HELP!! Mother suddenly rejecting 3 week old kit!

[TheKelleys]

Our female chinchilla has become extremely violent towards everything and everyone. We think she is hurt in some way but we can't be sure how until Friday when we can take her to a vet. She is attacking her 19 day old kit and rejecting him totally. The father chin had to be separated an hour before birth and has not been able to be reintroduced successfully at all because she attacks him too. She is sweet and has never done anything like this. Does anyone have any ideas for things we can do until I can get her to a vet? How do I feed the baby? The poor kit is now terrified of the father as well.

 

[Vyxxin]

There is usually a reason a mother rejects her kit(s) but sometimes not. It sounds like she could be ill/sick/injured which only a vet visit will help with in most cases. The kit may've injured her nipples during feeding with teeth or claws. Trimming both MAY help but it really depends on what the underlying issue with mom is. If she didn't deliver all kits or the placenta for example, she may be very ill. It's really just hard to say. First, why are you reintroducing the male already? He should be out until the kit is weaned at the very least. Mother can get pregnant while nursing and should not be put through that. One thing is certain, you will probably have to handfeed the kit if you want it to survive. Here is a link that will help with that: http://www.chins-n-hedgies.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21

Update us when she sees a vet.

 

[TheKelleys]

Thank you!!!!