Laying on his side?

[bobothechin]

One of my chins has started laying on his side a lot.
He's eating just fine and still drinking, running around and he's not lethargic or acting weird whatsoever. I'm so confused, because he's never done this before! I've had him for over a year now and until about 3 days ago, I'd never seen him do that.

I've had the past couple of days off and I've been watching him closely.. Everything is the same except he will randomly lay on his side. Either side, not just one. When I make any noise he is responsive and quick to his feet again.

I have looked up all of the google questions but most of them are about chins who are acting otherwise bizarre.

Just making sure this is normal behaviour, as I've never encountered it with him!

I've attached a photo of him doing this in the corner of his cage.

Thanks!

 

[obcsed]

That is a picture of a relaxed chin. He feels comfortable enough to stretch out in the open to sleep. It is normal. Unless you see other forms of distress like changes in eating, pooping etc, he is fine. They often scare me to death when they do lay on their sides but I usually get the stink eye if I disturb them to see if they are OK.

 

[AZChins]

My chins will do that a little more often if they are warm, but some still do it all the time for no reason.

Your chin has probably just found a comfy way to rest and relax.

 

[Basket_of_Chinchillas]

Snoozin' buddy! One of my boys always sleeps on his side, legs splayed out. Such a nut! If he's responsive and quick to get up then he's just chinchillin'

 

[AZChins]

Responsive is good. I have had chins fast asleep on their sides, kicking around or making noises that are completely unresponsive that have given me so many grey hairs. A couple of times I have actually picked up the chins only to have them wake up after I have them out of the cage when I am on my way to calling a vet. One chin in particular did this to me years back and I actually put her on the floor as I was freaking out looking for the phone. She woke 45 seconds later and stared at me like I was the devil.

One of my chins, who I have had for 11 years, still routinely scares me half to death. She looks like she's dead when she sleeps.... ugggg... So, responsive is a wonderful thing for a chin to be when that chin sleeps in a strange position.

Chins are so awesome at terrifying us. I think it's just coded into their genes to do this.

 

[Laluvschins]

Well said Susan!! i think you have a wonderful way of putting things into words, yes I think it is in their genes as well! But yes totally normal, my boys do that too, one more so then the other one. Means they are comfortable in their surroundings, you should actually be happy about him being so comfortable!

 

[bobothechin]

This is all excellent news! I'm so glad he's warming up. I just got them a new (and bigger) cage about a month ago and he got very aggressive for a few days, I think due to the change. But he settled down pretty quickly and now he's even more comfortable!
Thanks for settling my worries

 

[becky12883]

Take it as a compliment! He trusts you and feels safe and comfortable. My favorite is when they do the swimsuit model pose with the back legs stretched out and crossed.