MistyMeanor
December, 28th, 2003, 04:50 PM
Fur Chewing
Many discussions have been made as to the cause and problem of fur chewing. Unfortunately there is no true cure for this illness. Some blame in on poor breeding, while others blame it on stress, boredom or just bad habits (like us biting our nails or picking our nose). I believe it can be genetic, but rarely is. 9 times out of 10 some stress related reason can be found;
Symptoms
Fur missing from the sides and shoulders of the chinchilla. A moth-eaten, chewed patchy appearance with the show of darker under coat (see picture).
Causes
Chinchilla can chew itself and others it is in contact with.
Bad habit, boredom, stress, breeding, hormones, isolation, mating, being bullied, dirty conditions, moving cages, irritation of pregnancy can be very common.
Treatment
No real treatment. If it suddenly occurs, look at any changes of food, environment or partner. Make sure a fresh supply of hay is given daily and toys such as; cuttlefish, toilet roll inner tubes and mineral blocks are given.
Prevention
Avoid creating a stressful atmosphere, keep things quiet, cool not cold; avoid over and under handling. Provide plenty of stimuli. Sometime just with a slight adjust of living situation can stop it.
Below shows a badly fur chewed female, the owner had left her 2 daughters in too long and as a result she became stressed and worn out. She also chewed her two daughters.
http://www.eotc-pets.com/image006.gif
*Notice the back end. (Pictures courtesy of Lizz at www.chinnychinchin.co.uk)
Many discussions have been made as to the cause and problem of fur chewing. Unfortunately there is no true cure for this illness. Some blame in on poor breeding, while others blame it on stress, boredom or just bad habits (like us biting our nails or picking our nose). I believe it can be genetic, but rarely is. 9 times out of 10 some stress related reason can be found;
Symptoms
Fur missing from the sides and shoulders of the chinchilla. A moth-eaten, chewed patchy appearance with the show of darker under coat (see picture).
Causes
Chinchilla can chew itself and others it is in contact with.
Bad habit, boredom, stress, breeding, hormones, isolation, mating, being bullied, dirty conditions, moving cages, irritation of pregnancy can be very common.
Treatment
No real treatment. If it suddenly occurs, look at any changes of food, environment or partner. Make sure a fresh supply of hay is given daily and toys such as; cuttlefish, toilet roll inner tubes and mineral blocks are given.
Prevention
Avoid creating a stressful atmosphere, keep things quiet, cool not cold; avoid over and under handling. Provide plenty of stimuli. Sometime just with a slight adjust of living situation can stop it.
Below shows a badly fur chewed female, the owner had left her 2 daughters in too long and as a result she became stressed and worn out. She also chewed her two daughters.
http://www.eotc-pets.com/image006.gif
*Notice the back end. (Pictures courtesy of Lizz at www.chinnychinchin.co.uk)