Last night was my chins first night home. I'm a little worried because he doesn't move much. He has been perched on top of his house all night. Is he just frightened? He is very sweet and although he will allow me to pet and hold him, I have tired my best to refrain from bothering him. He seems to be eating hay but that's it. Other than that he hasn't left that one spot. Also I have a question aobut his diet and dust. Currently I have Oxbow chinchilla deluxe and Kaytee Timothy hay. Is this an okay diet? Also the dust I bought is called "Blue Cloud." I bought him a Ferret Nation (sheesh, that cage is HUGE!) Lot's of Lava Ledges and wooden perches, a nice size wooden house, a chin-spin, hammock, sitting tunnel and chew sticks and toys. I also got a chin-chiller and have been keeping a eye on the temperature (it's on 73) But still he just sits there. I've been telling myself he just has to get used to his new home. But my new Mommy chinchilla anxiety is getting to me. Oh, one more thing. Should I leave a light on during the night? I'm also nocturnal, so I tend to watch tv all night on the weekends. Is that okay? Ahh, Any advice would be great guys! Thanks and sorry for rambling, it's been a long night.
First night home
- Thread starter Kitrail
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ticklechin
Well-known member
The kaytee hay is ok if you get a good bag, better to get the oxbow hay also since the consistancy of quality is better. He is acting like a new chin, some act like their world has come to a end when they are disrupted by moving to a new home. Where did you get him? Sounds like you did your homework, good job with the cage, wheel, dust and feed! He should be fine in a day or so as far as cruising his cage, it may take him a couple of weeks to get back to normal. Just keep a eye on his eating, he should start eating tonight. 73 is a bit warm but not bad, don't let it get much warmer especially if you have humidity. The light is not needed at night.
RDZCRanch
RavenousDeadlyZombieChins
Chins are actually crepescular which means they are active at dawn and dusk, so the light is definitely not needed at night. It's better to have it dark so that he can feel comfortable with a more normal schedule.
Is it 73 with an air conditioner running? I would worry about humidity. When it combines with the temperature it makes 73 too hot. When you have high humidity you want to try to drop the temperature down to about 69 or 70, above that will be too warm.
Congrats on the new chinnie! We can't wait to see pictures! Sounds like you did a good amount of research and you're off to a good start.
Is it 73 with an air conditioner running? I would worry about humidity. When it combines with the temperature it makes 73 too hot. When you have high humidity you want to try to drop the temperature down to about 69 or 70, above that will be too warm.
Congrats on the new chinnie! We can't wait to see pictures! Sounds like you did a good amount of research and you're off to a good start.
Laurie
I heart Leonard
First of all, WELCOME to the forum! Please stop by the intro thread and say hello to everyone when you have some time.
As Tab said 73 usually is okay but you always have to factor in the humidity. I live in Wisconsin and we are very humid. Today it is only 73 degrees but we have humidity of 76% which makes it too hot! The air is definitely on.
I'm sure your chin is trying to catch his bearings and take in his new surroundings. It's pretty normal for them to be a bit skittish and non active their first few days in a new surrounding.
Keep an eye on him and as long as he is eating and drinking and pooping then I'm sure it's just him getting used to being in a different place.
As Tab said 73 usually is okay but you always have to factor in the humidity. I live in Wisconsin and we are very humid. Today it is only 73 degrees but we have humidity of 76% which makes it too hot! The air is definitely on.
I'm sure your chin is trying to catch his bearings and take in his new surroundings. It's pretty normal for them to be a bit skittish and non active their first few days in a new surrounding.
Keep an eye on him and as long as he is eating and drinking and pooping then I'm sure it's just him getting used to being in a different place.
VolunteerChin22
I <3 dustbunnies
Welcome! I would agree that the Kaytee hay is pretty awful. It used to bother my allergies really bad when I had my first chin. Oxbow is great. Your other choices are good. Some chins like to watch tv so you might have a buddy. Be sure to add a pic/check out the Ferret Nation Club thread under housing section. You might get some great ideas to add to what you already have 
OH and we need pictures.
OH and we need pictures.
Thanks guys! I knew I had read something about the kaytee hay before. I'll have to check out my local feed store to see what they carry. Yes it's 73 in the house, with the air running. My nephew came over today and it's like my chin came alive. He was showing off big time, jumping from ledge to ledge. He was eating food and drinking water, so I think the little guy's going to make it I even woke up to the sound of him running like crazy on his chinspin. Although he didn't really seem to get the idea of his bath. He just kind of jumped in thier and sat.
Hehe, the Ferret Nation Club thread made my mind up on a cage. I feel in love with the huge doors, they are awesome!
I even woke up to the sound of him running like crazy on his chinspin. Although he didn't really seem to get the idea of his bath. He just kind of jumped in thier and sat. Hehe, the Ferret Nation Club thread made my mind up on a cage. I feel in love with the huge doors, they are awesome!
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ticklechin
Well-known member
Some chins won't dust in their new home for a few days, I would guess they do not want to be "exposed" at all when they flip around on their backs. Also, some chins like enclosed houses, some like open pans so if in a week or so he still does not dust switch to the opposite of what you are using.
