Chinchilla Shedding/Mattes

Question
QUESTION: Hi, I got an adult female Chinchilla who is probably 1 to 2 years old from a Pet Store about two months ago who was in with other chins and since the day I brought her home she has been shedding a lot and has mattes in her fur. She takes daily dust baths and had dust baths at the store. She seems very happy and healthy otherwise though, she is very active, lets me pet her and scratch behind her ears. When we first got her she made demonic noises and sprayed urine at me when I stuck my hand near the cage though. She lives in a huge 48" H x 15" W x 36" L cage with lots of open space, marble, and a couple toys. She is eating Mazuri Chinchilla food and uses Care Fresh bedding. Do you know what might be wrong with her or should I take her to the vet? Might it be because she has no other chinchillas so she is stressed? If she is healthy I was planning on putting her in a cage with my male. What do you think is wrong?

ANSWER: Hi there Alex,

First of all definately do not put her in a cage with your male chinchilla. Many problems can occurr (Many complications can occurr during birth) and if the male isn't castrated then you may be landed with babies. They are MANY breeders out there and there are many chinchillas in rescues, many on Craigslist up for adoption. I suggest you read up on breeding etc. and perhaps join this forum to find out more about breeding. Its very good. www.chins-n-quills.com

I would stay away from her for a while and only go near her for feeding time and for weekly cage cleans. She is most likely afraid of you and her new environment. You could sit by her cage whilst you read, draw or listen to music. She will soon see that you are good and not a much feard predator! You could give her a little rosehip/plain shreddie once a week too. They love these.

When chinchillas are handled sometimes 'furslip' ocurrs. This is when the chinchilla is very scared and its fur slips.

I wouldn't suggest breeding. It isn't as simple and good as it sounds.

You could look online for a chinchilla grooming brush too.

Mae.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I thought they had to be in opposite sex pairs, but since not then I do not plan on combining sexes.

I only go to her cage during feeding/watering and cage cleaning time, when I do she runs to the door to be rubbed/scratched behind the ears. She will hold my hand and climb on my shoulder, she seems to love my company.

Do you know why she could be matting up a lot and shedding all over her cage massively, she doesn't shed when I pet her though.

Answer
No, they do not have to be in opposite sex pairs. Like any other animal this would simply create offspring.

If you were planning on purchasing another chinchilla of the same sex for her, although they do not need this at all (Chinchillas live happily on their on, just give her time and she will grow towards you.) you would unfortunately have to be prepared for fights, which happening easily if not introduced properly, and having to keep them separated all the time. Which means two large cages.

She is probably pulling out her fur...She is most likely a furchewer. Furchewing is passed on in the genes. This means it is unlikely that she will stop now. She is probably just a nervous little chinchilla. You could try and get her to stop if this is what it is by spending a lot of time with her and spoiling her lots!

Just keep doing what you are doing and she will gradually learn that you are a good person.

Do you have a big cage for her, a hidey house made of kiln dried pine to hide in and some toys too? Make sure the toys have no plastic, rope or anything like that on them. Toxic!

Mae.