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==Introduction==

==Introduction==

Many diseases in small animal medicine concern poor husbandry, so it is vital to be well informed on the requirements of the small mammals commonly seen in practice.

Many diseases in small animal medicine concern poor husbandry, so it is vital to be well informed on the requirements of the small mammals commonly seen in practice.

==Chinchillas==

==Chinchillas==

===Housing===

===Housing===

Chinchillas can be housed individually or in group housing. They are '''very active''', acrobatic animals and require a lot of space. '''Large, multilevel cages''' allow for climbing and jumping. Welded '''wire mesh''' is preferred as they often chew wooden cages. The housing should include areas for eating, sleeping, exercising and latrine.

Chinchillas can be housed individually or in group housing. They are '''very active''', acrobatic animals and require a lot of space. '''Large, multilevel cages''' allow for climbing and jumping. Welded '''wire mesh''' is preferred as they often chew wooden cages. The housing should include areas for eating, sleeping, exercising and latrine. Plastic should never be given to chinchillas as this can cause impaction if ingested.

They are '''shy''' animals so need places to hide such as PVC pipes, plastic or cardboard boxes. '''Soft bedding''' to absorb waste and decrease pressure on feet such as recycled paper products, shredded newspaper, aspen shavings is recommended. Cedar and pine should be avoided.

They are '''shy''' animals so need places to hide such as PVC pipes or wooden nest boxes. '''Soft bedding''' to absorb waste and decrease pressure on feet such as recycled paper products, shredded newspaper, aspen shavings is recommended. However, cages with a wire-floor are acceptable if there are wooden ledges available. Cedar and pine should be avoided.

Chinchillas best in cool, dry environment, '''10-20°C.''' They do not tolerate dampness and are prone to heat stroke at temperatures greater than 30°C. In high heat, the housing may be cooled by using electric fans or placing plastic bottles filled with ice in the enclosure.

Chinchillas best in cool, dry environment, '''10-20°C.''' They do not tolerate dampness and are prone to heat stroke at temperatures greater than 30°C. In high heat, the housing may be cooled by using electric fans or placing plastic bottles filled with ice in the enclosure.

Chinchillas eat mainly '''at night'''. Their specific nutrient requirements are still unknown. '''Commercial diets''' are available, some are just a mixture of rabbit, guinea pig and rodent pellets that provide vitamin C, are lower in protein and fat, have same fibre content as rabbit diet, and the pellets are longer to make it easier for the chinchilla to hold. Accepted formula is 16-20% protein, 2-5% fat and 15-35% bulk fibre.

Chinchillas eat mainly '''at night'''. Their specific nutrient requirements are still unknown. '''Commercial diets''' are available, some are just a mixture of rabbit, guinea pig and rodent pellets that provide vitamin C, are lower in protein and fat, have same fibre content as rabbit diet, and the pellets are longer to make it easier for the chinchilla to hold. Accepted formula is 16-20% protein, 2-5% fat and 15-35% bulk fibre.

Recommended diet: good quality '''grass hay''' supplemented with small amounts of chinchilla or rabbit pellets and '''fresh vegetables'''.

Recommended diet: good quality '''grass hay''' supplemented with small amounts of chinchilla pellets. Fresh fruit and vegetables are not recommended.

Any changes in diet must be made gradually.

Any changes in diet must be made gradually.

Clean, fresh drinking water should be provided in sipper bottles or heavy bowls and available at all times.

Clean, fresh drinking water should be provided in sipper bottles and available at all times.

==Hamsters==

==Hamsters==

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[[Category:Rabbit]]

[[Category:Rabbit]]

[[Category:Expert Review - Exotics]]

[[Category:Expert Review - Exotics]]