Chinchilla Noise and Hay

[kkelly]

My chinchilla Mochi (whose name has been changed several times today) is making weird noises. The only way I can describe is a more quiet version of a guinea pig's constant squeak. The noise will go on, and sometimes deepen to a more Err Err Err sound.
He shouldn't be bored, threatened, hot/cold, hungry, thirsty, or annoyed. Since he's new (Just got him today), I've been leaving him fairly alone. I've just been sitting by his cage and talking calmly, saying his name and such. He is 4 months old.
Is he lonely, or is this a happy sound? He seems quite content and strangely social for a new chinchilla (I've heard they're usually quite shy).
ALSO a hay question. How much hay can a chin have in one day? My little boy has a VERY large appetite. He stares forlornly at his empty hay bowl until I put a little more in. I'm wondering when to stop this! I don't want to get him sick .

 

[Christina Noraas]

I can't really help with with the first quesiton, but give as much hay as you can hay is an essential part of their diet and you can never give too much.

 

[Amy555]

The FAQ section is a great resource, there's this great link on chin sounds: http://www.chins-n-hedgies.com/forums/showthread.php?t=848 it sounds like you may be hearing the Contact Sound and it's nothing to worry about. He is probably just getting used to his new home. And unlimited hay! :thumbsup:

 

[Jazicat]

The sounds are normal and both of my boys make them. Very often they are either happy and playing or trying to get my attention from the other. Of course I could be encouraging it because I talk back.

Edgar was young like your little guy and he adapted very quickly so I would continue what you are doing because it sounds good to me. Just remember that trust is key and if you lose some it can take a long time to get it back.

My chins get unlimited hay as well even if it does look they had a party with it in the morning.

 

[Ash]

My chins squeak and chirp constantly at each other, especially moreso now that there is a baby in the chin room. It's totally normal. And eating tons of hay is normal, also. Chins love their hay, and younger chins eat more than older, because they are going through more food energy-wise. Chins need to constantly eat to keep their stomachs moving, also.

 

[kkelly]

He is making the Contact sound! Thanks for all you help. I'm worried he's lonely for a chinchilla companion. :/ is there any way I can ease that loneliness? I believe I've heard of little stuffed animal things for them, but I'm not sure.

 

[Sandi]

He is making the Contact sound! Thanks for all you help. I'm worried he's lonely for a chinchilla companion. :/ is there any way I can ease that loneliness? I believe I've heard of little stuffed animal things for them, but I'm not sure.

You can make him a cuddle buddy, which is what it's called around the forum. It's just a little stuffie made out of fleece. If you want to purchase one, I have gotten most of mine from camphorchins.com, alli713 on this forum. If you decide to buy one at a pet store, which may be really hard to find, please make sure that it's made out of fleece and that there are no visible string/seams, nor peices (like eyes and nose) that can be pulled/chewed off by the chin.

 

[rainey]

I made a cuddle buddy by simply balling up a pair of large fleece socks someone gave me. My chin who lives alone always sleeps by it! He still makes the contact sound all the time though, I call it the chinchuckle. (He frequently makes the noise after someone in the apartment makes a funny or sarcastic remark)

 

[kkelly]

(He frequently makes the noise after someone in the apartment makes a funny or sarcastic remark)

Aw cute!!! Sounds like he has a personality. Mochi climbed on my hand today! He seems pretty brave. I opened my cage door and sat by it, and he came right up to me after I talked to him for a little while. I held my hand up with a tiny bit of shredded wheat on it and he got excited and grabbed it. Of course, THEN he ran away. haha.
I'm gonna order that buddy from camphor