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The nutrition of the chinchilla as a companion animal – basic data, influences and dependences
Article first published online: 18 MAR 2003
DOI: 10.1046/j.1439-0396.2003.00425.x
Issue
1439-0396/asset/cover.gif?v=1&s=781026e2abd8b84efb2bbcc23b2b8fdcf69e8e4c "Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition")
Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition
Volume 87, Issue 3-4, pages 129–133, April 2003
Additional Information
How to Cite
Wolf, P., Schröder, A., Wenger, A. and Kamphues, J. (2003), The nutrition of the chinchilla as a companion animal – basic data, influences and dependences. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition, 87: 129–133. doi: 10.1046/j.1439-0396.2003.00425.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 18 MAR 2003
- Article first published online: 18 MAR 2003
- Receipt of Ms.: 13. 09. 2001
- Abstract
- Article
- References
- Cited By
Summary
This contribution is meant to obtain basic data for feeding chinchillas (ingestion behaviour, feed and water intake) kept as companion animals. The chinchillas ingested more than 70% of their total feed intake during the dark phase (highest level of activity between 9:00 pm and 7:00 am). Daily amounts of feed intake varied between 2.5 (fresh grass) or 2.6 (hay) and 5.5 (pelleted complete diet) g of dry matter per 100 g of body weight. An offered mixed feed based on native components led to a selection of individual ingredients (high palatability: carob, beet pulp, sunflower seeds). The chinchillas’ daily water intake varied between 30 (mixed feed in briquette form) and 40 ml (alfalfa cubes) and amounted on average between 1.5 and 3 ml/g of dry matter. Compared with rabbits or guinea-pigs, the chinchillas generally showed noticeable differences (rhythm of feed intake, palatability of individual ingredients, capacity for digestion, etc.) which must be considered in order to optimize the nutrition of this species.