chinchilla not eating or pooping - Page 2

meckman · 08-01-2007, 12:35 PM

I didn't know that about lettuce; the vet said it would be okay to give him a small amount of vegetables, and when I asked her what kind, she mentioned carrots and lettuce. It was a tiny piece, but he did seem to enjoy it. For now, I'll try sticking to pellets and hay. But when (and I hope it's when and not if!) he's feeling better, what are some good veggies to feed as treats?

Also, the vet said he was probably not pooping because he hadn't eaten enough to stimulate his digestive track.

Thanks!

Solarsis · 08-01-2007, 12:44 PM

I'm surprised she recommended that. Fresh fruits and veggies are not usually recommended for chinchillas as far as I know.

For treats we try to stick to low sugar or high fibre stuff:

a small piece of mini shredded wheat squares (I usually break it into 2)
dried rosehips
oxbow papaya pineapple pellets
oxbow critter berries
apple twigs
a few pieces of rolled oats

Some folks also feed small pieces of horse cookies, oat groats and a bunch of other things. If you do a search for "treats" in the chinchilla area you should find some discussions on what is being offered.

We used to offer a bit of dried papaya or raisins to our girls but the high sugar content wasn't all that good for them and we started having mushy poo issues.

Candycane · 08-01-2007, 09:48 PM

Sophie has given some really good advice. My chins usually only get rolled oats as a treat. Sometimes they get a piece of dried fruit.

25cc is a good amount. Just be persistent in getting it into him. You should also be weighing him daily during this time to keep on top of any weight loss. It's amazing how fast they can lose weight.

It sounds like you are doing a great job.

Stick with it and keep us posted.

meckman · 08-06-2007, 01:35 PM

Hi, all,

I'm so sad to let you know that Noodles had to be put to sleep. He was steadily going downhill, despite everything we were trying to do. My son, husband, and I are heartbroken.

I really appreciate your advice and support, though. From examining him, the vet was pretty sure he was around 10 or 11 (we'd gotten him as an adult from my son's middle-school principle, who wasn't sure how old he was), so he'd had a good, long life and was much loved.

Thanks, everyone. And please say a little prayer for our sweet Noodles.

suzoo · 08-06-2007, 02:22 PM

I'm so sorry for your loss

RIP Noodles..

Solarsis · 08-06-2007, 02:24 PM

I'm very sorry for your loss. I was hoping he'd pull through for you

meckman · 08-06-2007, 04:00 PM

Thanks, guys. We were really hoping he'd pull through, too. I can't believe how sad I feel; I couldn't stop crying as I cleaned his cage for the last time. My son is trying to lose himself in video games and doesn't want to talk about it, although I know he's devastated. It's amazing how attached you can get.

Debbie · 08-08-2007, 08:46 AM

Quote:

It's amazing how attached you can get.

So very true.
I'm so sorry for your loss, but teeth problems never end up with a good out come.
I'm glad he didn't suffer long with the pain and discomfort.Watching them starve to death is just way to hard for any of us.
I treated one for 6 years but will not put another through that again.
He in a far better place, and there's nothng wrong with 10 years for chin.
I'm sure he had a wonderful life with you and arn't you glad you were the one who got to say good bye to him.
I mean no one else could have loved him any more and he knew that.
I find comfort in that when ever I loose one of my little darlings, better with me than someone else. At least they leave with love and the best care possible.
I think he was so lucky to have an owner who cared so much.
And your son will deal & grieve in his own way, and your right to let him be.

*BIG HUGS*

meckman · 08-09-2007, 07:17 AM

Thanks, Debbie. I'd never want Noodles to suffer. My son keeps asking when we can get another chinchilla, even though he knows it won't be Noodles. We're looking into adopting a pair from someone in Cape Cod, so I hope that works.

And I am glad I got to say goodbye to him.

Mollymitten · 08-09-2007, 09:11 PM

I'm so sorry for your loss. RIP Noodles