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The Chinchilla's Natural Diet
In
their natural habitat chinchillas eat a range of steppe grasses, fruits, leaves, bark of
shrubs and bushes, roots, stems and innards of cacti.
Special Needs of Chinchillas
NEED |
DETAILS |
Vitamin A & Vitamin E |
Chinchillas
are believed to have a fairly high vitamin A requirement. Chinchillas are unable to
manufacture vitamin A from its pre-cursor b-carotene.
Vitamin A is important for the maintenance of epithelial tissue can lead to problems with sight (night
vision), the skin, reproduction and the gastrointestinal tract. If high levels of b-carotene are fed, because it cannot be converted into
Vitamin A it can build up, and discolour the adipose tissues. In chinchillas the ears
become yellow - ‘yellow ear’. The
problem can be exacerbated by deficiencies in Vitamin E and choline, which together help
break down the b-carotene. |
Fibre |
The chinchilla requires high levels of fibre. Low levels of fibre often result in
gastrointestinal disturbances such as diarrhoea, caecal impaction, and may give rise to
behavioural problems. Chinchillas get bored
easily and ideally should always be stimulated otherwise there is a tendency towards
barbering and hair pulling. Providing
enrichment through environmental or dietary means is important. Fibrous material can keep the chinchillas
occupied, and their continually growing teeth in trim. |
Unsaturated Fatty Acids and Zinc |
Chinchillas
are well known for their thick and lustrous fur. Fulfilling
their requirements for protein and unsaturated fatty acids is essential in order to
maintain healthy skin and coat condtion. Chinchillas
must obtain unsaturated fatty acids like linoleic acid from their diet, as they are unable
to make them for themselves. Deficiency can
lead to poor rate of fur growth and condition, and dry, flaky and occasionally pruritic
skin. Zinc deficiency will also result in a
poor coat. |
Calcium, Phosphorus & Vitamin D |
An imbalance in levels of
calcium, phosphorus and Vitamin D may adversely affect the calcification of the bones and
teeth, leading to muscoskeletal weakness, bone defects and cramping (muscle spasms in the
hind limbs, forelimbs and face). A ratio of
between 1:1 and 2:1 calcium:phosphorus in the diet will prevent these problems. |
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