Chinch is losing her hair :(

[agonzales75]

I have read some information on some of the postings for hairloss and was hoping to get any new or updated advice.  I have had Chinch for about 2 years now.  Nothing has changed in my household.  I started noticing approximately a month or so ago that she had a large area about 2 or so inches in diameter over her hind legs/thigh area that her hair was shorter and not as soft.  I do not see her bare skin and I don't feel any scabs on her.  She is eating normally, drinking well, and as active as ever! The only thing that I have noticed that seems a bit different is that she is chewing on her cage bars a lot. She also chewed her first water bottle, which she never did before.  I had to resort to a glass water bottle. I was hoping that I could get more feedback to set my mind at ease. I really want her to be ok. I am glad I decided to go on this website so that I know that Chinch is not alone.

Thank you 

[cadillactaste]

I'm new to chinchillas...but have heard of fur chewers when stressed. Is there any way to post a picture of this spot...so ones can visualize what your seeing. Not saying it isn't fur chewing...but it's the first thing that came to mind.

Nothings changed...you don't have a new boyfriend/girlfriend in the past month or so do you? Anything at all...rearranged Chinch's cage...moved it to another area in the room...

[Jo Ann]

   Fur chewing is usually due to stress, boredom, or lack of nutrients when it starts in the adult stages of a chinchilla. 

Are you keeping a lava stone, pine chew sticks and hay in his cage at all times?

What brand chinchilla food do you use?
Do you have any other chinchillas?
Has Chinch's cage been moved any where other that the same place, in the same room, and at the same height?
Has their been bug spraying?
New/different bleach, detergent or softener?
Rug cleaning?
New fragrance air freshener?
New perfume/cologne?
New deodorant?
Visitors?
Temperature change?
When did you turn the heat off and the airconditioner on?
How often do you give him a dust bath?
Has your routine changed at all?
Are you keeping the volume relatively low on your t.v. and radio?
Is he drooling?
Are his eyes watering?
Is he eating the normal amounts of food?
Drinking normal amount of water?
Are his poops normal?  dark? large? oval? moist, but not mushy?  firm, but not dry?

   Jo Ann

P.S. Fussing or fighting between family members will stress a chinchilla.

[VenusTheChin]

Have you cut back on playtime recently? I know my guinea pigs will let me know when they don't get their playtime!