Hi Keesaa,
IF she is pregnant, she could be due any day now ... it only takes approximately 111 days from conception to delivery. But, just because they have been together about that right amount of time or a little more, does not mean she is pregnant. I have two pair that have been together for almost 10 years and one pair had one kit 4 years ago and the other pair have never had a kit ... on the other hand ... I've put several pairs together that have had kits almost exactly 111 or 112 days later.
Laying on the side is also often an sign that a chin female is pregnant, IF she does not normally do this ... but, I have males that sleep and lay on their sides and they are definitely not pregnant.
But you say she is having a "rolling movement" in her tummy ... that's a pretty good sign that she is pregnant and fairly close to the time she is due to deliver.
With the rolling movements you see in her tummy, I think it's a little to late for this test, but for those of you who think your chin MIGHT be pregnant, this is a good test.
As a general rule ...
if you hold your female
on a daily basis when you think the is pregnant, the
first time you feel a kit move, it is
usually 2 weeks before she delivers. This is true if she is pregnant with 1 large or 2 normal size kits or 3 kits slightly smaller than normal size.
If she is only carrying one, the kit has more room to move, so it can be less than two weeks before it is born ... usually 7 to 10 days.
BUT, if she is carrying 3, 4, 5 or more and they are a good healthy size, it could be 2-1/2 to 3 or even 4 weeks before she delivers.
Bunch of ifs, but it usually holds true.
Now for some other "signs" that are usually dependable to let you know the time is close .....
The tummy feels like it is a full water balloon. Tight and full.
Chinchillas are very clean, the closer it gets to time to delivery, she will seem to be cleaning herself more and more.
The teats will become elongated and pinker, especially for a first-time mom. This is less obvious if there has been several litters born to this female.
The fur right around the teats will fall away to provide a clean smooth surface to nurse.
Water consumption by her will increase by about 30 to 50% during the last 24 hours. This is in preparation to making the milk the kits will need. She will continue to drink more than normal amount of water the whole time she is nursing the kits.
She will flatten out in the bottom of the cage and appear to be panting/rapid breathing a little ... labor has started.
She will usually move around the cage holding on to or pushing up against (with her paws) and doing what might look like stretching exercises ... labor is advancing ... this could be a few minutes to 3 hours before you see the first kit.
Her water will break ... yep ... they are definately wanting out.
If she does not deliver within 4 hours, alert your vet ... you may have to take her in ... I would definately NOT leave her until she delivers. But, that's me ... most of the time there is no problem and nature will take it's course without a problem, but not always ... so, I air on the side of caution. If she has 3 or more kits, she may be to exhausted to clean and care for them properly ... I like to be there just in case. If you read the 4 pages on Gidgets Quads ... Quints to Quads, on my website, you will understand more.
I am sure I have left out some things, so others will add to this.
Jo Ann
