After your chinchilla gives birth, it's crucial to prioritize the well-being of both the mother and her newborns. Begin by carefully examining the mother chinchilla to ensure she's healthy and recovering well from the delivery. Also, thoroughly check the baby chinchillas to confirm they are healthy and thriving. Provide the chinchilla mom with extra nutritious food to help with milk production and recovery. Proper post-natal care will contribute to the health and happiness of your chinchillas.
Once newborn chinchillas’ fur has dried, they should resemble fluffy little cotton balls, which is a good indicator of their health. If a baby chinchilla’s fur stays wet or if it is restless and making soft squeaking sounds, you need to ensure the room temperature stays above 68°F (20°C) to provide warmth. Usually, the mother chinchilla will help dry their fur. Monitoring these factors is important in the early days of chinchilla care.
If a mother chinchilla has given birth to a large litter, she may not produce enough milk for all of the newborns. Newborn chinchillas must receive adequate mother's milk, especially in the first two weeks of life. If you notice that the mother chinchilla is not producing enough milk, you'll need to supplement with artificial feeding. It's common for baby chinchillas to lose a small amount of weight in the first day or two because it takes time for the mother to start producing milk. During this period, you can assist the baby chinchillas with artificial feeding, using specially formulated infant formula. Pay careful attention to portion sizes when using artificial milk to ensure they receive proper nutrition. Proper care will help ensure the newborn chinchilla gets the necessary nutrition.