How should chinchillas be kept, and what food do they usually eat?

At first hearing "chinchilla," everyone will certainly think of Hayao Miyazaki's animated film "My Neighbor Totoro," in which the Totoro is very large, soft and adorable, and extremely endearing. So what are real chinchillas like? They are very different. Let's take a look below at how chinchillas should be kept and what they generally eat.

1. How should chinchillas be kept?

1. Temperature and humidity: The environment for keeping chinchillas should be dry, and humidity should not be too high. The suitable temperature for chinchillas to grow is 8-25°C, with relative humidity below 50%. Chinchillas can tolerate low temperatures above 0 degrees, but not for long periods. In summer, pay attention to ventilation and cooling. Prolonged high temperatures (above 30°C) can easily cause heatstroke and even death in chinchillas, so an air conditioner or other cooling methods can be used to lower the indoor temperature. During hot seasons, a small amount of salt (0.5% ratio) can also be added to the chinchilla's drinking water to prevent dehydration.

2. Air: Indoors should be well ventilated and the air fresh, but care should be taken to prevent drafts, and the cage should not be placed facing a door. Bedding should be replaced regularly to prevent bacterial growth and the production of harmful gases.

3. Light: Chinchillas are active at night and rest during the day. Their visual sensitivity is not high. They do not like sunlight or strong light and prefer soft light. During hot seasons, they should be placed in a shady place to prevent direct sunlight and avoid heatstroke.

4. Enemies and hazards: Indoors, strict precautions should be taken to prevent mice, cats, dogs and other animals from approaching or contaminating food. Animals that pose a threat to chinchillas will make them tense and cause some symptoms, such as large areas of fur loss and reduced food intake.

2. What do chinchillas generally eat?

Chinchillas are small herbivorous animals. Their feed sources are wide, the feeding equipment is simple, management is convenient, labor input is low, and the cost is low (the cost of raising one adult chinchilla for one year is about 1,000 yuan). Results are quick, returns are high, and there is great potential for development.

Grass is essential in the daily diet of chinchillas and is one of their staple foods. Alfalfa is the main type, while other grasses have different flavors and different uses. There are more and more types of edible grass for chinchillas available on the market, such as: alfalfa, timothy, orchard grass, herbs, oat grass, wheatgrass, mint grass, nettle grass, dandelion grass, etc.

Alfalfa: It belongs to the legume family and is one of the world's three major forage grasses, cultivated worldwide. It is very high in protein, and its contents of fat, crude fiber, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus are also slightly higher than those of other grasses. Its nutritional value is very suitable for chinchillas, so it has become an indispensable staple food for them.

Timothy: Also called timothy grass, it belongs to the grass family and is an edible grass feed for many pets. Although timothy's nutritional composition is similar to alfalfa, its nutritional value is far lower than alfalfa; it simply has a higher sugar content, so it is very popular with chinchillas.

Orchard grass: It belongs to the grass family and is suitable for adult chinchillas and rabbits. It is a grass feed with a fresh taste, and its texture is relatively tender. Like timothy, it has lower protein content and is rich in crude fiber, which helps regulate the chinchilla's digestive system.

Herbs: Their unique aromatic flavor attracts even the pickiest pets, are high in fiber, and stimulate appetite.

Oat grass: Oat grass has wider leaves and is a high-fiber food that diversifies the chinchilla's diet; its protein content is higher than timothy, and it is another flavor option.

Dandelion grass: The pure natural fiber it contains can promote microbial digestion, help eliminate toxins from the body, and has anti-inflammatory functions. It can resist inflammation and muscle spasms, and is very rich in vitamins and minerals, especially vitamins A, B and C. In addition, it is high in calcium and iron.

It should be noted that any grass needs to be dried before being given to chinchillas. It is recommended to buy various grasses specially made for chinchillas directly, as they are safe and reassuring.