Chinchillas are desert animals, so it makes sense that they like their humidity and moisture in the form of water. Chinchillas need to drink a lot since they have limited surface area on their body compared to other mammals in the same size category. They also donג€™t sweat like humans or most other mammals, so they rely on drinking water to regulate their body temperature. Because chinchillas cannot lick their fur to feel for thirst, they will always ask for water before giving up. A chinchilla that has access to a lot of moisture is better off than one who does not.
As a rule of thumb, you should never give your chinchilla tap water. Instead, provide them with treated mineral water or bottled spring water (not tap). Many brands make special bottles designed for pet rodents like the Myler Bottle Nipple and Everteck Bottle-Top Water Dispenser . If you do use tap water, only do so if your chinchilla has access to absolutely no alternative sources of drinking water.
Can I Give My Chinchilla a Ice Cube?
Giving your chinchilla a ice cube is not recommended. The cold water can cause your pet to freeze and die.
Though it can be tempting, donג€™t give your chinchilla an ice cube. They will freeze and possibly die from the sudden shock of the cold water.
There’s no need for your chinchilla to suffer when you have access to a clean water source.
How Often Should I Change My Chinchillas Water?
Unfortunately, there is no right answer for the amount of water you should change in your chinchillaג€™s cage. Each chinchilla will have different needs based on their species and how often they drink. Some will drink more water than others, which can be seen by their droppings. If your chinchilla is experiencing diarrhea or if they are drinking significantly more water than before, you should probably change their water. It is safe to assume that a healthy chinchilla will consume about half a liter of water per day .
Do Chinchillas Use Water Bowls or Bottles?
Chinchillas are territorial animals and will not drink from bowls or bottles that belong to other chinchillas. If you have more than one chinchilla, then you should buy a separate drinking fountain for each of them. Make sure the drinking fountain is accessible by both your chinchillas so they can get their fill.
What Type of Water Do You Use for a Chinchilla?
The type of water you use for a chinchilla is important because it will affect how healthy and active your pet is. Chinchillas are desert animals and prefer to drink mineral water or spring water that contains the minerals they need in order to stay hydrated. If you want your chinchilla to drink less, make sure to give them a bottle that has a higher concentration of moisture.
A word of caution: Chinchillas should not be given distilled or hard water because it can cause health issues in pets and even humans. Be sure to only give your chinchilla spring water or mineral water .
