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31

Cages / Re: What do you use to "nail" boards together?

« on: October 26, 2016, 07:56:02 PM »

You can use screws but be aware of them as they chew the wood down. Exposed screws can cause a lot of damage. Non toxic glue (like elmers glue) is great to use on smaller items

32

Cages / Re: How do I stop one of my chin pulling the fleeces.

« on: October 26, 2016, 07:54:16 PM »

You can't make them stop. Either make it so they can't pull up the fleece or change the bedding type

33

Health / Re: Fur loss and flaky skin

« on: October 14, 2016, 07:42:26 PM »

Looks like normal shedding but it also can be fur slips if the chins are living together. Pull out a tuff of fur and take a pick of it

34

Q & A / Re: Blanket for Chinchillas?

« on: October 12, 2016, 03:47:42 PM »

Chins can handle freezing temps very well with no extra care. With how dense their hair is, it keeps them plenty warm as long as they are not in a drafty area. If their water bottle isnt frozen, then your chin is just fine

35

Q & A / Re: Dominance

« on: September 28, 2016, 09:49:08 AM »

No theres no way to fix it. Once they start fighting it always gets worse. You are better to separate now before they hurt each other

36

Health / Re: Worried about health of chinchilla mother

« on: September 26, 2016, 08:00:25 PM »

Chins are not made to process high amounts of protein. Alfalfa is naturally higher in protein and calcium than other hay types which is why its recommended for pregnant/nursing females.

The pellets (selective and supreme) are good brands in the UK from my knowledge.

The calcium sticks are concerning. Without knowing what they are made of i cant say they are good or bad. Pure calcium in its natural from isnt easy to digest and use. Using a quality diet is the best way to prevent calcium issues. Calf manna is a well balanced pellet that can be added to your normal feed mix to boost calcium without other issues

37

Health / Re: Worried about health of chinchilla mother

« on: September 25, 2016, 04:30:38 PM »

Ok we need a lot more info to help you
1. How old is the female? Older females tend to loose condition faster than younger chins. This is a sure sign that she should not be bred again.
2. How old are the kits and what do they weigh? If the kits are over 6 weeks and 200 grams you need to wean them early.
3. How much weight has the female lost? So weight loss is normal especially with triplets
4. What pellets and type or hay are you feeding? Some pellets are better quality than others. She should have alfalfa hay unlimited to help with calories and calcium/protein
5. Is your female still caged with a male? If not how long ago was he removed? If shes still caged with the male he may be chasing her trying to breed her again, which can lead to weight loss. If he wasnt removed before she gave birth she can be pregnant again while nursing these kits which is very very hard on the female.
6. Is your female pedigreed? Any chin without a pedigree should never be bred. So please be sure her and her kits become pets.

The spasms you are describing sound like calcium fits/seizures. You can add calf manna to a quality diet to get her back on track. No treats and if you are using vitakraft please stop asap. Those are horrible and will cause more trouble for her

38

General Chat / Re: Help with neglected chinchilla

« on: September 10, 2016, 04:01:15 PM »

How long have you had him? Chins can take weeks and even months to fully settle into a new home. Patience and patterns are going to be best. Chins like knowing when you will do certain things. Right when i get home from work i go check on my chins. They know when im running late.

39

General Chat / Re: Good cheap excercise wheel for a polish chinchilla

« on: September 04, 2016, 07:41:46 PM »

The 14 inch silver surfer is fine to use since its an open design (not the normal enclosed circle). The chin can still reach out to full stride so it is running naturally. An enclosed wheel like like the chin spin needs to at minimum of 15 inches

40

Health / Re: Swollen genitalia

« on: September 04, 2016, 07:39:49 PM »

Males can retract and drop their testicles at will so thats all you are seeing

41

General Chat / Re: Water

« on: September 01, 2016, 07:27:10 PM »

chinchillas should not have bowls. They are likely to tip them and get wet which increases the risk for skin infections. Tap water isnt the safest for your chin either. They cant handle the chlorine and other additives as well as we do. They should have filtered or bottled water

42

Q & A / Re: Who's doing it and why?!

« on: August 21, 2016, 07:28:04 PM »

Hay is not a good bedding to use. Its not absorbent which may be why they are choosing to urinate in other places (they dont like to be splashed). You can use pine and aspen wood chips/shavings as bedding. Its much more absorbent and may encourage them to go on the bottom of the cage.

43

Q & A / Re: Who's doing it and why?!

« on: August 21, 2016, 03:18:18 PM »

What bedding are you using? Are you sure they are both males? Urinating on shelves isnt uncommon but the change in behavior is the biggest concern

44

Guestbook / Re: Hello from the Lone Star state - 1st time chinnie owner!

« on: August 18, 2016, 07:59:54 PM »

I wouldnt suggest getting him a female friend. They will breed and it can be quite costly (money wise and emotionally). Your chin will be fine alone. Theres no need to get him a buddy. Do you have a second cage ready? They may not ever get along regardless of the sex.

45

General Chat / Re: ASAP!

« on: August 17, 2016, 08:08:48 PM »

Make it as simple as possible. Pellets, hay and water only. Do not allow them to give treats. Pet sitters have been known to give too many which can lead to bloat or stasis. Your chin will be fine without play time