Feeding a chinchilla is a pretty crucial moment that requires preparation. The animal's diet is very large, but feeding must be carried out correctly. The feed should be varied, of high quality and in sufficient quantity.
Feeding principles
Animals living in freedom have a well-developed instinct that tells them what they can and cannot eat. In pets, this instinct is lost, so the owner must know what to feed his animal.
Food should not be stale or moldy. Green forage should not come from lawns near industrial plants. Before feeding the animal, all fruits, vegetables, herbs must be thoroughly washed and dried. In no case should you feed the chinchilla with wet greens.
If the chinchilla has never eaten green food or simply did not receive it in the winter, then it must be taught gradually. You need to start with small portions, increasing them over time. It is necessary to feed the animal once a day at approximately the same time, preferably in the afternoon or evening. Such feeding promotes correct and regular assimilation of food. Chinchilla can be fed in the morning if the previous food has been completely eaten. Naturally, leftovers should be removed before feeding again.
What can you feed a chinchilla?
For chinchillas, there are roughages that are dry and succulent, and nutritional mixes fortified with vitamins and minerals.
Rough food is hay. It must be fresh and of good quality. It helps to improve the digestion of the animal. Hay should be well-dried grasses and moth plants. If it has a green color and a pleasant smell, then it is good quality hay. Not only is it impossible to feed the animal with wet and moldy hay, but it is also highly discouraged to line a bedding out of it, since the chinchilla can eat it. Hay can be fed in any amount, as uneaten leftovers will replenish the litter.
Succulent food includes herbs, tree twigs, vegetables, fruits. They contain a large amount of organic substances, vitamins and minerals that have medicinal value. In autumn and winter, chinchillas are fed with root vegetables such as carrots, celery, and parsley. From fresh fruits, apples are given, and from dried fruits - gled, rose hips, barberry and teren. Chinchillas should not be fed with cabbage as it causes bloating.
The mixtures contain nutrients that are necessary for the proper functioning and development of the chinchilla's body. It is necessary to pay attention to the composition of the mixture, the more diverse it is, the more it contains the necessary fats and amino acids. Chinchilla needs to be fed with different types of formula.
The mixtures should contain about 15% proteins, 50% compounds without nitrogen extracts and up to 5% fats. Usually mixtures are green-brown granules. They are sold at pet stores.
