The Basic Care Of Chipmunks

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If in the first few days of your Chipmunk coming home you are concerned about his health or well being please do not hesitate to contact us. We are open seven days a week and often a quick phone call can put your mind at ease. We hope your Chipmunk will bring lots of fun, happiness and companionship for the next few years. Here are just a few handy pointers to help you on your way.

Housing

We have a variety of cages available. A tall cage with several perches and a nest box is ideal. Give your Chipmunk lots of space in which to climb and frolic about as he will be very active and playful. An exercise wheel is also a great idea and will give him many hours of pleasure.

Make sure the cage is placed well away from draughts or direct sunlight.

Chipmunks do like company so it is a good idea to buy a same sex litter mate so they can entertain each other as well.

Strong sturdy toys are a must because bored chipmunks can become destructive. From experience we have found that a good depth of wood based cat litter or shavings is far superior to sawdust which can be dusty and may irritate your Chipmunks eyes. Provide him with suitable bedding but do not give him cotton, nylon material or newspaper as he will eat them and make himself ill.

Clean out the cage frequently to keep him healthy.

Diet

Feed a varied diet of seeds, grains and nuts. Provide him with fresh fruit and perhaps one of our seed, nut or honey treats as well as raisins. Use dishes he cannot chew and clean them regularly. Water should be offered in a bottle.

Handling

Your new Chipmunk may be nervous at first and inclined to nip. Give him time to adjust to his surroundings and offer him titbits whilst talking to him. Soon he will be taking food from your hand.

General Health

All our animals are given a health check before being put on sale. If fed properly and cleaned, he should remain healthy and give you lots of pleasure. Your Chipmunks hair is very vulnerable so please take care not to trap it. His teeth and nails are growing constantly and may overgrow so check them on a regular basis as they may require trimming.

If you see any signs of diarrhoea please contact us immediately as this can be very serious and you may need to take him to the vet.

Further Reading

For more information check out the RSPCA's Chipmunk Care Sheet