Why Won't My Chinchilla Eat Hay? This Is Why!
Contents
- What To Do To Make My Pet Chinchilla Eat Hay?
- The Hay Must Be Fresh And Sweet-Smelling
- Limit The Amount Of Pellets You Give
- Make The Hay More Appealing
- Can Chinchilla Just Eat Hay?
- How Much Hay Should My Pet Chinchilla Eat?
- What Type Of Hay Should I Give To My Pet Chinchilla?
- Timothy Hay
- Orchard Grass Hay
- Alfalfa Hay
- Meadow Hay
- Final Verdict
- Sources
A chinchilla that won't eat hay is a common worry among owners, and it deserves quick attention. Hay is the core of a chinchilla's diet, so refusing it can quickly become a health problem.
The most common medical reason a chinchilla won't eat hay is dental disease, such as overgrown or uneven teeth or sores in the mouth. Other reasons include poor-quality hay and a chinchilla that has filled up on pellets or treats instead.
A chinchilla that stops eating or passes fewer droppings than usual needs a vet visit the same day. Chinchillas that don't eat can develop serious gut problems quickly.
What To Do To Make My Pet Chinchilla Eat Hay?
Once your vet has ruled out a medical problem, these steps help.
The Hay Must Be Fresh And Sweet-Smelling
Offer fresh, sweet-smelling hay that is green or pale green and not musty, moldy or dusty. Replace hay daily, and use a hay rack so it stays off the cage floor and doesn't get soiled.
Limit The Amount Of Pellets You Give
A chinchilla that gets unlimited pellets may fill up on them and ignore its hay. VCA Animal Hospitals suggests about 1 to 2 tablespoons of chinchilla pellets a day, with grass hay available 24 hours a day.
If you need to cut back pellets, do it gradually. Sudden diet changes can upset a chinchilla's digestion.
Make The Hay More Appealing
Try a different type of grass hay, such as orchard grass or meadow hay, or mix two types. Many chinchillas have preferences.
Avoid adding fruit, juice or sugary treats to coax them. The Merck Veterinary Manual lists high-carbohydrate diets, inappropriate fresh greens and sudden diet changes among the causes of diarrhea in chinchillas. Ask your vet before adding any new food.
Can Chinchilla Just Eat Hay?
Chinchillas should eat mainly grass hay, supplemented with a small amount of chinchilla pellets. Merck notes that chinchillas have a high requirement for dietary fiber, that their diet should consist mainly of high-quality grass hay and that pelleted chinchilla diets should be used to supplement it.
Pellets help cover vitamins and minerals that hay alone may not supply. Treats should be rare and small. VCA advises against dried fruits and vegetables, which can upset digestion.
With good care, pet chinchillas are long-lived; Merck gives their lifespan as up to 20 years.
How Much Hay Should My Pet Chinchilla Eat?
Your chinchilla should have access to fresh grass hay at all times. Chinchillas graze and chew throughout their active hours, and constant chewing on fibrous hay helps wear down their continuously growing teeth.
Watch how much hay disappears each day and how many droppings your chinchilla produces. A drop in either is an early warning sign of illness.
What Type Of Hay Should I Give To My Pet Chinchilla?
Choose clean, fresh hay from a reliable source and store it somewhere dry. Buying a larger amount can save money, but only if you can keep it dry and free of mold.
Timothy Hay
Timothy hay is the most widely recommended grass hay for chinchillas. It is high in fiber and easy to find online and in pet stores.
Orchard Grass Hay
Orchard grass is another good grass hay. It is softer and sweet-smelling, and some chinchillas prefer it. It also works well mixed with timothy.
Alfalfa Hay
Alfalfa is a legume hay, not a grass hay. VCA notes it is too high in calcium to be a main hay for chinchillas and may contribute to kidney problems or bladder stones.
It can be offered occasionally in small amounts. Ask your vet whether alfalfa suits your pet.
Meadow Hay
Meadow hay is a mix of different grasses, so it is not the same as timothy. Its makeup varies by batch, which adds variety, but check every bag for quality.
Final Verdict
Your chinchilla may refuse hay because of dental disease, poor-quality hay or too many pellets and treats. Start with a vet check, since dental problems are common and need treatment.
Then offer fresh grass hay at all times, limit pellets, skip sugary treats and try different grass hays until you find one your chinchilla likes.
Further reading: lovemychinchilla.com, pocketpetsforever.com
Sources
- Chinchillas, Merck Veterinary Manual
- Chinchillas: Feeding, VCA Animal Hospitals
