The Effect Of Exercise For Chinchillas
Chinchillas
raised on a ranch get treated differently than those that are raised by
breeders and pet owners. Breeders and pet owners raised and treat their
chinchillas like pets; ranchers treat their chinchillas like livestock.
To the ranchers, this is a business and they could care less about the
animals getting adequate exercise or any exercise at all. Their main
concern is making a profit at the animal's expense. Don't tell that to
the breeder or pet owner. In order to sustain their livelihood, they
make sure that their pet chinchillas get in enough exercise to get them
through each day.
Chinchillas
should have time to exercise out of their cages every day. They need to
have time to be free, provided there is supervision. This would only
happen with breeders and pet owners. They know that these exotic
animals get stressed when they feel they are being confined. Stress can
cause them to be anti-social and withdrawn. They get irritated and
start biting their fur. The chinchillas raised on the ranch can't move
very well because the ranchers don't take the time for them to
exercise. When they do get a chance to roam, it's at a snail's pace
because of the confinement.
In
order for the chinchilla to live a long and healthy life, it is
imperative that they get out of their cage and get some type of
exercise, even if it's just walking around. The chinchilla will also
stay happy. So if you're a breeder or a pet owner, you should do what
you need to do to make this happen. A regular exercise regimen will
decrease stress and in turn keeps your immune system from harm.
When
you really care for a chinchilla, they know it. They know when you
really love them and have their best interest at heart. They have a
positive attitude and they will be able to trust you and relate to you
better. This will definitely show when you allow them to have time out
of their cage. This eliminates other stress-related actions, such as
spraying urine or fighting with other chinchillas. This will help them
relate to other chinchillas and get along with them as well. The best
exercises for them are walking and getting on the wheel located in
their cage. Doing exercises on the wheel can reduce the presence of
being overweight and/or obese.
There
is no such thing as a chinchilla getting too much exercise or eating
too much. They know when they've had enough of both. When they're
tired, they'll stop and take a break. Exercising on a regular basis can
eliminate potential health or behavioral problems, including stress.
The
key with exercise is that it needs to be regular and consistent. You
can help your pet do this by increasing the muscle tone, agility and
mobility. You have to remember not to confine them like they're in
jail. Otherwise, they'll look dumpy like the ones that are raised on
the ranch. That is one way for them not to stick around for the long
haul.
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