Chinchilla Community Forums
Chinchillas => Q & A => Topic started by: AnnieHank on August 28, 2011, 04:00:47 PM
-
So I just got back from a weekend away to find Buddy's water bottle on the floor beside his cage. I had filled his water bottle before I left so I told my Dad he'd only need to give hay and pellets. I should have told him to double check the water anyway :doh:
He was possibly 2 days without water. When I put his water bottle back in, he started glugging like crazy. I let him run there and he seems fine, his poohs seem normal and he's really active and curious and he's eating. He was grinding his teeth a little very briefly but I've been watching him for about an hour now and he hasn't done it since.
How long can they go without water? Because he's active and eating and all that, I'm not so worried about dehydration but I am a little worried about the glugging, overhydration or bloated tummy or whatever. Am I worrying for nothing? (I know I have a tendency to do that!)
-
He will be fine. Some chinchilla breeders don't give water when they go to weekend chinchilla shows. 48 hours on purpose is a little much, but 24 hours without water on rare occasions won't hurt them. Chances are your chinchilla didn't the loose the bottle right away so it was probably closer to 24 hours with him too.
-
I think you're right, he seems grand. When I gave him back his water he was guzzling it but now he seems to only be having the odd drop. He's eating as normal and busy as ever so I'm probably worrying for nothing as usual! Thanks for your quick reply, I can now go to bed and stop being so silly!!
-
Its never silly to worry about your babies! :)
-
Yeah, he's grand today! :)
-
Whoa thats scary. I'd be mad as hell if I put a family member in charge of watching my chins, and I came home to a botttle on the floor.
-
Yeah, I was quite worried about him for a few days. In future, when I absolutely have to go away and leave my Dad in charge, I'll just make sure to tell him to check every little thing!