Mochi’s Care Manual

For Caregivers While Mark and Angie Are Away

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Overview

Mochi is a playful and sensitive chinchilla with a strong routine. He is 10 years old.

While he’s generally low-maintenance, precise attention to detail is essential for his health and safety.

This manual outlines everything you need to know to care for him properly.

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1. Daily Care Checklist

Morning or Early Afternoon

• Check water bottle:

• If it’s halfway full or less, refill with fresh filtered water from the sink and rinse the bottle with hot water.

• Check bedding:

• For bedding that gets scattered to the lower level, pick it up and put bedding back in place as reasonable and when possible.

• Pee rags:

• Soiled rags should be shaken out over the compost bin and then set aside in the laundry basket for washing (hot water, heavy spin, one scoop Oxiclean and two pods).

• You’ll dry them the following day in the dryer.

• Hand sweep each level and surface:

• Remove debris and poops by hand sweeping daily.

• Replace all bed mats, toys, pillows, and plushies:

• Replace everything in exactly the same place every day.

• This keeps Mochi’s jumping paths clear and his sleeping areas comfortable.

• Cage cleaning and separator use:

• A cardboard separator may be used to block Mochi from moving between levels during cleaning.

• Insert the separator if Mochi is on the bottom level to clean the top, or vice versa.

• WARNING: You must remove the separator completely when finished.

Leaving it in could prevent Mochi from accessing food and water and could cause death.

Double-check that the separator is not in place before you leave.

• General check:

• Make sure the room is tidy and safe for potential play.

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Evening (Play/Exercise Time)

• Ramp setup:

• Carefully and securely hook the ramp into the cage. Make sure it cannot slip or collapse.

• Remove the ramp immediately when playtime is over.

• Closet prep:

• Open both closet doors about 6 inches so Mochi can run in and out freely.

• Turn on the closet light.

• Lighting:

• Keep the room dim, not brightly lit.

• Supervision:

• Never leave him unattended during playtime.

• You may choose to watch from just outside the door or sit on a chair.

• Treat time:

• Use basil to lure Mochi back into the cage when playtime ends.

• Bring basil into the room only when ready to bring him in.

• Once back inside, reward him with an apple treat.

The sound of the treat bag can also help lure him back.

The smell of basil may also help.

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2. Dust Bath Routine

• Frequency: Every three days.

• Bathhouse use:

• Use the provided bathhouse.

• Only clean it between uses if there are visible poops.

• Dust replacement:

• Replace dust every week with two scoops of fresh dust.

• Bathhouse placement:

• Place the dust bath on the same level as the water bottle, set back and toward the middle for easy entry and exit.

• Place a large paper towel outside the bathhouse to contain dust.

• After bathing:

• Lure Mochi to a lower level with an apple treat.

• Remove the bathhouse and dust mat.

• Shake out the mat over the bathhouse to save dust for next time.

• Return the bathhouse and mat to the bookcase.

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3. Handling Guidelines

• Do not pick Mochi up.

He finds it stressful and may nip.

• Petting is okay, but be gentle and calm.

If you pet him, use only your index finger at the top of his head.

• Move slowly and mindfully — Mochi may bolt suddenly.

• Always open the cage door fully before Mochi exits or enters to prevent injury.

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4. Sleep and Behavior Notes

• Mochi is mostly nocturnal, but sometimes active during the day.

• Normal behaviors include:

• Darting quickly across the room.

• Hiding under furniture or behind the bookcase.

• Staying out of sight for long stretches.

• Appearing suddenly at the sound of a dust bath or treat bag.

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5. Safety Reminders

• Never let him out without supervision (in the room or just outside the door).

• Closet doors must be partially open and closet light on during play.

• Always remove the ramp immediately after play.

• Always remove the cardboard separator after cage cleaning.

• Walk slowly and shuffle your feet when he’s out.

• Do not rearrange cage items unless specifically instructed.

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Emergency Info

• Medical condition:

• No known issues except an allergy to opioids.

• If Mochi seems lethargic, refuses food, or acts abnormally:

• Contact Angie immediately.

• Veterinarian:

Exotic Animal Veterinary Center

171 North Altadena Drive, Unit 120

Pasadena, CA 91107

Phone: 626-405-1777

Website: exoticanimalveterinarycenter.com

Hours:

• Monday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

• Tuesday-Friday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

• Saturday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

• Sunday: Closed

• Emergency Carrier Instructions:

• Carrier is in the bottom of the closet (right side).

• Take the water bottle from the cage and fix it to the carrier door.

• Use a towel, blanket, or pillowcase to capture Mochi if necessary.

• Emergency Contacts:

• Angie Escudero — 310-961-0961

• Mark Robert Halper — 213-364-9453

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Final Departure Checklist

Before leaving for the day, confirm:

• Mochi has fresh filtered water (at least half full).

• Mochi has access to food.

• Cardboard separator is removed.

• Cage doors are securely closed.

• Ramp is removed if playtime is over.

• Closet doors are closed.

• Door to Mochi’s room is closed securely at the bottom.

• Room is tidy and safe.

• Lights are off.

• TV is left on for Mochi.

• House doors are locked.

• Mail has been retrieved (at least weekly).

• Packages and deliveries have been brought inside.

• Plants needing water have been watered.

• No unsecured food, treats, or supplies are left out.