frantic and chewing/tugging on bars of cage

[kellylynnmarie]

One of my boys, splinter, seems a little extra frantic or feisty tonight. Constantly running in his wheel (even after we played out of his cage for awhile)... and while he typically calms down after playing and especially after having a bath, he just seems more frantic. Really trying to escape me when I'm sitting by his cage. And when I put him in all he does is tug and chew at the bars of his cage.

He's usually a very calm chinchilla... especially since he's been sick on and off for a few months (and is still being hand-fed after about 6 weeks).

His cage is next to his brothers (they had to be separated almost a year ago because of fighting) but they cannot see each other. Could he be trying to get to the other chin? He usually doesn't seem to notice he's there too often, but once in awhile, it's like he knows... Does it bother him??

Any thoughts on what could be going on? My fear is him over-exerting himself or stressing himself out while he's recovering.

 

[becky12883]

Do you go over and take him out everytime he bites at the bars? Kinda sounds like he's trying to train you to take him out when he wants, or at least give him attention. Or maybe he's starting to feel better and just has more energy. Make sure that he has someplace cool to relax if he does over do it a little. I know that my guys would run for playtime until they passed out if I let them.

 

[ticklechin]

Has he been eating?

 

[kellylynnmarie]

I don't run to him every time. But he has not been eating as much as he was... which is why I'm worried. He'd rather run and try to escape than eat...

 

[ticklechin]

One of the first signs of a chin going into stasis is frantic chewing, I would be concerned.

 

[kellylynnmarie]

And I know nothing about stasis... what's it mean? And what do I need to do???

 

[kellylynnmarie]

I fed him this morning, he ate a little, ran around some... I let him be to calm down a bit... went back and fed him some more. So he ate like normal this morning. Doesn't seem to be as frantic and isn't chewing on his cage anymore... Sometimes he has days like this where he seems to go a bit "crazy" with chewing and playing and somewhat aggressive. Maybe it was one of those nights???!!

 

[kellylynnmarie]

Looked up info on Stasis from other threads... I'm keeping an eye on all the signs and calling my vet. Any other thoughts would be great! This is what I've been dreading with him being on and off sick for awhile. His days seem hit or miss... really good days and not-so-good days.