She is not a she!!! Oh boy...

[Chula]

Hi All,

So I recently got a chinchilla who was SUPPOSED to be a girl. Well, as you guessed, she is a he!!! AHHHH! I don't want to have to deal with HAIR RINGS!!! I don't know, it's not that it freaks me out... I am quite ok with the male anatomy :wink2: But it's just not something I wanted to worry about. I over worry, and I know I will probably be looking at his penis everyday now. Not that he will mind right? :flowers:

I've seen the treads on here how to check for them. I don't think I am confident enough to do it. We are still in the bonding phase, and I am not even confident enough to hold him secure, thinking I am hurting him or am going to really piss him off!

Can I pay one of you guys to do it? LOL

Really though, HELP!! Any advice what to look for, how often, what time of day, and the best ways you've all done it would REALLY help me!

Thanks!!

 

[Dragonflye]

Since you only have one chinchilla and he is not in breeding, the chances of your boy having a fur ring is pretty slim. It is recommended that you check once per month or if you notice excessive grooming of his penis/genital area. I have 20 male chins here and have lived with chins for 8 years and have never seen a hair ring. It is good to check on a fairly regular basis, but I wouldn't obscess about it.

I wouldn't worry about checking him right away unless he does start grooming alot. Let him settle in and get used to you and his new surroundings. I wouldn't rush it.