New pregnant chinchilla acting odd.

[CharlotteGoesRawr]

I just got a 1 year 10 month old Ebony chinchilla, that has 8 weeks to go in her pregnancy. The owner was urgently trying to get rid of her because she could not take care of her anymore.
She squirms and runs away dosn't let me hold her, which is completely understandable considering she does not know me. But while in her cage she seems to always want my attention..

The more urgent part is that i have not seen her eat or drink. No water has differenced since the day before. No food was taken. Her poo pellets aren't giving off any evidence of a change in diet though.
Idk if I should be worried because it is to be expected for her not to eat to much because of the new surroundings, but i'm worrying because of her unborn kits.

 

[GahhItsLee]

Shes probably worried because of the new surroundings
Let her settle in and get comfy

 

[VolunteerChin22]

First- Welcome to CnH!

Second - Don't try to chase or pick up your chin if you think she's pregnant - you would mistakenly injure the babies or she could hurt them trying to get away from you. Just give her some scritches and pats on the head

Third - Are you sure she's pregnant? Did the former owner witness mating or...? Read up on the FAQs in the Breeding and Babies section - you need to have her in a baby safe cage so make sure the wire spacing is no bigger than 1" x1/2" in or 1/2"x1/2" spacing - they will escape in anything wider. Be sure to have an emergency vet on hand in case you need them as well as a regular vet who is experienced in chins.

Finally, are you marking the water line on the bottle? She's probably eating and drinking when you aren't around. she's also getting used to her new home and may be a little stressed...Is she on a good quality feed? Is she getting plenty of timothy hay? Usually chins who are stressed will at least go for the hay...You can also weigh the food dish daily to see how much she's eating...As long as her poos arent small and hard she's probably still eating just fine...

 

[Parkerspetchins]

Do not try to handle a pregnant chinchilla, you could end up hurting the babies, especially if she is scared of you and squirms. As for the not eating/drinking, she may just be settling and maybe is doing some of both but not as much as normal. Does she have plenty of good hay to eat? I would mark the water bottle so you can see if she is drinking some water. Check to make sure the bottle is working since they usually will not eat if they cannot drink. Read up on the FAQs for kits and be sure you have a kit safe cage ).

 

[starleomach]

I agree, don't try to handle a pregnant chinchilla she is already very stressed being moved from her home and she is in a delicate condition. If she is pooping normally then chances are she is eating. Make sure you give her time to adjust. and Lots and lots of loose hay.