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Marissa

New member
Joined
Sep 5, 2012
Messages
1
Location
Stuart, FL
Just some questions because I am a first timer with my new fuzzy little man. But 1st I will tell you a little about him. I just got him on Friday (8/31/2012). At a pet store. He had been at he pet store for about a month, they told me he was from a local breeder that comes in from time to time. He had a brother or sister with him that had got bought within the first week. They said he was born on Thanksgiving. He seems perfectly healthy and happy. I just want to make sure I am doing everything right... I have a big cage not sure of the size, but I know its big enough for him to grow and even have more room. He also has is dust bath, water, food, ramp, hay ball, and some chew toys for his teeth, the bedding is recycled paper I believe called "Critter Care". I still want to get him a ball to roll around the house and a wheel for inside his cage. So here are my questions for now:

1.) Is it normal for them to sleep a lot?

2.) He seems to drop pellets NON STOP.... I cant even hold the him without them being all over the place! Any advice?

3.) If he's not sleeping, he is sooooo full of energy its impossible to even barley hold him. he runs around and goes in circles, or jumps all over his cage until he makes himself exhausted.

4.) Is there any helpful hints for the bonding process?

Thats all for now, thank you for reading this. <3 Responses will be MUCH appreciated!
 
He also has is dust bath, water, food, ramp, hay ball, and some chew toys for his teeth, the bedding is recycled paper I believe called "Critter Care". I still want to get him a ball to roll around the house and a wheel for inside his cage.

I would recommend changing the bedding to aspen, kiln dried pine, or fleece. DEFINITELY do NOT get the ball. You can search "death ball" here on the forum for more details, but they are not good for chinchillas. They can easily get overheated in them from lack of ventilation. Chinchillas also naturally "hop", not "run", so these balls do not promote a natural movement for them.

What does his diet consist of right now?


1.) Is it normal for them to sleep a lot?

Yes. Most are active during the dawn and dusk hours, but spend a lot of time sleeping.

2.) He seems to drop pellets NON STOP.... I cant even hold the him without them being all over the place! Any advice?

I assume you're talking about poop here. No, it's nothing you can control, and neither can they. In fact, if you're noticing he's not pooping a ton, that would be a red flag.

3.) If he's not sleeping, he is sooooo full of energy its impossible to even barley hold him. he runs around and goes in circles, or jumps all over his cage until he makes himself exhausted.

Chinchillas don't usually enjoy being picked up or held. That's their nature. The behavior above sounds like normal chinchilla behavior to me.

4.) Is there any helpful hints for the bonding process?

Time and patience. Sit by his cage and talk to him. Let him get used to your voice and the sounds of his new home. Work your way up to scritches and other contact.

Here are some links to some reading material for you that will help you out a TON!

http://chins-n-hedgies.com/forums/showthread.php?t=857

http://chins-n-hedgies.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=31
 
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