Blood in cage

[KIWIo3o]

I have three male chinchillas that I recently (about two weeks ago) got from a rescue - they hadn't fought or anything, and still haven't to my knowledge. I went into the room they're in last night to find that there is a large (with some pretty dark parts to it) blood stain on one of the ledges. There are also multiple little stains (I'm assuming from movement) around the cage. There was also a large lighter stain inside a house where Calvin (one of the three) was sitting when I actually got down there and saw this. All three have lost some hair, but Calvin seems to be the most "roughed up."

There was a ledge that had tilted, and I think one may have fallen from it (and now I am putting something under it because I hadn't realized that ledge wasn't covered by something beneath it like others). It was about a 2-2.5' fall. The thing is, there is no blood at all where they would have dropped, nor any sharp objects (obviously). I'm unsure of what to do, and should I attempt to check the three guys bodies for wounds or take them to a vet right away?

 

[Chinmama]

If you don't see any blood on any of them, just the ledges, I would start by checking their feet. Each one, front and back. Look for missing or injured toes or foot pads.

 

[KIWIo3o]

If you don't see any blood on any of them, just the ledges, I would start by checking their feet. Each one, front and back. Look for missing or injured toes or foot pads.

Okay, I can't post a photo right now because I'm on my phone, but it is Calvin's tail. For more info, Calvin and Martin are brothers, Desmond is just a third that's been bonded with them for awhile (I'm assuming since they were young). They're all about 1.5 years old. Calvin was clearly the dominant male when I got them, and since I got them, everything was fine until yesterday. Desmond, I saw this happen as well, grabbed Calvin's tail and continued to chase him. Calvin, I'm assuming from his tail injury, fell off ledges trying to run away. He only seems to bother Martin a bit, but he does not downright bite/attack him, only Calvin.

I have put Desmond in a crate (since I have no other cage) just for the night until I can get more answers. I've left a message with the rescue (since she is knowledgeable - Ashley from NWI Chinchillas). If it was simple "bug off" noises, I would have left it alone for the most part, but how Calvin was running around (and falling), I thought it best to remove Desmond for the night, again, until I can get some answers. I would rather Calvin not get injured any further from falling/biting.

To get answers on the tail injury, I will post a photo tomorrow (technically today) later.

 

[Godofgods]

Give them a full check over. Could be from anywhere. Feet are the most likely. They often get rough and crack leaving bits of blood everywhere they walk. Its also possible one could have blood mixed in the urine.

 

[KIWIo3o]

Give them a full check over. Could be from anywhere. Feet are the most likely. They often get rough and crack leaving bits of blood everywhere they walk. Its also possible one could have blood mixed in the urine.

Thank you for answering, but it was from the tail! One of them was harassing another and kept using his tail to grab him. :/ I've removed him and will be trying to get a cage to keep him in, otherwise returning him to the rescue... Thank you again though, for answering.

 

[Cuddlebug]

Of one is chasing the other and biting his tail to the point of drawing blood, you need to permanently separate the two. Things could get much worse than they already are. A sign that it was not just that they may have fallen from the shelf was the pulled fur on all of them. That and the blood means fighting. Check all 3 thoroughly for bites all over their bodies. It can be hard to find them because of the thick fur but you need to check. An infected bite can abscess and make a chinchilla very ill. Also, the injured chin may need antibiotics and painkillers so a vet check is a wise idea.

 

[KIWIo3o]

Of one is chasing the other and biting his tail to the point of drawing blood, you need to permanently separate the two. Things could get much worse than they already are. A sign that it was not just that they may have fallen from the shelf was the pulled fur on all of them. That and the blood means fighting. Check all 3 thoroughly for bites all over their bodies. It can be hard to find them because of the thick fur but you need to check. An infected bite can abscess and make a chinchilla very ill. Also, the injured chin may need antibiotics and painkillers so a vet check is a wise idea.

Thank you for replying - I separated them the day after when I saw the two going at it (last night), so don't worry. The one chasing is currently in a carrier, and I am buying another cage for him tomorrow. As for the injured little guy, I've put blu-kote on his tail, and he is currently still eating and wanting to run on his wheel. I've not found other bites on him. His brother does not seem to be harmed anywhere on his body. Do you think I should still take him to the vet for a check up? There was no more extra blood after the one time I noticed blood in the cage, so I do know that bleeding has stopped (of course that doesn't mean there's no infection). Anyway, thanks, and please tell me what you still think about the vet visit. I can take him on Monday (they're closed Sunday) if people think I should take him.