Chinchillas & Their Droppings

If only our pets could tell us when they are feeling poorly. We have to rely on their behavior, eating habits, and waste to help us know when they might need a change in diet. Chinchillas, fortunately, through their droppings are able to tell us a great deal about how they are feeling.

Normal Chinchilla Droppings

Normal chinchilla droppings will range from olive green to dark brown, when dry. The surface will be smooth and unbroken. If closely examined the droppings should be free of fibrous material - undigested hay.

Not Enough Hay

When chinchilla droppings are long, thin, bent with a rough surface this means that your chinchilla has an intestinal problem due to a lack of hay. These animals will typically show normal activity, but usually do not breed.

Unbalanced Intestinal Flora

Small, dry and rough droppings indicate a serious problem. Chances are high that your chinchilla will also be exhibiting a noticeable change in their condition and often have a loss of appetite. Left alone, this animal will eventually die.

Use apple cidar vinegar (as suggested in vingar and chinchillas) and high quality hay. Chinchillas often respond quickly to this treatment.

If you recently acquired the chinchilla, you should add Karlsbad salt to their drinking water before trying any other treatments. Add a pinch(tip of a knife blade) of salt to their drinking water.

Constipation in Chinchillas

Green food, too much mixed food, or location change are the primary causes of constipation in chinchillas. Use a pinch of Karlsbad salt and enough water to fill your chinchillas water bottle half-way. It is helpful to isolate the animal to ensure that your chinchilla drinks all of the salt-water in the bottle. Examine the droppings the next morning to determine if an additional treatment is neccesary.

If you can trace your chinchilla's constipation to too much mixed food, use a slightly stronger Karlsbad salt concentration and administer it slowly directly into their mouth. This should be done at least 3 times a day.

Over Feeding Your Chinchilla