We got a note from one our readers with some questions, but the issues with the baby chinchilla are unfortunately out of our league. If anyone has suggestions for this reader, please comment at the bottom.
We bought two chinchillas 2 weeks ago and were quite surprised when we came down on Saturday morning to find we had got 3 for the price of two! But the baby seems to not be quite right.
He has been going round in circles ever since we first saw him. He looks like he has either got a broken leg (left side), something wrong with his neck or maybe spine. He dose not seem to be able to stand on the left front leg and can not hold his head up straight when he is walking, kind of pushed to the left and on the side. It looks terrible to watch. But he is feeding well and seems to be putting weight on and getting bigger.
Do you have any advice for us? Also please can you tell us if it is OK to let mom have a sand bath? I keep reading conflicting things.
We have split mom and dad up at the moment. Will it be OK to put them back together soon. They have had a daily run around together, but seem pretty upset with one another.
Also should we be worried as it looks as though dad is crushing up his pellets. I thought I read something somewhere about this, but now can't find it again.
Sorry so many questions, please can you help. Thanks
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July 28th, 2008 at 1:03 pm
Hey hey
I'm Adriana, and quite new to this site.
Now, I was reading the baby chinchilla question, and couldn't help but respond.
I've been reading up on LOTS of info on breeding, due to my becoming one in the near future.
Now…..when you guys say the baby, I'm assuming the father was with the mother and the baby at that time.
It is known, that the father attacks the new born. Hearing the baby's condition, this MIGHT be the reason.
I don't now A LOT on baby chinchillas, but I do know my share.
Some chinchillas make great dads, but then others don't. I would keeop watching them. But for now, I would keep the dad in a separate cage. When it comes play time….its fine when they are together.
Also…..IF the baby is a male, if I can remember correctly, when he reaches the age of 8 weeks or so, remove him from the mother. The baby, at this age, IS able to get the mother pregnant, and it is not healthy for inbreeding.
Keep monitoring the baby's weight, he is healthy if he keeps gaining weight.
Do NOT give the mother any dust baths till AT LEAST 2 - 2 and a half weeks after the birthing of the chinchilla. A dust bath any earlier, will irritate the mothers nipples, and also get into the baby's eyes.
After the 2 weeks, I would give the mother a dust bath, yes. But, not a lot.
Do, not give the baby any treats when young. I would wait till at least a month old maybe. Due to baby's digestive system, is not yet right for treats.
If the baby's condition does not get better, I would advice you to see a vet.
Just keep an eye on the mother and the baby. Make sure the mother is getting plenty of hay and water for the baby's milk, and that the baby is getting milk.
If you'd like more info on baby's, just google "Breeding chinchillas", and that should help you plenty. I've leaned all I know from that
Good luck
Adriana
June 18th, 2008 at 4:22 pm
We now have 5 chinchillas (started with 2 and I may have another set of babies on the way). Obviously, we didn't get Daddy out of the cage fast enough twice! Or Mama doesn't keep Daddy away when they run together in the room. Daddy seems very sad when he isn't able to be with Mama. Now that there are 2 in one cage (female cage) and 3 in the the male cage everyone seems happier but they do not like it when I make them run separately. I'm not trying to breed chinchillas but they certainly are multiplying in my house
I think we've found some homes for some of the babies but I think Mama & Papa are very fond of each other and I don't want to split them up. Has anyone had any good or bad experiences with getting their chin fixed? And which gender is the preferred or easiest/less stressful?
Thanks for any info.
June 17th, 2008 at 12:19 am
We have a new baby chinchilla. I wash my hands very thoroughly, but he will not stop biting me. Its hard enough to break the skin. I've tried different soaps. He trusts me enough to climb in my hand and on my arm and he will take treats but the biting is a little too much for me. What can I do?
June 9th, 2008 at 5:18 am
Mia,
Your situation is out of our league. We suggest going to a vet.
June 8th, 2008 at 10:32 pm
I have a day old chin whos mother has abaondoned him an we a currently feeding him cottage cheese juice
he appeares very premature especiatally compared to his brother and has a red flesh spot on his head what do i do?
contanct me at miamaya6@aol.com