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1

Cages / chewing fleece?

« on: August 08, 2014, 09:09:09 PM »

when I first got my chin, the people I bought her from had been using Carefresh bedding in her cage. as a first time chinchilla owner, I was nervous to do anything other than what they'd told me, so I did. I used it for two years, and then she started chewing on it. I was worried, so I looked on here, and was told that as long as she didn't eat she was fine. The minute she started eating it, I stopped using it.
The bottom of her cage is made from a thick, sturdy cardboard. She always nibbled it a little when it was exposed, but she never ate it so I wasn't too concerned. With the new fleece lining, she seems determined to get to it.
I made the liner on Friday evening and she seemed to do okay with it. She was a tad cautious, but ignored it for the most part.
I had to be out of town Monday through Friday, so I had my grandfather take care of her. He's taken care of her several times before so she's comfortable with him. When I came back, I noticed that she had chewed a small hole through the fleece in one spot. She seems to be nibbling it a bit, but I'm discouraging her from that and instead offering her some of her food.
She just chews everything and I'm worried for her health. Is there anything I can do?
Her vet's office doesn't open until Monday, so I figured I'd ask advice here first.

2

Health / hand bathing?

« on: May 09, 2014, 07:16:25 PM »

hey there! I've never used forums before and this is my first time posting anything, so, I do hope I do this right.
My two year old chinchilla, Alice, fell last week and scratched near her eye. I've been in contact with the vet (a chinchilla specialist) every night since then. She's fine now. We went a few days with a swollen eye and a few goobers, but the vet says everything looks good and she'll be fine in no time. (I have been gently cleaning her eye like the vet told me. Alice has been very cooperative and patient with me.)
However, the vet did say not to give her a bath until her eye is back to normal, because the dust can irritate it. The past two days, I've noticed Alice has been scratching her fur and not really biting, but kind of nudging her face into it? I can tell she's in need of a bath, but she can't take one for a few more days.
Is there any way I could kind of rub some dust into her fur, just to relieve her a little? I'd call the vet and ask but they're closed for the weekends except for emergency house calls, and I don't think this counts as an emergency.