New Chin Wont Drink :(

[Dranawor]

Hi Everyone!

So we finally decided to get our very first chinchilla. We still haven't decided on a name! But that's besides the point. My question is this: is it normal for a chinchilla not to drink for awhile? We've had him a day so far and he hasn't touched his water! Should I be concerned? Thanks in advance for your info!

 

[tunes]

Yes, I would be concerned. Have you checked the nozzle to make sure it's working properly? Did you get him from a breeder or a pet store? Is it the same kind of bottle he's used to?

A trick for getting them to drink is to rub a raisin around the opening of the bottle so that it tastes sweet, which encourages them to lick it off and drink. Another thing that I've had recommended by ranchers is to hang a bottle with 50% pure apple juice and 50% water in it for a couple days until they are settled in and drinking, then go back to regular water. I dropped that down a bit to 25% juice, 75% water, and it worked just as well.

 

[Dranawor]

Thanks for the tips! Wouldn't ya know it, right when I clicked submit I looked to my left and he was going at it on the water bottle! I guess all I had to do was ask the internet folk a question to give him the hint!

 

[dcfluegel]

woot! glad he is drinking - had a similar issue with a new girl recently and the raisin trick worked like a charm

 

[addictedtochins]

Welcome to CnH, I hope you stick around, there is a lot to learn about chinnies here.