Whenever I pick up my chinchilla, he usually comes quietly, but today when I picked him up, he struggled and afterwards I saw hair in my hand! Is this stress related? Or is it a natural adaptation to get away from predators? Or is he sick? I'm not sure if I should see a vet, or if this is normal. He is almost a year old. I do not think it is fur biting because I think they eat it when they fur bite right? I don't know for sure though so please help!
2007-11-24 12:48:32 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
First of all, are there any bald spots? If there aren't any bald spots, then the fur you saw in your hand most likely just came out during the struggle. Their fur comes out rather easily, it's one of their defense mechanisms. There have been several times when my chinchillas have roughed around with each other and one of them loses a little tuft of fur in the rumble. It's nothing to worry about.
If you notice bald spots, especially around the rear, then it's most likely caused by fur biting. Fur biting is usually the result of stress, so do everything you can to make sure your chin is in a stress-free environment, especially during the day when he's sleeping - he needs quiet during the day and nobody/nothing should be disturbing him.
Hair loss can also be a result of a fungus. If you notice any other symptoms besides the hair loss (like redness, scaliness, or crusty skin), make sure you get him to a vet to be checked out. If it's some kind of fungus, you will need to get something from the vet to treat it.
Don't worry though, it sounds to me like the hair loss was just a result of his struggle to get out of your hands.
2007-11-24 13:33:41 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It could be a fur slip
FUR SLIP: Chinchillas often lose patches of fur when handled roughly. Fighting between animals also may cause hair loss. The skin is not injured by fur slip but the coat may be unsightly.
OR
He may have just been startled and let a little fur out..my chinchilla will do the same thing occasionally. Just be careful when picking him up that you don't squeeze too tight, chinchillas are made mostly of cartilage ( not bone ) and can break easily ...for more information go to
http://www.thechinbin.org
2007-11-24 16:57:36 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Gosh, I really don't know anything about chinchillas. You might call your vet or get a book on chinchillas that will point you in the right direction. I hope the poor little thing will be okay!
2007-11-24 13:10:17 · answer #3 · answered by MiMi 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
OMG! I can totally answer this! I just asked the same question to a lady breeder at a chinchilla farm near my home. This lady has breed chinchillas for 40 years and told me when they are scared or nervous they drop their hair. We had a chinchilla who "dropped her hair for quite a while after we got her. She no longer does this. Handle her as much as you can being gentle and loving and it will stop pretty quick I'm sure.
2007-11-24 19:26:17 · answer #4 · answered by XO 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Has he been able to do a dust bath? Keeping their fur in top condition requires the dust bath, it's the only way to keep their skin and fur healthy. Special 'dust' is available online and at some pet supply stores (they can order it for you), you put it into a large pan and let them roll in it and groom.
2007-11-24 15:28:09 · answer #5 · answered by Elaine M 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He may have a skin condition or an allergy. Have the vet check him out.
2007-11-24 12:57:10 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
its natural. They shed hair easily to help escape predators.
2007-11-24 14:03:47 · answer #7 · answered by Nekkid Truth! 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
call ur vet or the place you bought him from... they should no wut to do or atleast point u in the right direction
2007-11-24 12:59:21 · answer #8 · answered by mariah 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋