Chewing with nothing in mouth?

[toma]

Is this normal for chins... ive noticed this a couple of times, they are both sitting on their shelves resting and its as if they are chewing on food but they havent gor anything in their mouths??
they are both eating fine just wanted to know if this is normal is it a comfort thing they do when they are relaxing?? a little worried it could be teeth problems??

 

[marinewifey4433]

Mine don't do that, not that Iv'e noticed anyways

 

[Claire D]

They could well be what is quaintly referred to as 'recycling' - eating their own droppings (practicing caecotrophy). You don't always see them do it but you'll find them contentedly chomping something ........ it's a normal part of the hind-gut fermenters' digestive process.

Have you tried talking to a chin when it is in it's cage BTW? Quite often you can sit & talk to a chin & they will move their mouths in time with your voice - now that's funny. Looks like they are muttering quietly back at you. :laughitup:

 

[ticklechin]

They are saying "Stupid human, go away and leave me in peace!"

 

[Pikaia]

They are saying "Stupid human, go away and leave me in peace!"

haha!! I have seen mine do that a few times and guess what! They were eating a poo poo! LOL!

 

[rutherford]

rutherford has the same habit. sometimes he does it in his sleep... probably dreaming of a cheerio or something. it seems like his mouth is constantly moving.

 

[Jazicat]

I've seen my boys do it too and they are very healthy little guys.

 

[toma]

Is it something I should worry about then? I've seen one if them eat droppings once. If just one of them was doing it I'd be really worried but they both do it, there's lots of wood chews pummie stones etc...

 

[Claire D]

Unless there are signs of weight loss, crumbling pellets, pawing at the mouth, grinding teeth etc I would not worry.

 

[Mt. Zion Chins]

I too have had my chins 'talk' to me while I am talking to them. It IS funny and really cute

 

[toma]

They are doing it now. Bo Bo is got his eyes half closed like he's going to sleep his mouth doesnt open it's like he's back teeth are grinding.

 

[macygray]

Have you tried talking to a chin when it is in it's cage BTW? Quite often you can sit & talk to a chin & they will move their mouths in time with your voice - now that's funny. Looks like they are muttering quietly back at you. :laughitup:

Hahahaha!!! I always forgot to post this but I remember that and I loved it! Always wondered why he did that! Really cute but he was porbably telling me to shh! ha!