Shaggy fur even after dust bath

Hi, I’ve had my second chinchilla for few months now (I’ve been fostering him and only recently adopted). The whole time that I’ve been taking care of him he has had shaggy fur around his rump. His fur is quite dense, not as soft as my other guy. Even after a dust bath. He just has some longer pieces of fur that aren’t loose. I just want to make sure he’s healthy. Is this normal? Here are a few pictures.
Thanks! Any feedback is helpful. Attachment 22874Attachment 22875


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Chin show cages?

Hello,

I'm planning on attending my first show this year, and just wanted to know if the cages they are shown in are supplied, or if I need to purchase some before hand? Also, do the ear tags need to have the year letter along with the number on the front of the tag or is just the number OK for ECBC shows?

is my chinchilla sick?

hi this is my first time owning a chinchilla i have had him for a few months now he is a male age is unknown though because he's a rescue today i woke up and i found his food bowl empty so i poured some food the thing is ever since i poured food i think it was 10 am i haven't seen him eat any of it i can't be 100% sure because i poured a little bit too much my main concern is he's been playing outside his cage for about 30 minutes now but there are no signs of poop usually he poops ALOT i checked his teeth earlier they seem fine his eyes are not teary and i did see him drink water today the thing is my chinchilla have always been quite so i can't tell if this is his normal quite or "there's something wrong with me quite" i'm currently writing this post while he's walking around my room he only seems quite when he's inside the cage i can't afford taking him to the vet right now is there anything i can do also is he sick or am i just being paranoid:cry3:

Avoiding rabbit cross-contamination

We had some devastating tornadoes roll through here about a month ago, and afterwards I found a bunny in my yard. I caught her and brought her inside to safety and registered her with all of the lost and found pet lists. As the humane society was overwhelmed after the storms and I have hay and toys to spare, I offered to foster her in my thankfully unaffected home.

I also have one very spoiled boy chinchilla. Thankfully, instinct kicked in and I remembered that chins and bunnies should not be kept together for some reason (now I remember - pasturella). The bunny is housed in a separate room, and I shower and change clothes between animals. Is that enough to prevent the spread of disease?

For the first two weeks, the bunny was very skittish and barely moved from the box in her pen. Now that she is more comfortable in my home, I would like to give her some out-of-pen exercise. I have a huge chin-proofed area for my boy. I would love for the bunny to be able to use this area, but I am concerned about the transmission of disease (also is there any way to have her tested to see if she carries it?). Does pasturella survive outside the body? If so, would steam mopping between animals kill it? Or would I be better off bunny-proofing a smaller area for her? The absolute last thing I want to do is expose my boy to a potentially deadly disease.

Do chinchillas need fleece?

Hi, so my chinchilla's cage currently has pine shavings on the base floor of the cage and then the shelves and ledges are either wood or fleece. I am purchasing a critter nation cage and I am planning on buying the bass equipment metal pans. But I'm not sure whether I should get the pans for the two shelves in the cage as well. If I don't get the shelf pans then I would just cover them with fleece as I know they are plastic and I don't want my chinchilla chewing them. I guess I am wondering if it matters whether my chinchilla has fleece or not in her cage. She will have plenty of wood ledges and some lava ledges as well to go along. I just wasn't sure if chinchillas prefer to not sit in bedding all day. thanks

Bedding for litter pan

Hey all! quick question. Currently for my chinchillas litter pan I use aspen. I was looking to going to something more absorbent like kaytee clean and cozy as I have used it for gerbils in the past and loved it. His bedding for the rest of his cage is fleece. Anyway once in a while we will pick up a little piece of the aspen and nibble on it. would it be safe if he were to ingest a little kaytee? also would you guys say the lavender scented bedding would be safe for this too? Thanks!

Teaching Your Chin "No"?

My 1 1/2 yr old chin named Gandalf is a playful little dude - and maybe even a bit too playful. When I open his cage to refill his food bowl, give him chin rubs, etc., he tries to jump on my shoulder. I normally would be fine with this, as I let him jump on my shoulder (and head, arms & everything else) during our play sessions in a safe environment while I'm sitting on the floor. But when he attempts to do it when I open his cage door and standing, I am worried he'll slip, fall, and seriously injure himself. He also may dart off and escape into areas not safe for him, but I'm less worried about this than him falling.

Each time he attempts this, I'll do the following:

1. Say "No" firmly but loudly.
2. Blow on him, as I read this is a a safe way of disciplining your chin. #2 I do after #1 fails to make an impact.
3. Both of the above numerous times

He does seem at least temporarily dissuaded, especially with the blowing (which doesn't seem harmful to him outside of giving him a whiff of my stinky breath:laughitup:). But the next time I open his door, he'll try again, so it doesn't seem as if any lessons are being learned.

Any other training ideas? Maybe giving him a small treat if he lurches a bit like he wants to jump on my shoulder, I tell him "No" and he backs off? Does this type of reinforcement even work?

Barley grass hay

Hi, can chinchillas eat barley grass and pre bud clover grass? Thank you

Bes TV wheel for a partially disabled hedgehug

My hedgehogs back lega dont work we figured this out when we got him from someone I am afraid to get him a normal wheel or. Bucket wheel as I think thos will make his legs bleed I recently heard about a bucket wheel would this work for him?

Mouse Infestation- protecting pet chinchilla

Hello all,

As of last night it has come to my attention that there is a mouse problem in my new apartment. I have 5 year old chinchilla and I am wondering if anyone has experience with ridding themselves of mice that does not involve anything that could possibly hurt my little sweetheart of a chinchilla?

I don’t believe the previous tenants were as clean as I am. There is no food out or anything to attract mice beside my chinchillas food bowl.

I would love help finding the most human method to clear out the mice!

Thank you!

My hedgehog won’t eat anything but his cat food

Hi! So Rigby won’t eat anything but his cat food and I worry for him, I feel like he needs another nutrients. So far I’ve given him snails (zoo med’s can o’ snails), which he sniffed for a while, bit the lid and spazzed his head a bit, and then lost interest. I’ve also tried giving him freeze dried meal worms, which he wasn’t even slightly interested in, and today I tried blackberries, which he ate a tiny bite of and then lost interest. I guess he’s just picky but I want him to be healthy. The cat food he eats is blue wilderness, high protein, grain free (I’ll attach a picture). Is this something I should be concerned about?


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Hi!

Hi I’m new here! My name is Delaney, I got my hedgehog, Rigby, about 5 weeks ago so I’m relatively new to all of this. I’ve wanted a hedgehog for years now and my parents finally agreed and surprised me with one. :) I love him very much and I’m happy I found this forum


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I think my chinchilla bit off her finger

My chinchilla, Boomer, is an overweight (I'm working on it so don't judge me) chinchilla about 2 years old. I was cleaning her cage today and I took her out and I noticed on her front left paw(?) that a digit was missing, my only conclusion is she bit it off. It looks a little swollen and is not bleeding. I see no bone exposed and I couldn't find the digit so maybe she swallowed it or I just missed it. I didn't even know chinchillas could do that. What should I do? Are there things I can go without seeing a vet if possible? Someone please help, I'm very worried about her. She is acting like she always does so it doesn't seem to affect her but I'm still concerned it could get or is infected. Anything helps.

Hello, Showing, Manitoba

Hello! I'm a new chinchilla parent. Mine was a rehoming situation so not planned but I love him anyway. I was on a waiting list for a kit from a breeder. I recently learnt that chinchilla shows was an actual thing and was wondering if anybody could help me out with information in regards to showing chinchillas from manitoba. Even better if there is someone in Winnipeg or surrounding area willing to mentor me in how to show them. Any input is greatly appreciated!

Hello! I'm selling my herd

Hello everyone! My name is Angel from Gold Heart Chinchillas and I live in Alpharetta, Georgia. I'm selling my herd if anyone is interested. There's over $2,000 worth of just chinchillas alone but I'm selling everything, chins, cage, food, etc, for only $2000.00. For the safety and health of the chins, you'll have to come and pick them up if you want them. If you're interested, email me at: goldheartchinchillas@gmail.com

Website: http://www.goldheartchinchillas.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoldHeartChinchillas/

Is it a fur ring?

Hey everyone, I had a question regarding my chinchilla and if it sounds like he has a fur ring. A little background on him... I got him from a store and within a week he stopped eating or playing or pooping. I brought him back and a couple weeks later he is happy eating active and pooping! knock on wood. Anyway I've had him for a week again now and I noticed just now that the tip of his penis is sticking out, a very little amount. He doesn't seem affected or bothered in any way and doesn't really "play" with that area at all. He's young so I don't think he's sexually active. Normally I would just pick him up and examine him but he is still not comfortable with even letting us try and hold him. So I'm just wondering, does it sound like he has a fur ring? or is this something normal ish? Thanks in advance!

Baby Hedgehog?

Hi everyone!

I am going to be getting a baby hedgehog in about six weeks. I am wondering if you have any tips? How old do they start quilling at? Do they need kitten food instead of cat food? Any suggestions?
Thanks!

One ear up hay

My chin doesn't seem to be liking the Oxbow hay I've been buying, so I am thinking of switching it up and trying some other brands. Back when I had rabbits, I used to give the hay from One ear up. I want to buy the four-pound mix and match box so I can try some different kinds. Are all of these safe, and if so, do you guys have any recommendations?

http://www.oneearuphay.com/hay-menu

New owner - first steps?

We got 2 chins in an unknown age and owner (long story but they were abandoned by the previous owner). They are in a large cage with plastic shelves, hay, water, proper food, bedding all over and looks overall fine (we had them for two days now)
Here are the questions:
1. Bedding - do we need it all over all the shelves or just put it in one place for them to potty would be the right step
2. Should we use hay only in the hay ball or also on the floor?
3. We are not sure if they will let us touch or hold them, what would be first good steps not to scare them away?
4. We will be traveling for a few weeks and will have someone come to clean and feed them, how often should it be done?
5. Do we need to take them to the vet for a general check-up?

Firs contact with Pepper.

Well as I promised I finally got my new little fella Called Pepper and I'm absolutely in love with him! Yesterday was our very first day ever together and this little guy climbed over me, took food several times from my hand and kept curious climbing on my knees, arms and even shoulders!!

I think this is the beginning of a beauty full friendship 🙈

Orange Peel

Hi all,

How concerned should I be about a chinchilla finding and eating a penny sized orange peel? It was a cutie orange so the skin was not thick but concerned with the acidity. No actual orange was eating.

Just wanting to make sure. Taking her to the vet for check ups stresses her out immensely so I want to make sure it’s worth taking her. Will start tracking poops and demeanor.

Thank you in advance!

Can a centipede kill my chinchilla?

Hi, I found a centipede in my bathroom and currently it’s under a glass... I don’t know what to do with it. It’s not too big but frankly it creeps me out quite a bit. It’s not one of the ones with the long legs, it’s the one that you would see in a movie or the ones that “kill mice”. I have a chinchilla close to the bathroom and I’m scared there might be more of the centipedes so I just wanted to know if they are dangerous for chinchillas and if i should look into it or just nothing to worry about. :)

Toys and Cage Accessories

Hello there!

As a new Chin-dad I'm interested. Where do you buy your toys and cage gear such as ledges or watter bottles? I live in Spain so U.S. online stores are WAAY to expensive for me, anything aroun europe?

New Chin-Dad here

Hello! Im Tatxen and im about to adopt a little boy that i called Pepper! We haven´t officialy met yet (obviously i have followed his growth along with his parents owner and i helped with everything needed) still Pepper have never sniffity snif me and I'm a little bit scared. I tryed to search for tips of introducing yourself to a chinchilla and the only clear thing I have clear is that i have to give him plenty of treats :hilarious: .

Do you have any other advice?

When can I set play time out of the cage for him? Can I do it the very next day or should I wait a couple days? :hmm:

Hello chin parents!

Just wanted to say hi to everyone and share a bit of background on my new little fella!

I'm a 21 year old soon to be Physiotherapist, who also works with a vet. Proud mama of two cats.

3 days ago I unexpectedly bought a chinchilla from a petshop after I realised he was being mistreated. He was left out in a small cage on a stand in the sun together with some other animals. I live in Malta, Europe, and right now it's already hot if you stay directly under the sun. When I saw them out there in the sun I went to the sales-person and advised him to place them inside or at least in the shade. After multiple tries he said he didn't care anyway!! As I was on my way out to go call animal walfare, one of the chincillas, who looked extremely dehydrated and weak got closer to the edge of the cage and I couldn't but pity the poor thing. I immediately knew what I had to do. Took him home and now he is very happy and healthy (apart from some dry skin). He's very playful and curious and already shows a LOT of love! His name is Andy :)

I'm still learning about chincillas so any feedback would be appreciated!

Hope everyone has a lovely weekend c: xx


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Dry skin

Hi, I just became a new chin owner! My little fella wasn't treated properly and I've noticed dry flaky skin over his ear and back of neck. I've been applying a tiny bit of baby oil to moisturise. His ear is getting better but his back of neck isn't (probably cos of all the fur). I've changed his bedding to newspaper rather than wood shaving to lessen dust irritation. Any ideas how to help his skin dryness get better please?

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large bite wound

Can chinchillas get a dust bath with a large wound?

I want to take her to the vet, but there's no money and after calling 21 vets yesterday, no one would work with me. her estranged cagemate bit her pretty good. the wound is like her chest skin peeled off and is resting over her paw. it's clotted so I'm hoping Blu kote might be enough. I've tried applying for loans and credit cards and extending my current one and everything was denied. I've been trying to fix my credit after an abuse ex destroyed it, but apparently that takes time.

any help at all can be appreciated.

Chinchilla Acting Strange Around Me Suddenly?

I've had Dexter for around 7 months now and up until recently we have been bonding very well. He would sit on my arm, climb my shoulders, groom me etc. But recently he has been acting extremely weird around me and I don't know what the cause could be.

He now doesn't seem to enjoy me giving me strokes or scratches, he tolerates it for a couple minutes and then he'll run to his nest box which is the hide where he knows I will not touch him or bother him at all. If he sees me looking over at him or I come up to the cage to greet him, he'll hide until I move away but he loves staring at me when I'm at a distance.

Nothing has changed recently in his life, he still gets a playtime whenever he wants one (I don't let him out everyday, some days he is more nervous about playtime or just doesn't want it so I let him out based on how he is acting every day).

I checked him over for any signs of respiratory infection, broken bones or if he was in any pain and I checked for any bits of hair that may have been matted because he likes to sit right under his water bottle (even though I move it all the time, he just seems to enjoy being near it) but he seems in completely good health. He isn't lethargic in any way and he is still eating like normal.

Could it be down to the weather getting slightly hotter here in the UK as its coming into summer or could it be something else? For anyone wondering, Dexter is around 4/5 years old, I don't know an exact age because he is adopted.

Chinchilla won't let me take her to play

Hi all,
I'm at a loss. My chinchilla plays in my room every night and loves it. She has so much fun exploring and she lets me pick her up and she sits on my shoulder. She doesn't really like to be held though.

The problem is that her cage is in another room, and she refuses to let me pick her up. She chases me around and pushes my hand away and sometimes nibbles. She's a different chin inside her cage and out.

She is 4 now, i got her from someone else when she was 3. She spent all her life in her cage before me.
But i had her in her own room for a year, and she played on her own terms, but always ran back to her cage often. never letting me pick her up.

She loves neck scratches.

How do I get her to let me pick her up in her cage like when do during playtime?? i hate chasing her to take her to play! Will it ever be possible??

Kind regards
stressed chin mom