TMJW
New member
Hello all -
Just rescued my first chinchilla this evening - a 2 year old male, very handsome! I was unpacking the supplies and belongings that were sent with him and as I checked the bag of food to see what brand he was eating I was horrified to see it read 'RABBIT FOOD'. I also don't think that he's ever been given hay.
I've been involved with guinea pig rescue for years, and if this were a pig I would have immediate concerns, particularly long term effects of vitamin C deficiency. Do I need to be worried about similar problems with a chinchilla? Should I be concerned he may have liver damage? Is there anything I can do to compensate for any nutritional deficiencies?
As of right now, he seems to be in good health. He's alert and exploring his new living situation while chowing down on some timothy. He barked at everyone earlier, but begrudgingly accepted a snack and even let me give him a quick stroke behind the ear later. In the morning I'm going to contact the previous owner to see exactly what she's been feeding him the past two years. I'm just afraid I'm looking at a shortened future with this lovely chin because he hasn't been given proper nutrition.
Just rescued my first chinchilla this evening - a 2 year old male, very handsome! I was unpacking the supplies and belongings that were sent with him and as I checked the bag of food to see what brand he was eating I was horrified to see it read 'RABBIT FOOD'. I also don't think that he's ever been given hay.
I've been involved with guinea pig rescue for years, and if this were a pig I would have immediate concerns, particularly long term effects of vitamin C deficiency. Do I need to be worried about similar problems with a chinchilla? Should I be concerned he may have liver damage? Is there anything I can do to compensate for any nutritional deficiencies?
As of right now, he seems to be in good health. He's alert and exploring his new living situation while chowing down on some timothy. He barked at everyone earlier, but begrudgingly accepted a snack and even let me give him a quick stroke behind the ear later. In the morning I'm going to contact the previous owner to see exactly what she's been feeding him the past two years. I'm just afraid I'm looking at a shortened future with this lovely chin because he hasn't been given proper nutrition.