First: Chinchillas should
never be given nuts of any kind, salted or unsalted! A chinchilla's digestive system is not made to properly digest/absorb nuts. The natural oil in nuts can cause a chinchilla to develop a fatty liver over time. A fatty liver can cause other complications and even death for a chinchilla. (Now, in making that statement, please remember there are always
rare exceptions to most rules. When a chinchilla is 'stopped-up' and can not poop ... the last resort is one or two almonds. They are a natural strong laxative for a chinchilla to be used as a 'last resort only' when nothing else has worked.) When a chinchilla stops pooping and/or cuts way back on the number and size of the poops, this is a sign his system probably is shutting down and he may very well be close to death. Smaller and dryer than normal poops are also a sign of dehydration ... dehydration can kill.
I watched a family of 4 chinchillas slowly die over a period of time because the lack of proper care and maintenance in a pet store ... that was why I became a chinchilla breeder, doing constant research on them. I learn new things constantly and there is still so much to learn.
I
firmly believe no pet store should ever be allowed to sell chinchillas
unless the owner and
all employees are taught how to properly care for it
AND they are willing to train the person purchasing the chinchilla how to properly care for it. Let's be realistic ... that will never happen.
Believe it or not, most pet stores think they 'know it all' and under no circumstances are willing to admit they do not. I am well known for letting the local pet stores know how to properly care for a chinchilla ... BUT ... each time I go into one for the first time, I have to be armed with magazines and books that show I do know what I am talking about ... even then, some do not want to listen ... they are to arrogant to admit they are ignorant when it comes to chinchillas.
And the chinchilla is the one to suffer because of it.
Now ... off my soap box ...
Hoppinchins ... if you are a member of the Chinchilla Club ... you might want to do some research in the back issues of the Chinchilla Club Magazine and print copies of needed articles to show the pet stores ... OR ... even better purchase the hard copies and take the magazine to the pet store with you. They have a tendency to pay more attention to things in print than to an individual.
And, yes, you can complain ... but for the best results, complain to the local animal control officer, the state animal inspector and anyone that is willing to listen to you (including, but not limited to the news paper and local t.v. stations). BUT ... when you complain, be ready to quote and give proof ... via research centers (such as California Chins) and/or printed magazines and/or articles. If you need know where to find some of the references PM me.
Good luck! Keep us posted on the outcome!
Go girl go!
Jo Ann