New Chinchilla for me.

Hi, I got a Chinchilla two weeks ago and it is my first one. After having pet rats that died in two years, I needed a longer living pet. Chinzia is great. She jumps on me, plays in the bathroom with me, and likes to snuggle in my housecoat. I just worry she is not getting enough exercise and seems to always want to be out of the cage.

Chinchilla Limp

Hi! I recently got a new chinchilla, the other one ended up hurting him worse than I thought, they were immediately separated at sign of distress, but now when he walks he is letting the back side of his body drag. I took him to the vet this morning, he got pain medication and an X-ray, no broken bones or anything, so they sent me home, said he most be sore or something. He doesn't balk at me touching him, and he is eating and drinking, he was even chewing on some wood in his little hide...

Chinchilla Limp

why is my chinchilla tugging on my clothes??

recently while i take my chinchilla out to play he’s been hopping on my arm and digging with his paws and tugging with his teeth while chirping, what does this mean?
View attachment trim.5532D0B9-553E-4AF1-9AEE-1DAABC1FB346.MOV

Help for 18.5 yr Chin with Heart Murmur & Arthritis in Rural Area

Hello,

I have an 18 year old male chinchilla (soon to be 19 years). We had a visit today at the vet's office. We recently moved to NM and vets with chinchilla experience are incredibly scarce. I was informed today that my chin's heart murmur (which has been a level 2-3 for many, many years) is now a level 4. The vet worked with exotics during schooling, but does not have extensive experiences with chinchillas. She wanted to put him on pimobendan, but it only comes in tablet form. I...

Help for 18.5 yr Chin with Heart Murmur & Arthritis in Rural Area

Help for 18.5 yr Chin with Heart Murmor & Arthritis in Rural Area

Hello,

I have an 18 year old male chinchilla (soon to be 19 years). We had a visit today at the vet's office. We recently moved to NM and vets with chinchilla experience are incredibly scarce. I was informed today that my chin's heart murmur (which has been a level 2-3 for many, many years) is now a level 4. The vet worked with exotics during schooling, but does not have extensive experiences with chinchillas. She wanted to put him on pimobendan, but it only comes in tablet form. I...

Help for 18.5 yr Chin with Heart Murmor & Arthritis in Rural Area

First time (happy & concerned) ChinChi owner. Need advice on ringworm.

Hi everyone, first time chinchilla owner here.

I'm so happy to have found this forum, I'm literally spending days learning about them and reading other owners' experiences.

The reason why I joined is because I need advice on dealing with fungus/ringworm. My chin currently has it and he's only 4 months

I'd appreciate any advice on how to treat this, how much it usually lasts, what to pay attention to etc. We've been to the vet and god anti-fungus drops, I removed any wood from the...

First time (happy & concerned) ChinChi owner. Need advice on ringworm.

Advice to cure a ringworm/fungus

Hi everyone,

This is my first time having a chinchilla. He has 4 months now and a couple of days ago I noticed a bald patch on his nose. He was constantly scratching it. A vet told us he has fungus and gave us the drops to cure it.

I would appreciate any additional advice on how to deal with this, if you had experience with it?
Thank you!

young chin cage help

I have an adult chin but will soon be having 2 young sisters (not in the same cage). I have done some research and am getting mixed messages. Some are saying they can go in an adult cage with ledges while others are saying that they should not have higher jumping ledges than 12-18 inches until they are about 8 months old. I dont want to put my new babies in danger so am thinking of just taking out the top shelves to limit their jumping height but how high can i put shelves and until what...

young chin cage help

Do you have chin gender preference?

Please share your preference if there's any and why.

Is my chinchilla going to be okay?

I have 3 rescue chinnies, all girls that room together. My gray girl, Aloe, is the one I'm worried about. I will say, the woman I got them from thinks that she's older than the other two (Possibly even the other girls mother). Overall, I'm not sure about their ages.

So, the issue is that I noticed how she was acting. She was doing fine yesterday, and then today when I went to check on them and feed them, she was falling over on her side and not coming up to the top platform to get any...

Is my chinchilla going to be okay?

More chinchillas?

How many chinchillas do you wish to or already have and how much do they need each other?

Three level Critter Nation cage

Hi all,
My two Chins have been happily living in a two-level CN cage (model 161+163), located in my living room. Their chin-spin is at the 2nd level now. I an thinking of getting another add-on (CN 163) to make it into a three-level cage.
It will fit the room height.
I am ready to order but thought I should ask all the experts of the forum: Is there a reason NOT to get a third level? Anything I should consider before ordering it? Can the wheel be placed at the top level without them...

Three level Critter Nation cage

Is my chinchilla in pain?!

Let me preface this by saying please no hate. I’ve owned multiple chinchillas and all of them have been extremely healthy and happy throughout the duration of their lives, however, I have a female chinchilla about 6 months old and she’s absolutely perfect. So sweet and everything but she’s acted like she’s in pain tonight and I’m hoping someone knows what’s going on?! Shes all scrunched up and not moving with her ears pinned. She’s done this once before about two months ago after eating a...

Is my chinchilla in pain?!

New to the forum, please help asap!😭

Someone please help me figure out what is wrong with my chinchilla! I want to avoid vet fees if possible but if it’s an emergency I’ll take her. I have a female chinchilla about 6 months old and she’s absolutely perfect. So sweet and everything but she’s acted like she’s in pain tonight and I’m hoping someone knows what’s going on?! She’s done this once before about two months ago after eating an almond. She’s been loose in the house for some background info for the last hour. Right now...

New to the forum, please help asap!

Fix Any Bad Dog Behavior Easily.. Save Thousand of $$

Does any of the following sound familiar… ????

• Your dog doesn't listen to you
• You need to train a new Puppy
• Your dog barks uncontrollably
• Your Dog is pulling on the leash
• Your Dog is aggressive
• Your Dog is chewing things he shouldn't
• Your Dog is digging all the time
• Your Dog is Jumping up
• You're frustrated with your dog
• You may even regret getting your Dog

Then you should try this Secret to using your...

Fix Any Bad Dog Behavior Easily.. Save Thousand of $$

In Over My Head

My daughter moved back home with her Chinchilla that she got from a Pet Store over the Summer. It was supposed to go back to the boyfriends house after Christmas Break.

However, once here, I started doing research only to see it was not being cared for properly by these (2) Teenagers. They did not do proper research, it was an impulse buy. So needless to say I put my foot down about it moving back to the BF's, he has a dog that can readily get to the cage, a carpeted room, AC that was not...

In Over My Head

Two 3 year Old Male Chinchillas for sale!!! Includes everything they need!

I have Two Male Chinchillas, one is a Heterozygous Beige, and the other is a Standard Gray. The Chinchillas are 3 1/2. Your purchase will also include a Critter Nation double unit Chinchilla cage with fleece liners. I also have a Chin-Spin that is almost brand new. They will come with chinchilla dust and other supplies. Everything they need will be included you won't have to purchase too much. I am only re-homing them because I don't have time to take care of them and give them the love and...

Two 3 year Old Male Chinchillas for sale!!! Includes everything they need!

Sand, dust or both for baths

Hi,
I would like to know your opinion on that.
I have been using sand for their baths, it's definitely not a dust or there is some small amount of dust in the sand but if I reuse the sand after couple of uses the dust is no longer there.

I see people on videos using only fine dust but I heard that this is not healthy for chinchillas because it causes respiratory problems and dries skin.
I know this dust makes chinchilla's fur very soft and fine combed (good for videos and photo shots) but...

Sand, dust or both for baths

Super-cute

What's been your chinchilla's cutest moments?

Bizarre Health Issue

This morning I changed the blankets in my hedgehogs’ cage. I have a mother and daughter. Both were fine and moving around. Tonight when I checked on them mom was fine but daughter was very bloated, her neck was twisted, one eye was protruding, one eye completely shut, she couldn’t move her limbs. Checked her heart - was beating but very labored. I snuggled her up. I checked on her about 45 minutes later to make sure she was comfortable and she was completely fine. Back to her usual...

Bizarre Health Issue

safe to build with???

I really want to build my chin a cage but am looking for the cheapest option for me. I have a greenhouse that i am not using and was wondering if i could use the aluminium frame to make a framework for a cage. Should i just frame with wood then cover either frame with 19g wire mesh internally. My thinking is that the mesh will stop escapes but all shelves and hideaways would be attached to the framework for strength. Any input greatly appreciated

Sweet bamboo chew sticks

My chin stopped chewing apple wood sticks or any kind so I gave him bamboo sticks and he loved it. People say bamboo is safe, and what I got says “sweet bamboo”. When I was reading the reviews one of the sweet bamboo sticks, someone said that’s not sweet bamboo that’s sugar cane. Now I worry… I googled the image of sugar cane chew sticks, it looked like just sweet bamboo.. I can’t tell which one is which so I have to trust the seller.
Sweet bamboo is the one people give chinchillas?
How do...

Sweet bamboo chew sticks

2 Cages in the same room woes

Ellie and Abby have lived side by side for over a year until suddenly a few months ago Abby seems to have snapped whenever it’s her turn to come out she is focused on trying to bite Ellie through the bars from the bottom of the cage. I have since separated the cages on different walls but it’s still the same room. Right now separate rooms isn’t possible. Is there anything else can do to distract Abby from going after Ellie’s cage the moment she runs out...

2 Cages in the same room woes

Why is there a red spot on chinchillas foot??

hello, recently i’ve noticed two red patches on yuki’s foot. One on each foot on the same toe, what does it mean? and should i be concerned?

Red spot on chinchillas foot??

hello, recently i’ve noticed two red patches on yuki’s foot. One on each foot on the same toe, what does it mean? and should i be concerned?

Interaction with other pets

Does your chinchilla play with other pets?

Chinchilla chew toys

I need some ideas for chew toys for my chin. Ive had him for 3 weeks now. He is roughly 3/4 months of age. I bought a package of willow sticks and hes hardly touched them. I also bought a package of apple sticks which he will eagerly eat the outside off but that is all. In his cage he also has multiple "all natural multi color wood chews" which he hardly has chewed on. Ive also boughted pumice chews ands other various cage accessories that are safe to chew. But ultimately he does not seem...

Chinchilla chew toys

Chinchillas in Popular Media

I'm not sure if anyone is a fan of "reality tv" or not, but I am a "tryer" of new shows myself. So, I was just watching a new series "Blood Sweat, and Heels" on the Bravo channel. Early into the pilot, I was shocked to see a chinchilla on a popular show! Was pretty exciting.

Please youtube "Blood Sweat Heels Chinchilla Rocky" and take a view of him yourself.

I was wondering what the dedicated chinchilla community views are on this slight protrayal of a "cuddly and cute new star" and its...

Chinchillas in Popular Media

Happy birthday/gotcha day Wicket

12 years ago today I brought home two 3 year old boys, so I go with today as their "birthday" making Wicket 15 years old now. As you may know from a post I made last year, Wicket's twin brother passed away last June. Wicket is doing well as an single and only chin though, he seems to be enjoying having the whole cage and all the toys and treats to himself. He is also still a troublemaker, I tried to do a photo shoot of him on my desk, but my coffee was too interesting, and he seemed to...

Happy birthday/gotcha day Wicket

Diarrhea

Hi, my chin has had diarrhea for the last day the poos are soft and shiny, they were more sticky yesterday but still sticky today and I’m worried for him, ringing the vets as soon as they open in the morning but any reason it’s randomly started? Thanks

Help with chin skin.

Ok long one sorry. I rescued an adult chin so no idea how old she is or her full backround. She does not like being held but is comfortable jumping over me during playtime and having me scratch her while in the 'bath'. However she was completely matted and after a week of trying to gently brush them out found a brilliant post on here explaining it wont work and a link to a lady showing how to get them out with a special comb. Got the comb, managed to get the huge ones out without being...

Help with chin skin.

Hello, newbie chinparent here.

Hi everyone, I am very new to owning a chin. I will have lots of questions no doubt and one very important one i need to ask that i will post in the proper place when i find it. Been loving reading all the posts and already learned so much from here.

In heat, or potential health issue?

I just had a brief moment of panic, but I think I managed to research myself out of an overreaction to a normal biological function. Even still, I just wanted to make sure I don't need to rush Margaret to the vet.

I noticed this evening that Margaret's vagina seemed a little more open than usual. Her genital area seems slightly damp and I found a small spot of a milky-coloured fluid on her liner (I blotted it with a paper towel and it's definitely white-ish clear and has no green or yellow...

In heat, or potential health issue?

My girl is 15 years old!

I can not believe how blessed I have been to have my Tilly. She was a rescue. Her mom over cleaned her toes so she is missing one. Her head was tilted and she used to spin in circles which gained her the name of "Tilt a whirl" I adopted her and named her "Tilly" She is still not a happy camper when picked up but will still come and smell my mouth and nose. I have had to put "stair steps" so she can come out of her her cage other wise she falls over
I can not believe this girl!

Animal Therapy Dog

Since I've had a sudden change in career interest due to the high possiblity of me having an autoimmune illness such as Multiple Sclerosis and being unable to pull the long hours of a vet, I've decided to make my own profession from a moosh of careers. I'd like to do animal therapy, rehabilitate animals from abuse situations/fighting/etc, behavioral studies, and public speaking against animal cruely.

Anyway, does anyone have any advice on a dog breed that think would be a good therapy dog...

Animal Therapy Dog

URGENT CHINCHILLA NOT EATING

I recently switched fully from kaytee fortified diet to oxbow essentials food. I did so slowly over a few weeks all seemed fine. However nigel i believe isnt eating he is drinking and will take treats what should I do

Limiting pellets?

The general consensus among chin keepers seems to be that we should not limit their access to their staple foods (hay and pellets). Apparently most chins will not overeat and they should be given the opportunity to eat however much they want/need. But what if your chin is a pellet fiend?

Margaret LOVES her Oxbow pellets. In fact, she loves them so much that she will eat an entire bowl full within an hour or two. I recently measured how much her bowl held, and it will hold about 2 1/2...

Limiting pellets?

New year's chinchilla related resolution?

Can you tell us about it?

Chin has pneumonia

My baby Cinnamon has pneumonia. We caught it extremely early (like she was her little bouncy self yesterday) but the vet put her on .28 mL of baytril by mouth. She had an injection last night and we gave the first dose by mouth this morning. She turned down a rose hip but took part of a raisin.

I've read all the horror stories and am freaking out. I ordered a ton of stuff from Whimsy and have raisins/rose hips/banana flavored critical care. I also made a vet appointment for her at an...

Chin has pneumonia

Scared chin

So I have had Chin 1 (Pepper (F)) for around 3 years, she is a rescue so I have very little information about her - I assume she is between 5 and 8 years old. I bought Chin 2 (Scout (F)) because Pepper seemed a bit lonely. Since then I have tried to bond them with Neutral play zone/cage next to cage methods but Pepper is not receptive. Pepper is very scared of Scout and tries to attack her through the bars of the cage/urine sprays/won’t fall asleep if she can’t see her/alarm calls/guards the...

Scared chin

No pill fleece liners

I just got my first chinchilla this past week. After lots of research I decided to use fleece. Today I was sewing some liners and I relized that because of the cage I have its very difficult to get the "pillowcase" style of liners on and off the trays. Since the trays have 3 snaps to the metal bars on each side and each floor has 2 trays. I am looking for ideas oh how else I could use liners. I will attach a picture of the cage I have.