Hello,
I recently came across a different, healthy chinchilla feed at one of my local pet stores and decided to give it a try. At first I gave Misty and Shadow a few pellets, to see if they would eat it. Misty absolutely loved it and started gorging himself almost immediately. Shadow came out later and had a bit as well. But, the next day, I noticed two things:
1) In the morning, the new food was the same as yesterday, untouched since the last time I'd seen it - which would mean they had eaten less than usual (maybe the pellets are more concentrated with this feed?). Weirder still, later in the day they seemed to have picked up several of the pellets and flung them out of their bowl (again untouched, not even tasted). I was later relieved to see Shadow eating a pellet, only it was a different kind - their least favorite food of all that they always avoided as best they could. Clearly, they had suddenly decided they didn't like the new food... Very odd, considering how they relished it earlier. Just regular chinchilla indecisiveness?
2) In the evening (when I was sitting with them) their droppings appeared smaller, thinner and possibly dryer than usual. I had heard them drinking from their water bottle at least seven times the previous evening, so I thought they may be dehydrated. I googled it and the description of mild dehydration seemed to fit, that and not eating enough. But it also matched talk of stomach and intestinal trouble. I decided the former was more likely. I changed to their regular feed (chucked all the remaining pellets), changed their water again (extra cool and refreshing), gave them both some fresh blackberry leaves to sooth their stomachs just in case (Misty ate, Shadow didn't) and finally gave them both grapes (unhealthy, yes, but good for rehydration).
I'm really worried (didn't sleep much last night because of it) that there might be something wrong. They haven't touched their regular feed but have had a little hay and ate the grapes. I think the poop situation may be improving but I don't know for sure. Should be concerned? Or even consult a vet, because I know dehydration can be very serious. But keep in mind visiting my vet is difficult. Any experienced answers would be welcomed tremendously.
Thank you to all who took the time to read, sorry for being so long winded.
I recently came across a different, healthy chinchilla feed at one of my local pet stores and decided to give it a try. At first I gave Misty and Shadow a few pellets, to see if they would eat it. Misty absolutely loved it and started gorging himself almost immediately. Shadow came out later and had a bit as well. But, the next day, I noticed two things:
1) In the morning, the new food was the same as yesterday, untouched since the last time I'd seen it - which would mean they had eaten less than usual (maybe the pellets are more concentrated with this feed?). Weirder still, later in the day they seemed to have picked up several of the pellets and flung them out of their bowl (again untouched, not even tasted). I was later relieved to see Shadow eating a pellet, only it was a different kind - their least favorite food of all that they always avoided as best they could. Clearly, they had suddenly decided they didn't like the new food... Very odd, considering how they relished it earlier. Just regular chinchilla indecisiveness?
2) In the evening (when I was sitting with them) their droppings appeared smaller, thinner and possibly dryer than usual. I had heard them drinking from their water bottle at least seven times the previous evening, so I thought they may be dehydrated. I googled it and the description of mild dehydration seemed to fit, that and not eating enough. But it also matched talk of stomach and intestinal trouble. I decided the former was more likely. I changed to their regular feed (chucked all the remaining pellets), changed their water again (extra cool and refreshing), gave them both some fresh blackberry leaves to sooth their stomachs just in case (Misty ate, Shadow didn't) and finally gave them both grapes (unhealthy, yes, but good for rehydration).
I'm really worried (didn't sleep much last night because of it) that there might be something wrong. They haven't touched their regular feed but have had a little hay and ate the grapes. I think the poop situation may be improving but I don't know for sure. Should be concerned? Or even consult a vet, because I know dehydration can be very serious. But keep in mind visiting my vet is difficult. Any experienced answers would be welcomed tremendously.
Thank you to all who took the time to read, sorry for being so long winded.
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