Need some new ideas!!!!!

[ynnej1979]

Ok my partner and I have a male chinchilla named Diego and he is about 3 years old. He is very lovable but does not like to be picked up. Loves his treats!

My partner is a over the truck driver and I work overnights, I am also the primary caregiver of him.

Lately I have been leaving the tv on when I can before I leave for work.

Lately he has not been running on his wheel like he normally did and wanted any thoughts form anybody on why he could be doing this.

He is a fur biter and need some ideas on toys or stuff to keep him busy while I am at work.

Thanks for any ideas or suggests in advance!!!!

 

[Morganpanda]

From my limited experience, I've seen an array of chins who do and don't like the wheels. It's part of the reason why I don't have a wheel for my chin (that, and he's also very young). Some chins like it, some don't. How big is his wheel? It could be that he's too big for it or the wheel is too small- or there is something uncomfortable about it.

Leaving the TV on might not be the best idea. Sometimes there are loud, annoying sounds from the TV that could stress the chin out, especially if he's a new chin.

What treats are you giving him?

Toys are, thankfully, very easy. There are a ton of shops on here that sell awesome toys. I can swear by Chinchillacity.com's products. I ordered a bunch of her toys and my chin has taken to them all. Most chins, though, don't need the store-bought toy and are quite happy with some cardboard boxes to run through or pumice stones.
You can also make your own toy by ordering toy pieces in bulk, and stringing them on either some wire or seagrass rope. It'll end up being cheaper, and probably better. As much as I love the toys that I've bought for him, one toy was torn apart within an hour or two- and that's $7 completely torn apart. It adds up.

He may also need a dust bath and maybe a brushing (you can use your fingers).

 

[Sandi]

He may be using his wheel during the night and you don't know it since you're at work? You can try blue cloud rocks as well as some new chew toys and/or sticks... Snickers on the forum sells the blue cloud rocks.

 

[Shooper]

Was he already a fur chewer when you got him? I get lots of toys from Twilight Chinchilla's site, she is awesome. Most of mine like lovins but dont like being picked up either! Does he have toys now?