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[Dan]

Hi everyone. I noticed like in April that my Donny has some fur that is loose on his back and its lighter than the rest of his gray fur. I'm wondering if chinchillas are like most animals, in that they shed their winter coats when spring begins? I can just pull out these small bundles of fur without pain to him...seems like shedding. Is this healthy?

Dan

[Jenova]

They do shed. It depends how bad it is. They also 'slip' fur which is their defence in the wild against predators. Their fur comes off in the mouth of a predator and they get away. They also do it when they're stressed, for example when picked up, if they're not used to it.
He probably won't let you pull them out, they never do.

[Dan]

I think its normal shedding, because the amount of fur coming off is minimal. Also, I've had him for many months before the shedding occurred, and those were the times when he was probably most stressed about being picked up and being in a new environment, etc.

Thanks though Jenova!

[Missy8964]

you know, i bought my first chinchilla because i read that they don't shed.  thats a total lie!  they shed soooo much.  i always pick the lose fur off my chins, to make them look perfect, but i have to do it quickly because it annoys them. 

you could get a professional set of chinchilla combs.  hat would help get all the lose fur out - and some chins actually like to be combed.

[Dan]

Do they sell those in a pet store?

[Jenova]

I believe you can use cat combs although I've never groomed mine. Some do like it but most don't and it is possible to hurt them if you try and hold them while you do it. There are videos around of how professionals groom their chins by holding their tail but I've heard horror stories about them breaking legs and things. Might be over reacting, but it's not something I'd ever try...