When taking my dog to get his nails done he pointed out the chinchillas to me (he loves the 2 I have). There was a beautiful female mosaic that I noticed was a bit skittish and appeared underweight. When talking to the owners (it's a local family, owned shop) they told me that the other chinchillas were keeping her from eating and even though she was now separated they were still working on getting her weight up. I decided to buy the pretty little lady to prevent that from happening again (my 2 aren't protective of their food and won't take food from the others). You can feel most of her bones and her spine is definitely pronounced. She is not very plump at all. I feed my chinies good quality pellets and alfalfa hay, but I'm concerned that I may need to give her a special diet to help put on weight. Do any of you have tips on putting on weight. In the 24 hrs I've had her she has been glued to the food bowl and hay rack. It's like she can't get enough food and my 2 chinies have been very welcoming to her and have been showing her around her new castle. I'm just worried she's going to lose more weight or not gain quickly enough.
Underweight chinchilla
- Thread starter Reigle128
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Stackie
I bite.
Nothing but good quality chinchilla pellets and Timothy hay. You want them to steadily gain weight.
You really should have quarantined her. Her weight loss may have something to do with an underlying illness, disease, or parasites and now your current chins have been exposed. I would keep a very close eye on them.
Trios are also notorious for turning on one another for whatever reason. Such a sudden introduction may not have been a good idea. I personally would keep her on her own until she gains weight and you are sure she is healthy and then maybe rethink putting them all together.
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You really should have quarantined her. Her weight loss may have something to do with an underlying illness, disease, or parasites and now your current chins have been exposed. I would keep a very close eye on them.
Trios are also notorious for turning on one another for whatever reason. Such a sudden introduction may not have been a good idea. I personally would keep her on her own until she gains weight and you are sure she is healthy and then maybe rethink putting them all together.
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That was actually something I had asked about. The breeder and store had her checked by a vet and they found no health issues or parasites. She just had the unfortunate luck of being housed with bullies. I am keeping an eye on all of them but my 2 aren't territorial at all. My oldest is all sweetness and the youngest is all sass. Thanks for the advice on food.
Dreamlite
Well-known member
A vet visit doesnt rule out all health problems. A quarantine is always the best option. Think of it this way, you could go to the dr and be fine today and have a full blown cold tomorrow....
