Hair rings?

[sydneytaylorr]

Sorry for all the posts! D: but I was just wondering how to check for hair rings? Like what do they look like, or some symptoms the chinchilla will show if he has one, and how to treat it?

 

[GrayChillas]

I've never had a boy chin but i've heard if they clean their "area" alot and seem like they're in pain you might want to check.
How you check for it i'm not sure but I think there's a few post on here that would help.

 

[Woodrow724]

When I check them I hold them against my chest with one hand and GENTLY pull on their penis with the other. The tend to squirm and fight so if you have help definitely use it! Both my boys are pretty good about being held. You have to make sure the penis is extended all the way out. I do mine once a month and I always find some loose hair in there, and I just clean it out with my hand. Symptoms as far a I know are excessive cleaning in that area, hopefully someone else can chime in with others. If they aren't peeing definitely check immediately, they could have one tight enough to constrict their urethra. I'm not too sure on treatment besides you cleaning it off for them. Hope that helps!

 

[sydneytaylorr]

ahhhh okay! thanks! well i've only had him for a week now, so he's kind of iffy about being held, also how often do you dust bath yours? i've heard once a week then others is twice a week. not sure which is the best option?

 

[Woodrow724]

You're welcome! I do twice a week for dust baths, about every 3-4 days.

 

[sydneytaylorr]

alright! sounds like the best option.

 

[ticklechin]

Here is my video of the hair ring check

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUfmBoighpA

 

[sydneytaylorr]

thanks! that helped.

 

[ResilientRosie]

You can bathe your chins every day if you choose to, but you MUST be sure that it isn't drying out their skin. (Check their feet and ears for dryness and cracking.) IMO, every other day keeps them happy since the dust bath seems to be an emotional experience as well (I know that sounds weird, but they are very attached to their baths and regular dust baths help reduce stress).

 

[sydneytaylorr]

I dust bath mine every few days, and it seems to work out fine. thanks!