He's obviously nocturnal but he's sleeping at 11pm!

[bianca]

hi. my chinchilla, bounce, has been sleeping at night time lately!
his brother just passed away august 30th, so do you think he is just upset about it?

i have been playing with him every day for 30 mins at the least.
however, i just got home and i work early tomorrow so i have no time to set up his play pen and play with him tonight..

is he depressed? and how can i make him more active at this time?
every night i get so sad because i know it's like his 4th night or so without his brother

 

[alli713]

Chinchillas aren't really nocturnal animals. They really adjust their activity levels during the day. Many times if you're up, they're up with you.

To be active during the day isn't odd, and so it's the same that if he's sleeping during the day it isn't that odd either.

However if he's lethargic, I would be worried as perhaps his brother had a communicable illness.

Chinchillas aren't like humans. Chances are he will get over the loss of his brother quicker than you will. If you can't play with him, give him some twigs or toys to chew on and he'll be just as happy.

 

[Brittney]

My boys are always up and ready to see me no matter what time of day. Today they were helping me clean out their cage at noon . When I eventually stroll in for bed, around 11 or 12 , they are awake, but not bouncing off the walls awake. They would sleep if they wanted to. First few hours I'm sleeping I don't really hear them. I hear them jumping around, eating, drinking and that kinda stuff, but nothing crazy. Now around 4 or 5 AM, right when the sun is starting to barely come up, they go nuts! I have a QC Mansion, and it is LOUD when they wall surf on it. It usually forces me to yell at them like they are dogs and tell them to knock it off, which never works, so I just decide it's time to wake up.

Take him out for some playtime. I'm sure he will perk right up.

 

[Siylvat]

I agree w/ what was said. As long as he is not lethargic, moving funny etc i wouldn't worry. My chins are up all day and all night in short bursts. They take a nap, get up get something to eat, take a nap, chew on some stuff, take a nap, play, nap, poo, nap...etc etc lol.

 

[eroomlorac]

My girlies are definitely more active at night but they can be sleeping or awake at anytime, day or night.

 

[tunes]

The technical term would be crepuscular, meaning their busy times are at dawn and dusk. But, as Alli said, they adjust to just about any time. When I go into the barn duriing the day, there is a lot of snoozing going on, but there are always those chins running around and spazzing for attention. Each chin is different and so is their schedule.

 

[bianca]

okay thank you so much.

i feel a bit relieved, since everything else with him is normal. hes eating, drinking, peeing/pooping, etc..! thanks everyone