Merck Veterinary Manual - Chinchillas - Housing

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alpayton

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Copied from http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/in.../bc/171503.htm

Housing:
Many health problems can be avoided by providing proper and consistent diets, clean sources of water, nonabrasive contact bedding materials (soft wood shavings, Fuller’s earth, or cat litter), and frequent disinfection and sanitation of housing equipment. The housing environment should be dry, free of drafts, and moderately cool. Indoors, the chinchilla’s preferred temperature range is 50-60°F (10-16°C). While chinchillas can gradually adapt to outdoor temperatures <32°F, they are prone to heat stroke at temperatures >80°F. Commercial dust baths, or mixtures of silver sand and Fuller’s earth (9:1), 2-4 in. deep, should be offered to chinchillas daily for ~10 min. This satisfies the chinchilla’s desire to keep its fur clean and groomed. Such mixtures should not remain in the cage for long periods of time because they will become soiled with feces and food debris.
 
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