Health
Heat Prostration
Remember in the Summer do not disturb any animal that looks like it is suffering with the higher temperatures, leave them to sleep. Consider how you would feel if you were made to get out of your chair in the full Summer heat and run to your local shop wearing a thick fur coat !!! This could prove fatal to a chinchilla that is all ready having problems dealing with the heat.
Chinchillas are particularly susceptible to heatstroke, and will become easily distressed at temperatures above 25 °C. This is compounded if the humidity is also high. Chinchillas should never be placed in direct sunlight or near a radiator. If they are kept in an outdoor unit it may help to paint the roof white to reflect sunlight. The condition may also occur during transport. If animals are transported in the heat, it is useful to provide a freezer ice pack to help prevent heat prostration. SEE THE "DEALING WITH SUMMER TEMPERATURES" SECTION FOR OTHER METHODS OF HELPING YOUR CHINCHILLA DEAL WITH THE HEAT.
As the chin overheats it will become restless and eventually lie on it's side, breathing through it's mouth. The lungs will become congested and frothy fluid may appear at the mouth and nostrils.
To rapidly bring their temperatures down (heat prostration can be fatal if not dealt with promptly), try plunging the chin into cool water (not cold as the shock could prove fatal). Keep their head above water at all costs, you wouldn't want them to survive heat prostration only to drown. Once their temperature is down dry them off with a towel and keep them calm and quiet. You may need to have them examined by your vet.
Alternatively, place them in a towel and put them in your fridge to cool down (warn the rest of the family first before they get the fright of their lives when they open the door). Don't close the door fully, you do not want an air tight seal.
It is possible that the chin may have become dehydrated during this time. Try using products like Dioralyte which should be easily available from your chemist, to reverse this. If the chin will not drink this, try getting them to eat fruits such as grapes, apple or pear that are mainly water.