As herbivores, chinchillas require a diet high in fiber to provide essential nutrients, maintain proper bacteria levels in the gut, and promote digestive health. If your chinchilla is healthy and eating a balanced diet, they shouldn’t need supplements. According to Jiménez (1990), wild chinchillas feed on up to 24 plant species, mainly herbs, and their diet changes substantially between sites and during the year.” “The dietary analysis of chinchilla based on the contents of feces indicates that the different plant life forms eaten varied markedly among seasons and between years. If this applies to your chinchilla, you can supplement their diet using probiotic powder, multivitamin and mineral mixes, thiamine, calcium, and vitamin C. In the Wild, chinchilla forage a complex range of nutrients from a variety of grasses, barks, and flowers to support optimal health. - Chinchillas' digestive systems need hay and grass to function properly. In the wild, chinchillas eat bark off trees to obtain fiber, which is essential in the diet. Chinchillas typically consume most of their diet in the early mornings or later at night due to being crepuscular. Chinchilla Diet Variations. While eating, chinchillas sit upright on their hind legs and hold the food in their front paws. As herbivores, chinchillas require a diet high in fiber to provide essential nutrients, maintain proper bacteria levels in the gut, and promote digestive health. Understanding What Chinchillas Eat in The Wild. Chinchillas are happy to eat seeds and nuts. Lets take a closer look at what’s on the menu for a wild chinchilla. The exception is made for pregnant chinchillas and during times of stress or illness. 21. This is due to the fact that their natural habitat doesn’t actually have a lot of food. It is best to avoid feeding your chinchilla seeds and nuts that are high in fat because these foods can cause obesity in your pet as well as a number of different medical issues. They are not designed for rich or fatty diets and such diets can easily cause serious digestive upsets. Chinchilla Behaviour. Chinchillas naturally eat … A wild chinchilla's diet consists primarily of high-fiber grass and hay, while supplementing it with bark, seeds, flowers, and foliage. Without water chinchillas can become seriously ill. Good quality hay which should make up the majority of their diet and should be available at all times. This section isn’t necessarily about discussing all the food a chinchilla eats in the wild but giving a brief overview of how they consume food compared to other rodents. In the wild, Chinchillas live in social groups called herds which contain around 100 individuals. However, there are a few differences between the diet of a wild chinchilla and a pet chinchilla which you must know. Now that you know what kind of foods chinchillas eat in the wild, therefore make sure to stick to these foods and make sure that your pet chinchilla stays healthy. Chinchillas are primarily nocturnal animals with activity peaking at dusk and dawn. Chinchillas have very sensitive digestive systems, so feeding a good quality diet appropriate for chinchillas is essential to their health.In the wild, chinchillas are naturally adapted to eating a diet of vegetation that is high in roughage. Chinchillas Don’t Need a Lot of Food. The low fiber in the body may jeopardize digestion, as well as, making the chinchillas’ teeth overgrow, a situation that may lead to the rodents chewing on their fur. Chinchillas are not particularly fond of consuming meats but they will do so in harsh times. 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