would these items be safe

found these PetSmart brand full cheeks ( used to be tiny tales) toys for small animals as well as all living things brand they are really cute and well priced however while they look safe to me I would like some other opinions. I have bought some full cheeks toys before along with a bed (which I will share a picture of below) but they were just sticks and a willow ball.

here are the links to the items on Petsmart...

would these items be safe

The Chinstrument Project

As (probably) none of you know, I am learning the guitar. As more of you know, I have a chinchilla named Pedro. And he gave me a genius idea.

I was practicing some chords, when Pedro went insane. He started jumping around, with (as far as I know) no intention or goal. As I'm typing this, he is sitting on a ledge centered on the front of his cage, close to the top. His observation deck, if you will. I'll play a G and type below what happens.

He flinches once. I play it again, he jumps down...

The Chinstrument Project

Project Pedro

As (probably) none of you know, I am learning the guitar. As more of you know, I have a chinchilla named Pedro. And he gave me a genius idea.

I was practicing some chords, when Pedro went insane. He started jumping around, with (as far as I know) no intention or goal. As I'm typing this, he is sitting on a ledge centered on the front of his cage, close to the top. His observation deck, if you will. I'll play a G and type below what happens.

He flinches once. I play it again, he jumps down...

Project Pedro

.

.

How to bond with a rescued Chinchilla

I have recently gotten 3 new chinchillas (I now have 4) which I have had for about a month. the male Nimbus loves attention and being petted but not being picked up he also gets spooked very easily. the 2 girls (Cloud and Beatrice) won't let me touch them at all they slap my hand away and run. Cloud however is very curious and will come up to me and put her front paws up on my hand and check things out. The girls don't enjoy out of their cage playtime as they are too afraid they instead get...

How to bond with a rescued Chinchilla

Chinchilla anime

I heard from somewhere on this forum that there was an anime featuring chinchillas and made a mental note to check it out but can't locate the post. does anybody know of this show I really want to show my Chins. they love T.V

New Chin Owner and Playtime

Hi everyone. I recently got my Chinchilla last week...I read about how they need an hour or so of playtime a day but somehow missed the memo about bonding w them in cage first. He’s sweet so far will come out, sniff, allow for a little petting before going back under my dresser! But it’s a serious process trying to get him back into his cage. I actually found this page when googling “why can’t I get my chinchilla back in his cage?” Now that I know he’s not ready to be let out and I...

New Chin Owner and Playtime

He's kinda snappy?

So ive had Viktor and Jayce for a couple of months now and Jayce i can pet and pick up at this point, which is pretty great progress! He doesn't particularly enjoy it but he tolerates it enough.

Viktor however really doesnt like being touched and will just run off accordingly. I dont try to push him so i just hold my hand out to him to let him sniff me and sometimes he puts his paw on my hand too but nowhere near as comfortable as Jayce is.
And that's all fine while hes in the cage and i am...

He's kinda snappy?

looking for Chinchilla angora

Hello
My name is Sophie, i am in France. My last Chinchilla, Pepsi, died 2 weeks ago (11 years old), i Will have soon à White violet male and a black pearl male. Can someone help me To find (name, breeders contact ?) for Chinchilla Angora in Europe (i saw same but Only in the USA), my mail is goceanne @ aol. com. Thanks, sophie

Chinchilla noises randomly

I’m not exactly sure why, but sometimes at random moments my chinchilla makes sounds whenever no one’s present or in a different room. Is it because she’s bored or something? She does have another friend to hang out so I’m not sure why she does that. I know it’s not threatening and she perfectly fine when I check up on her. I really appreciate it if anyone could help me out on what it could mean.

Name

I made a list of names in hope that it can help someone. Feel free to add some of your own!

Gadget
Digit
Charcoal
Ivory
Agarni (said as ah gar knee)
Razilee (r ah z i lee)
Jack
Bubbles
Blossom
William
Oakley
Lollipop/Lolly
Acorn
Chauncey
Honeycomb/Honey
Merry
Koda
Berry
Cherry
Robin
Charm
Fitzgerald
Ella
Pixie
Fae/Fay
Terra
Terrance
Latte
Coffee
Mocha
Mint/Minty
Monty
Pepper/Peppermint
Flower
Tulip
Rose/Rosebud
Buddy
Lily
Earl grey/Earl
Thumper
Chilly/Chili/Chillie
Peter
Captain...

Name

Water bowl vs water bottle

I researched that some people use a water bowl rather than a water bottle since it's "more natural" but I also researched that most people prefer a water bottle. I know chinchilla's can't get wet but why is that? Will they (much like rabbits (I know rabbits are lagomorphs and a chinchilla is a rodent just wondering if it's the same kind of situation)) be stressed out from getting wet and possibly go in to shock and/or get hypothermic and die? Which is correct to use, a bowl or bottle? Will...

Water bowl vs water bottle

Single female mosaic chin

Hi all,

I really hate to be making this post right now, but I need to rehome my 14 year old female mosaic chinchilla. She's been living at my parents house for a while due to my husband's allergies. I recently started a new job and I haven't been able to get to their house to care for her and give her attention nearly as much as I would like to. I hate that she is just sitting in her cage by herself all the time and I decided it's just not fair to her. She is super sweet and loves her chin...

Single female mosaic chin

Hello all

Hello! I've been coming to this forum a lot lately but I don't own a chinchilla nor a hedgehogso I don't know why I registered. I do want a chinchilla in the distant future and my older sister wants a hedgehog in the future but for now I'm content on doing research on chinchilla's and hedgehogs. I have a Lhasa apso named Demon who's 14 years old (he's going to be 15 in November, the 23rd I believe) and two rabbits (Blossom and Thumper) who just turned 4 years old (I don't know their exact...

Hello all

curious my chin was gave up and i got him from

a rescue he had to he rehome twices amm his 3rd buddy and he seem happy but won't let me pick him up can bearly pet his head and it been almost a year now and i just curious if a chin will rebond with a new owner

Resources on how/why ciprofloxacin is used in chinchillas?

Hello, everybody!

I'm currently doing an assignment where I'm given a drug, disease, and species of an animal and I have to create a discharge appointment PowerPoint for them. I chose chinchillas, since I personally have two (Bugs and Casper); but MAYBE it was a poor decision, because I'm struggling a bit to find sources on how ciprofloxacin works in chinchillas, the side effects, etc. Or any small rodent, really. Does anybody know of resources I could use to read up on chinchillas (or...

Resources on how/why ciprofloxacin is used in chinchillas?

Chinchilla Poo Cleaning

Since chinchilla poo is so dry, do I need to use wipes/spray to clean up after it? Or should i just use a napkin to pick it up and be done with it? Because i found a couple poos on my bed and I don't know if i should wash all my sheets

Ferret Nation Cage 182 One Stop Shop?

Anyone know of a one-stop shop type of place to order removable fleece liner/cage set for the Ferret Nation 182 Cage? I'd love to order a set of fleece liners and wooden ledges designed specifically for this cage. Anyone have a good resource or recommendations on easy to remove/wash liners for this cage specifically?

Chin vet?

Anyone know of/recommend a decent vet who does chins, south east England near London? The vet that I have previously used has moved to a different branch and there has been no replacement.
Thanks x

Wiping Mouth

My chinchilla has been wiping her mouth a lot recently. Whenever she eats, after every bite, she wipes her mouth. She will still eat fine, doesn't act like she's in pain, but it is unusual. She's become a bit of a messy eater. I have had her for about a year and 10 months, she is a bit old, (11 years), and her sister (I believe, she was a rescue) died due to some teeth issues. She did not have the same problem, but I am a bit concerned. Any advice, is this normal?

Chinchilla-Houdini edition

Would like to see some of your chinchillas best escapes/hiding spots. Share the backstories please.
A bit to start it.
I have taken my chinchilla outside to chill on a hammock, catch some sunlight. It didn't seem to be interested in the views though.
1. When we sat down.
2. Where did it go?

How happy are your Chinchillas?

Post those cute and adorable moments and stories of your chinchillas...

Chin-gang

Hello there,
My husband introduced me to chinchillas when we first met 5 years ago and now i would like to introduce to you my 6- membered chinchilla gang. Its 3 males and 3 females (gotta be balanced), 3 standard greys and 3 blacks.
The names are:
Females- Tosia, Mika, Kida.
Males- Midas, Skwarek (Cracklin), Bruce.
If you wanna see them go ahead and check out my profile.
See u

Hides cube?

I’m making cage liner sets, and wanted to have a hidey cube, but I’m cautious because I don’t see one without exposed seams. I know these guys chew on absolutely everything, so I’m hesitant to add that to the set. Thoughts?

Pyometra

Hi everyone

It’s been a long an emotional week!! My chin has been diagnosed with open Pyometra! She’s almost 10 years old and I’m very worried about her getting spayed. She currently is not a good candidate for surgery because she lost weight due to not feeling well.
I have been instructed to give antibiotics (enrofloxacin) pain meds (gabapentin) has drops (infant gas drops/Simethicone) fluids and assist feed for 2 weeks so she can gain weight.
Has anyone had experience with a Pyometra...

Pyometra

ISO downloadable liner patterns for Ferret Nation 182

Hello, I was wondering if anyone knows of any free sources of patterns I could download online specifically for the MidWest Deluxe Ferret Nation Double Unit Cage (Model 182).

To be clear, I'm not looking for a how-to YouTube tutorial or similar, just the patterns with exact dimensions - as if I was buying a pattern to make a dress from Jo-Ann fabrics, lol. So perhaps a PDF I could download?

Would like to be able to include for all bottom& ledge trays, and ramps of both levels.

A close...

ISO downloadable liner patterns for Ferret Nation 182

Water types

Is water from a natural spring okay for a chin? We have a flowing spring that we get water from as our city water is filled with chemicals. Would the spring water be okay to give to my chin?

80% hay, moi?

That's what my chin says and I wonder: Am I the only one to have a hay hater? And it is not the quality of the hay, I must say, because I have tried everything, including a box that woudl have paid for a romantic weekend in the Orient Express. It is not how it is served, either: tried racks, hand made bags, dishes (included a little Sèvres number, just in case he had délires de grandeur) and his response has always been the same Hay? Yuck!!! Only way he gets close to it, is to tie it...

80% hay, moi?

what style of feeders do you use in your runs?

I have been trying to get proper metal feeders for my breeding run cages and just like metal dusters they seem impossible to find anymore! I also can't seem to find decent pictures of the different styles people use? I see Shoots has one pictured called a Valentine feeder that looks similar to a flush rabbit feeder but doesn't list the size or anything and they haven't responded to my emails about them, I was wondering if anyone could post pictures of what styles they use and sizes of them...

what style of feeders do you use in your runs?

Potential new owner questions

Hi everyone, I have been looking into adopting a hedgehog so before I do I've been doing a lot of research. I've learned a lot about their particular needs, but I had a few specific questions.

1) I hate to be dumb, but to keep the temp consistent, what do you do with your hedgie when you clean the cage? I mean if you rely on heat lamps for a cage that's at the right temp? Do you use another cage and just temporarily move the lamp or something more like a box with a heating pad in it...

Potential new owner questions

Has anyone ever received timothy hay this thin?

I just received this timothy hay from American Pet Diner. It is very thin and doesn't smell like timothy but they told me it was timothy hay. It is very thin, in the photos it looks a bit thicker. Has anyone purchased hay like this before.

Fleece cage liners

How often do y’all change your fleece liners?
I just got fleece pillowcases from Etsy (that I’ve seen shut) for Linus and I’m confused on how often I should be completely cleaning his cage/changing out everything with them as bedding?
I spot clean daily

baby chins wont eat alfalfa

Ok so fairly new baby owner but i know they are supposed to have unlimited alfalfa for calcium etc and timothy hay but when i fill their 'bowl' they chuck the alfalfa out to get to the timothy hay. The bottom of their cage is always full of alfalfa where they throw it out to get to the timothy hay, i have tried mixing it together, hiding the timothy hay under the alfalfa or just giving alfalfa in the morning and timothy in the evening but they just will not eat it. I am worried they are not...

baby chins wont eat alfalfa

Sleep well Susu

I lost my Susu unexpectedly last Monday. She was just about 13 but was looking so healthy I was just planning a big cage remodel to get ready for her older years.

My first sign something was wrong was very decreased appetite on Saturday, so I started her on baby gas drops and critical care that same night, planning to take her to the vet first thing on Monday. She ate the critical care with gusto so I was encouraged.

Sunday she started looking less and less well and by Sunday night she...

Sleep well Susu

First playtime!

I chin-proofed my room and let my boys roam a little bit, Viktor seems very keen on it (especially since he already escaped out of the cage twice xD) and is in and out, exploring, he seems to enjoy it!

However - Jayce is kind of just.. a sitting duck. A loaf in his usual spot. He moves less than Viktor in general and I wonder if its just a difference in personality or if he's simply not comfortable enough in his new home yet.

Is this good hay for chinchilla?

Hi, I have a five month chinchilla. In our local pet store there is a mountain grass hay they sell for chinchillas (photo attached).

Is hay supposed to look like this?(Dry, yellow)

I am looking through the hays people recommend and it seems to me they’re green so I am unsure if this is a good hay for my chincilla or should I find a fresh, green one?

Thanks!

New chin mommy here

Hi! I'm owned by a sassy feisty and cuddly chin named moshi she is about 3 months old and we found this forum right when I got her. I wanna be as informed as possible to make sure I do everything right. Only the best for my spoiled little girl haha

Heathy chin passed

What can cause a chin to go from being healthy and happy to lethargic to death in a matter of 8 hours?
I had a male 5 month old chin who was happy and healthy yesterday he was a little more grumpy and sleepy than usual but I did not think much of it. And in the wee early hours of this morning he passed away in my hands.

My new chin has mess on her bottom

I noticed that my new chin, Chinzia, still is not using her litter pan. She must have sat in her urine because now her bottom is full of matted hairs. What do I do?

Boy??? Girl??? help needed asap

Ok so i just got my 2 baby chins
and i was hoping to introduce them to my adult rescue girl over time. I was supposed to have gotten 2 girls but i am pretty sure i got one of each. I dont want the bro/sis combo to breed nor do i want my old girl to get pregnant so looking to verify that i have bought me a boy and a girl. if so i will have to have the boy neutered. Any help greatly appreciated. here are the pics (sorry about the poop in the one
[ATTACH...

Boy??? Girl??? help needed asap

URGENT horrible diarrhea!!

I have had my chinchilla two weeks now and I got him from a previous owner who took care of him well (as far as I can tell…oxbow pellets, hay, correct cage furniture, etc). A couple days of having him I noticed he wasn’t eating well and his poops were soft. I thought it could have been stress but I took him to the vet to be sure.

Btw— ever since I’ve had him he has only eaten hay and pellets. No treats.

They said he looks healthy and did a fecal analysis and tested for parasites — test...

URGENT horrible diarrhea!!

Viktor.. sleeps a little strange..

So I've had Viktor and Jayce for about two weeks now and I can't help but notice that Viktor.. is a little odd? when it comes to sitting on his favorite platform and sleeping up there?


He's had me worried at points because I've heard that sometimes Chinchillas sit like this because theyre in pain but he really only does it when napping and hes perfectly active, eating and pooping the rest of the time.
He seems to be a little more on the skinny side and...

Viktor.. sleeps a little strange..

Cleaning Help? :)

Hey there! I have two chinchillas, Talulah and Mochi, and I love them so so much But they are MESSSYYYYY. I'm very busy and struggle with mental health, and sometimes that makes it hard for me to keep up with cleaning for them very often. My biggest struggle is the poop going all over my room. And the fur/dust that just kind of sticks to EVERYTHING. Plus the hay is always going everywhere, and that's not good for the vacuum. I would just love any tips on those, or anything else that has...

Cleaning Help?

Gizzie is gone.

I don't usually post when I loose one but Gizzie was special. He was my first and I've had him since he was a baby. His teeth problems started before he was even a year old. We fought that for 9 long years and he was such a good sport about it. Today the fight is over and I will miss him greatly. I will miss our feeding times and the long snuggles afterwards. Goodbye my sweet boy.

Moving- what car ride with chins

Hi all, so we are making a huge move from california to idaho in a few months. Itll either be a 3 day trip with one night in a hotel or a 2 day trip straight shooting it. The current carrier my chins have is really small and i dont want them to be in that carrier for 2-3 days. Fitting 2 of them and a food bowl with chews would be very tight. I was planning on putting them in one level of their cage during stops to let them stretch out, but im concerned if i just leave them in the car someone...

Moving- what car ride with chins

Do Chinchillas get bored of toys easily?

My Chinchy gets excited when she gets a new toy or chew but after a few days they are "dead to her". We have a corner of the basement I call the land of dead toys. She wants nothing to do with them.

Hanging toys? She'll chew them for a while then they're dead to her, or she'll eat her favorite parts then? Nope dead to her
Pumice cubes? Best things since sliced bread first 2 days...now? dead to her
Pine cones? Loved them...now? Dead to her
Lava Ledge? Coolest thing ever. Now? Dead to her

I...

Do Chinchillas get bored of toys easily?

Scooting close to my hand?

So i haven't had my chins for very long (only for 1,5 weeks now) - I got them from the shelter and they are somewhat used to humans but of course still a little skittish. So I am spending time with them every day to get them used to me, talking to them and handing them little snacks and letting them sniff me. The smaller one, Viktor, has been a lot more trusting compared to when I first got him (and its also made him brave enough to hop out of the cage twice already lol absolute escape...

Scooting close to my hand?

Meet Viktor and Jayce!

Heyo!
My name is Kyle and I am a completely new chinchilla owner
I adopted these two handsome boys a week ago from our local shelter, theyre 6 and 7 years old! Because I couldnt keep their original names apart (Danzer and Daimon) I ended up renaming them to Viktor and Jayce.

This is the first time that I am owning chinchillas but I am pretty excited about it. Jayce sadly is quite a bit overweight (picked him up at 820g) but with the larger enclosure he has now and a strict hay and herb...

Meet Viktor and Jayce!

Heart Murmur Advice

My chinchilla (18 years) has a heart murmur that went from a stage 2 to a stage 4. When I counted his breaths, it appears as though he has 108 breaths/min. (I'm not sure if that's good or concerning).

I would be grateful to hear any suggestions and advice about how to treat a heart murmur. I'm open to both medications and supplements.

Thank you!

Oxbow hay alternative?

Hey! So my chin loves Oxbow Timothy Hay, but recently the packaging of the hay has changed. By the packaging, I man the way the hay is compressed into the bag. The hay is now just a bunch of short pieces and pretty dusty, so I'm not sure what to do...Does anyone know a Timothy hay brand that sells hay that is packages with long pieces? Like--when you pick up a bunch it stays together in long pieces really well (and doesn't fall into a million pieces)?
Also, I've been wanting to start growing...

Oxbow hay alternative?

Im new to this site and need help chinchillas world

So can anyone please help me. I got a pair of " female " chinchillas about 3-4 months ago, the lady had 2 lil girls qnd said the girls never payed attention to them ,she said 1 was 6 yrs old the other 7 yrs old. I brought them home it's just me and my 3 dogs which the chinchillas love my dogs , so it's not noisy or hectic but I swear they are NOT social I spoil them ,buy toys treats ,talk to tjem bath them but they won't let me hold them or put them in their play room to have exercise and...

Im new to this site and need help chinchillas world

Tail Wound

I let my chinnies out to play today around the office, but one of them, Gus Gus, knocked over a cement tile and I think it fell on his tail unfortunately. There's blood/bleeding on either side of the tail. This is closer to the tip, probably about 3 inches from the tip.
I tried to lessen the bleeding with a napkin, and then dabbed it with a chlorhexidine/water solution to disinfect, and then tried to apply some neosporin type antibiotic to the wound.

Is there any way I can check to make...

Tail Wound

Gabapentin dose for chins?

Does anyone know the standard dosing of gabapentin for chinchillas for pain? My vet prescribed my 570 g chin 0.35 mL 2-3 times per day.. but this seems high. I'm not trying to sedate him!

Human food for chinchillas??

Hi I am a very new chinchilla owner and I am very confused. I found all kinds of information on line that seems to be wrong. Here everyone says don't give your chinchillas any human food? On line I found stuff like this:
Fresh Vegetables and Fruits
In moderation, fresh vegetables and fruits can be healthful and occasional chinchilla treats -- though no more than 10 percent of his diet. Consider giving treats between two and four times weekly, for example. Some...

Human food for chinchillas??

Chin coming home Saturday!

About to be a chin mom on Saturday when I go to pickup Kit. Hoping to learn so much from everybody here, want to spoil this guy and give him everything he needs. 3yrs old and I will be third (FINAL!) owner. Original one was going to let him loose and 2nd didn’t plan for taking him along on a move.

Tips on adjusting chin to new cage?

Hello!

So I am getting my chinchilla, Zero, a wider cage so that he has more room to climb and run, and I just want some outside ideas on how to make him more comfortable in the new cage.
I have new platform covers, so that he doesn't hurt his feet when he jumps up and down from ledges, but they are brand new and letting them sit ontop of his cage so they sort of smell like his area, I don't plan on putting them in immediately so that he doesn't get overwhelmed.

I am planning on moving all...

Tips on adjusting chin to new cage?

Playtime

What time of day can your chinchilla(s) best interact with you?

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
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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.