Stressors. We all have ‘em, right? At least I do. One of my biggest ones is when people try to call me on the phone. Like, I can’t stand talking on the phone. You have thumbs, right? Texting is A-okay with me. Preferable. And I’ll pull out my hair for sure if someone tries calling before 10 AM… because don’t they know I’m still sleeping? 

Kinda the same thing for chins. They have stressors, too. May not be getting “before 10 AM phone calls,” or phone calls at all, but they’re like us. So how do their stressors show?

Chins are super awesome. But if they’re not treated well when they’re young, had one (or a few) bad experiences, or grew up in a less than stellar home, they can definitely become anti-social, and their behavior shows it. 

BITING

Nibbling is totally different than biting. Nibbling can actually be a complete sign of affection and acceptance. 

But pressure biting can be a way of communicating. Example: If you’re holding your little one, and they’ve gotta pee? Pressure biting gets your attention. Let them pee! But, that same pressure bite is used, too, when they’re scared or stressed. 

The bite will likely penetrate the skin. And it’s deep. Ow. And a chin who’s a persistent biter (people or other chins)? It needs to be addressed ASAP… it’s a behavioral problem. Chins aren’t biters by nature. They’re curious. And gentle. So, proper rehabilitation can be successful. Get with your exotic veterinarian right away to correct. They’re gonna know best. 

URINE SPRAYS

Irritating. And honestly? They can spray up to a few feet. Ugh! You’ve gotta look for warning sounds before the urine is sprayed so you can dodge it. (I mean, practicing the limbo wouldn’t hurt, either. You’re gonna need to be flexible.) Although it’s really more common in hyperactive females, any chin has the potential to do it. 

Again, it’s behavioral. Environmental stresses (noisy house, defending of territory) are usually the culprit. Get with your vet to agree on a course of action. 

TEETH CHATTER

Usually will happen before biting or urine sprays. And also usually will happen with rearing up. Your chin is probably uncomfortable or feels trapped… and it’s a defense mechanism. Scare that intruder away. 

FUR SLIP

Showing signs of fur slip? There are a few things that you can do. Make sure you’re always supporting your chinchilla’s body from underneath their chest, tummy and behind. Make sure to alert your chinchilla that you’re approaching. And obviously refrain from grabbing directly by the fur or skin. Always be gentle.

Also, cats and dogs (and other predatory pets) shouldn’t be allowed to free roam with chinchillas. Although they may have good intentions to just play, fur slip (or other, more serious injuries) is possible if your chinchilla feels threatened.

While chinchilla fur slip doesn’t physically hurt your chinchilla (larger patches may have some sensitivity), and fur will eventually grow back, a traumatic event always precedes it. 

FUR CHEWING

Fur chewing  is actually a common behavioral problem. The definition of fur chewing? It's literally when chinchillas chew on their own (or their bond mate’s) fur, leaving the coat looking patchy and uneven. So why causes it? There are lots of theories: stressful living conditions (small cage, aggressive chin pals, or other predatory pets you may have in the household) and too much handling are the most common. Other theories: hormone imbalances, dietary deficiencies, dental problems, border, parasitic or fungal skin infections. Even a genetic predisposition. 

If you suspect fur chewing (or see it actually happening), take your chin to your exotic vet, where they’ll be diagnose via physical exam, oral exam, and skin tests (eliminating the possibility of infection). Treatment may simply be elimination of stressors (larger cage, less handling, separating from cage mate if having aggression issues). Talk to your vet… they’re going to have the best advice; they know your pet way better than we do.

So? Chin behavior problems are a real thing. And they happen in so many different ways. But if you got nothing else out of this article, I hope you got that you absolutely need to take your chinchilla to your exotic vet if you see any of this happening. Or if you suspect it. 

Let’s get them the help they need. And that they deserve.