Summary of chin stuff

Hi all, this is more for people that are looking to get chins as pets as well as for myself to refresh my memory..lolz

Food
(Nutrition analysis continues in next post)
Alfalfa based pellets.
Recommended brands: Alice Kline, Mazuri, and Oxbow. Please note that Alice Kline is 3 times more expensive than mazuri and the only shop it is available at Little Pet Wonders. Alternatively you can check with me if I have any for sale.. This is because I import my Kline pellets for my chin’s own consumption.

The general guide is to feed two spoons per chinchilla and refill if finished. However, I personally feel that it is best to free feed - means that you give your chin as much pellets as it wants

Supplements
This is something `extra' that some chin owners choose to give. I give a modified version of the Kline supplement, also imported from the US. Its actually the Kline supplement plus some extra stuff that is good for them. Some people choose to mix their supplements themselves though.Only thing would be that some ingredients can be hard to find.
(My usual phrase-the Kline supplement is only found at LPW. I do offer a modified version of it for sale though)

Timothy Hay
Should be fed at least a handful everyday.
1st cut: More fiber, coarser.
2nd cut: Softer
Note that chinchillas seem to like the 2nd cut better.
Recommended brand: American Pet Diners (APD)

Alfalfa Hay
If you feed your chins a timothy based pellet, you should be giving alfalfa hay. Not really necessary for chins on an alfalfa based pellet unless it is malnourished or pregnant.

Treats
Give dried/dehydrated fruits. Ensure that no preservatives have been added.
Can try: Raisins, apples, papaya, pineapple, almond, cranberries and others.
Give a maximum of 1 small piece once a day (some people would say maximum of 2 pieces a week.) Personally, I try to minimize the giving of treats.
Fresh fruit is not recommended. Give at own risk. Of course, there are people who like giving fresh fruit...but opinions differ...to each his own.
Nuts have been known to be high in fats but can still be given. For raisins, do not give those with sugar etc.
Please do not try chocolates, durian, ice cream, oranges etc

bath
I dust bath my chins every alternate day but some people do it weekly only. Both are acceptable
Recommended brand: Blue Cloud
If I’m not wrong, blue cloud is only available at LPW. Alternatively you can check with me if I have any for sale as I import my own from the US.

Chew blocks
Give them something to grind their teeth. Make sure that it is untreated if you use wood. I give my chins organic pecan, elm etc that I purchased from the US.

Water
Give free flow. Boiled water preferred.

House/Shelter
Give a house for them to sleep in..or to hide.
Recommend: Ceramic as it is longer lasting.
Please note that wooden houses have to be thrown away should it rot or if there is a case of fungal.

Bedding
Do not use corncob, cedar shavings. Anything that has volatile oils in it should not be used.
Recommended bedding: Paper based
Most people use Breeders Celect, Back to Nature and Cat's Best

Vets
Recommended vets: Dr Hsu - telok kurau/Clementi. Dr Ling - Namly.

Breeding
Do not inbreed. Breed chins at 6~8 months earliest dependent on weight. Please do not breed with the aim of profiting...
Should not pair velvet to velvet and white to white.
Gestation period is 111 days.

Antifungal precautions
Mix either Daktarin or Athlete foot powder into the dust bath. Daktarin and athlete foot's powder does not guarantee that your chin will not have fungal. This is because the powder only works against certain types of fungus. If your chin does get fungus, bring to vet. Vet will prescribe medicine. A lower humidity level has been known to reduce the outbreak of fungus.

Pairing chins
Many methods...
1) Divider ( My favourite method)
Put the two in a cage that has a divider for 1/2 weeks.(Normally i put them next to each other for about a month) Take them out, and put them in neutral territory...watch them carefully...if they fight, either remove them and try again later or let them bathe together....

2) Snoosh method (works for other people but not for me)
Put either toothpaste/vex above nose of chinchilla. Do not rub it into the nose. Put the two into a tiny area where they are forced to climb over each other.

3) Just put the two into a cage and see how.Please seperate them once they start fighting. ( Try at your own risk)

Housing
They should be kept in air-conditioning if possible. This is due to the fact that chins do not have sweat glands and hence, cannot loose heat through respiration. Hence, a fan does not help them reduce heat. Chinchilla fur has also been known to be about 60 times denser than that of a cat or dog so aircon will really be helpful to them. Chinchillas loose heat through their ears and paws. Note that heat stroke is one of the major causes of death in chinchillas.

Life span
Up to 20 years. Think it over carefully before you commit.

Hmm...If I missed out anything please let me know.

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