and not granivorous, that is, they do not eat grains or seeds, so their diet is based on mainly in 3 components with their corresponding percentages:
- 75% hay
- 20% feed (pellets) and feed mixtures
- 5% vegetables and fruits
In addition, we must bear in mind that the digestive system of these rodents is very delicate (the intestinal flora), so if we have to introduce a new food into their diet, it must be done very carefully. little by little so that they get used properly. Likewise, the intestinal motility of chinchillas must be continuously active for the correct functioning of their organism.
Broadly speaking, the correct diet for chinchillas should consist of the following diet:
- 32% carbohydrates
- 30% fiber
- 15% protein
- 10% wet food
- 6% minerals
- 4% sugar
- 3% he althy fats
For our pet to have a balanced diet, the chinchilla's diet must be close to these values. However, it must be remembered that apart from adequate food, these animals must have clean and fresh water 24 hours a day and a well-kept and neat cage in the to be able to live In addition to a balanced diet, it is necessary to offer our chinchilla adequate care if we want it to be happy.
The hay for the chinchillas
Hay is the basic food for these rodents. Its percentage corresponds to 75% of the total feed, because it is mainly composed of fiber and cellulose. These elements cannot be missing from chinchillas' meals, because they are what the intestine of these animals needs to be in continuous movement and also for the progressive wear of their teeth since, as happens with other rodents, the teeth of chinchillas never stop growing. There are also some calcium supplements such as stones or calcium blocks for chinchillas to wear down their teeth but, as a general rule, eating hay is enough.
For the correct feeding of chinchillas, it is recommended to supply different types of hay for chinchillas, such as dandelion hay, timothy hay, milk thistle, or alfalfa, so that our pet acquires all the nutrients it needs in its body and also, does not get bored eating the same thing over and over again.
The feed or pellets for chinchillas
Food or pellets (generally greenish bars) are also a main element for feeding chinchillas. The most important thing is that the feed is of quality and suitable for these rodents, and not for other animals such as hamsters or guinea pigs. Its percentage corresponds to 20% in total, which can be divided into 15% high quality feed or pellets, and 5% mixtures. Mixtures are a mixture of different foods suitable for chinchillas, but we should not feed them as substitutes for feed, but as a complement that will provide other nutrients to their body. Like the pellets, the mixtures must be specific for chinchillas.
The recommended amount of daily feed for chinchillas is 30 grams per day, that is, a small handful daily. But this value is approximate and should be reconsidered according to the needs of our pet, either because it has a specific disease or because it is smaller or older.
Vegetables and fruits for chinchillas
Vegetables and fruits constitute the smallest percentage of the chinchillas' diet: only 5%. And the fact is that, despite the fact that they are very he althy and constitute a great source of vitamins and minerals for these rodents, a moderate intake is recommended, especially fruit, because they can cause diarrhea and other more serious conditions. A daily serving of fruit or vegetables will suffice to cover the nutritional needs of our chinchilla.
The most recommended vegetables are those with green leaves, which we must clean and dry well to be able to give them to these animals, such as carrot leaves, endive leaves, arugula, Swiss chard, lamb’s lettuce, spinach, etc… Of fruit, on the other hand, the most recommended is the apple, although we can try to feed it other fruits that it likes, but better without the stone.
Treats for chinchillas
Uns alted nuts are the delicacies of chinchillas Sunflower seeds, hazelnuts, walnuts or almonds are foods that these rodents love, so if you want to reward your pet in some way, give him some dried fruit and see how happy he gets. Of course, always in moderation, in very small quantities and taking care that your chinchilla's diet is not based solely on treats and/or prizes.
