Chinchilla with sick eye

Question
I have two chinchillas and I just noticed today that the larger one has developed a whitish milky looking substance around one of his eyes...any idea what this could be from and how serious?  Thanks!!

Answer
Hello Heidi,
white substance is an indication of something bothering the eye or the eye could be infected. I would check her eye to make sure there isn't any dust and get a damn wash cloth and try to wash around the eye. It can also mean stress, improper diet and sometimes an illness. If it doesn't improve within a day or so I would take the chinchilla to a vet asap.