Priming issues?

[Isabella Whateva]

I noticed that my chin began priming back in May. There was a pretty definitive priming line that moved from her neck towards her tail in about a month. Most of her coat is clean and soft, but the last inch and a half from her tail has still been shedding a little. The fur near her tail is also pretty clumpy, almost like very small dread locks. Usually I can lightly pull the loose fur out but these clumps are pretty secure. It seems like the clumps may have been loose fur that got caught up in her fur.

I do not have a grooming comb and I cannot afford to purchase one that is $30-$90 (which is the average price I have seen online)
Is there any other type of comb I could use besides a chinchilla specific one?
Should I be concerned about the way her hair is clumping, or is it just normal?
How long do chins usually prime? I've read that it's usually about a month, but like I said before mine started in May and she still doesn't seem completely finished.

 

[Spoof]

Chinchillas prime constantly, they're only in prime for a very short time. Often it's just not as noticeable. You can use one of those cat combs from the pet store with the thin metal teeth to break up the clumps.

 

[tunes]

Not sure if this is the same Tara, but the flea combs work pretty well. Is that what you mean by a cat comb?

 

[Isabella Whateva]

How should I hold her still when I comb her fur?
I've tried holding her at the base of her tail a couple of times but she barks at me and I let go.
I'm worried about hurting her. Should I just keep holding on when she barks or try to find another method to keep her still?

 

[tunes]

No chin really enjoys being combed. Just hold her firmly at the base of her tail facing away from you, let her rest on your leg, and comb from her butt to her head, little bits at a time. Just be sure not to dig too deep or you could poke her skin.

 

[Isabella Whateva]

It won't hurt her, will it?

 

[Kansas City Chinchillas]

As long as you don't poke her skin with the comb it doesn't hurt.

 

[Spoof]

I was talking about the regular metal ones for breaking up mats. The flea combs bend to easily.

 

[Isabella Whateva]

I was referring to the tail holding. She always barks at me when I try to do it. Maybe it's just because she's not used to it.

 

[Kansas City Chinchillas]

Tail holding at the base of the tail does not hurt.

 

[Ashley]

I've found it helpful to use a small tile on my lap when grooming fussy chins. That way they don't get as much traction if they're squirming, and they tend to calm down more quickly. It makes it easier on the chin, and me.

 

[addictedtochins]

I used a flea comb before Tibbit went to MCBA NW Fall Field Day and I pulled out too much of his fur. I would use a dog/cat grooming comb where the teeth are way close but not quite as much as the flea comb. You'll see when you go to the pet store.