Health
Constipation
Constipation is characterised by the chinchilla droppings being small, round and malformed. The problem means the chinchilla's digestive system has slowed down causing the droppings to become dried out and difficult to pass.
Constipation can be a sign of the chinchilla not eating and drinking, care must be taken therefore to ensure that the chinchilla does not become dehydrated.
Slices of apple, raisins, or syrup of figs can all be useful in treating constipation. Do not overdo these as you could end up with the reverse of this condition. Check with your vet first to make sure that the chinchilla does not have a blockage or obstruction first before giving them these foodstuffs.
Always ensure that the chinchilla has water available and that it is in fact drinking it. To encourage drinking try adding pineapple juice (fresh and not with added sugar) to the water. Alternatively try blackcurrant juice (Ribena).
Provide plenty of roughage (in the form of hay, not cardboard !!!) in your chinchilla's diet. This encourages gut motility.