Feeding Guidelines
· Mix the suspension following the manufacturers guidelines to achieve an even suspension (a total of 30-40ml will be required for the days feeds).
· Draw the suspension into the syringe (10ml should be adequate).
· Place the animal on your lap with it's head facing away from your body.
· Place the nozzle of the syringe into the size of the mouth and syringe a small amount at a time into the back of the mouth.
· Allow the animal to swallow between mouthfuls, if necessary, gently rub the throat to encourage swallowing.
· Continue syringing until a sufficient amount has been eaten, this may only be a small amount at the beginning of support. Gradually increase the daily amount as the animal gains strength.
Repeat this routine twice more i.e. a total of three feeds per day.
Alternatively, if you can not get to grips with the
above technique, place a saucer in the cage with the 10ml of liquid feed, the
chin will quite happily lap it up as long as it is not too ill.
Mixing or making the feed with Ribena or Pineapple juice may also make the feed more paletable to the chinchilla if they are not keen to eat it.
Always ensure that there is an adequate supply of water constantly available.
Always avoid harming your pet while feeding it. Wait for it to relax and settle before commencing the feeding routine.
Ensure that fresh Timothy hay is also available. I have found that when a chin will refuse pellets they will quite happily nibble on hay.