Grass hay adds additional fiber to the diet while serving as an item for the pet to chew on other than its fur. Any hay fed should be free from mold and vermin contamination. Dried fruit and nuts are excellent treats for the pet chinchilla. Raisins tend to be a favorite treat among these animals. Fresh carrots and green vegetables can also be provided but in moderation.
Chinchillas can drink water from valve waterers or sipper-type bottles.
Very careful sanitation of the water supply is necessary, since contaminated water may be a contributing factor in disease outbreaks. One of the most common disease conditions of chinchillas is enteritis, which is an infection of the digestive tract. In many cases, the exact cause may not be determined. Bacterial, viral and protozoal agents have all been associated with the syndrome. A few specific agents include Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhimurium, E. coli and Giardia.