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[Snickerdoodlesmom]

Last Friday, we found dried blood on the food bowl. I looked at Snickerdoodle carefully but there was no apparent source of blood! Meanwhile, he has been gaining weight, which I am thrilled about- he has always been on the skinny side. What is going on?

[GrayRodent]

I wish I knew. Maybe you should discuss it with your vet or at least make a note of it for the next time you talk to him.

[cadillactaste]

I have no clue...but, is your chin possibly a female? I was thinking a cycle starting...or about to start. But...if it is a male then I am far off. Good luck...

[Snickerdoodlesmom]

I'm 100% sure he's a male

[cadillactaste]

Then definately not the case any more blood spottings?

[cadillactaste]

Have you checked for a hair ring? That just popped into my head after I posted.

[Debbie.nl.ca]

Check the feet too, they like to over groom them sometimes.

[Snickerdoodlesmom]

I haven't checked for hair rings. I believe it is his feet. They look red and raw

[GrayRodent]

Sounds like you found a likely explanation.
Have you noticed this problem before?
What kind of surfaces in the cage does the chinchilla rest on? If all he has to sit on is wood shelves it may need some bedding to rest on. If there is urine on the shelves or built up on the wire floor this can cause irritation.
What kind of bedding are you using? Carefresh bedding can leech out the oils in the skin making it too dry. Pine bedding is your best option for use inside the cage.
Has your chinchilla been on medications recently? What about new or unusual treats or foods? Sometimes allergies can cause this.
I've seen cases like this on the board. Sometimes they are ongoing and sometimes they just go away on their own. Sometimes making adjustments in the cage can help. It is a manageable condition. Unless there is active bleeding or obvious cuts or open wounds you don't have much to worry about. I've seen cases where there was blood spattered throughout the cage from this so don't panic if it gets worse before it improves.

[Snickerdoodlesmom]

I've always noticed dried skin on his feet and I once even tried putting on shea butter--- only to be yelled at by my mom And yes, we use Carefresh Natural. Where can I buy pine?

[GrayRodent]

You can find it at places like Walmart and Target and at pet stores. Use kiln dried pine and not cedar.
Also you might see if you can switch from shea butter to bag balm which others have had success with. That can be ordered from TJ's but you might find it at places that sell feed and tack for horses and cattle.
Hope this helps.

[cadillactaste]

Yes bag balm...they even make a Veterinary version. Also Blu-Kote...it is a spray antiseptic protective coating that comes in a spray can. Note that it stains so spray into say a disposable cup and use a Q-tip to apply. I forget who told me about the blue stuff. We had gotten a different bedding once and had issues. Just dug the can out to make sure I spelled it correctly.