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1

Cages / Re: chewing fleece?

« on: August 09, 2014, 08:19:13 AM »

I wouldn't be too worried unless symptoms devlop. I think I wouldn't want to use fleece with that chinchilla though as the chances of a bowel obstruction are much higher when you have an animal that does that. I recommend switching to either a wire cage floor suspended above a tray or pine (not cedar) or aspen bedding.

It is good for chinchillas to chew things and she should have constant access to wood in the cage. Cardboard is another thing she can have if she doesn't eat it to the point of loosing weight.

She has 3 wooden panels, a wooden ramp, and a wooden house in her cage, all of which are chewed on constantly  my dad hand made my bed and we made sure the wood was safe for her so she chews that when she's running around.
She used to love cardboard tubes from toilet paper/paper towel rolls, but she would just play with those and not eat when they were in her cage so the use of those has been limited.
Thank you for your advice. I'll make a trip to the pet store in search of pine/aspen bedding today 

2

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.

3

Health / Re: hand bathing?

« on: May 21, 2014, 07:21:41 PM »

hey there - I ended up just waiting for her eye to clear up before giving her a bath. she's all better now (she has been for a while, I just forgot I posted this, whoops) and she's back to her happy self 

4

Health / Re: hand bathing?

« on: May 09, 2014, 09:42:13 PM »

This site suggests a cornstarch http://www.chincare.com/HealthLifestyle/GroomingFurHealth.htm#massage

We have been using baking soda for our chin with bite wounds and baking soda is even suggested as an eye rinse for inflammation.

thank you very much! I will keep those in mind and see what I can do. my girl just hates going more than a few days without bathing

5

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.