Chinchilla Community Forums

Chinchillas => Health => Topic started by: JerseyDoll2013 on July 20, 2013, 04:46:52 PM

Title: Eating parents poop
Post by: JerseyDoll2013 on July 20, 2013, 04:46:52 PM

While watching the kits socialize with they're father, I noticed both of them eating the droppings he left behind on the chin chiller. Should I be concerned? They are already eating pellets too so maybe they're just confused...?

Title: Re: Eating parents poop
Post by: GrayRodent on July 20, 2013, 07:34:46 PM

Chinchilla biology is kind of like that of rabbits. They poop partially digested feces at times and run it back through. It helps maintain the microbes in the stomach and intestines as well. It is actually a good thing for chinchillas to have access to some of their feces. For kits it's part of establishing that vital microbial culture. Kind of gross but true.

Title: Re: Eating parents poop
Post by: JerseyDoll2013 on July 25, 2013, 02:31:53 AM

Ohhh, ok. Good to know cause it freaked me out.