citation_inspection: 3518

All chinchilla at the facility are currently being maintained in primary enclosures which are 16 inches x 18 inches and approximately 14 inches high. These cages were all one level and had a solid bottom containing pine type woodchips. Each enclosure contained 1-2 Chinchilla, and two enclosures housing a breeding pair plus one offspring. When asked about the length of time the animals are held in these enclosures, the facility representative acknowledged that there is no current method in place for tracking that on an individual basis, but that the primary caretaker for that room would probably know. While many animals are only housed short-term, approximately 25 - 30 are older breeders that have been present for long times. The facility representative also stated that the caging is a recent change. Prior to the summer, the breeders (housed long-term) were kept in larger enclosures of an alternate style, but that these were easier to clean so they were moved to these new enclosures. When the facility representative was asked about access to dust baths he stated that they do not currently provide dust for these animals and that they roll around in the shavings when enclosures are cleaned. He also stated that when they used to provide dust, however, it makes a large mess. Access to dust baths at least on a periodic basis is a necessary part of chinchilla husbandry to maintain appropriate fur coat quality. The current enclosures and management practices do not provide access to any space which allows for this normal behavior as needed for long term housing. Additionally, chinchilla are active animals that typically require adequate space to jump as part of postural adjustments. Multiple animals were observed bouncing off of wall sides and the current cage size is not adequate to provide for normal species-typical social and postural adjustments for long-term housing of these animals. Animal enclosures must be constructed and maintained to provide sufficient space to allow each animal to make normal postural and social adjustments with adequate freedom of movement. Correct by ensuring that animals are given access to adequate space for jumping and dust bathing to meet these requirements on a continuous or periodic basis as dictated by behavior and natural history. To be completed by: 8 Feb 2016. The inspection was conducted on January 5 -6, 2016 and exit briefing was conducted on January 7, 2016 with Keri Lupo, VMO and Dana Miller, SACS, two IES investigators and the Vice President of the facility. Additional Inspectors Miller Dana, Supervisory Animal Care Specialist