| GROOMING (articles, accessories, the right dustbath container)  Also
see: Care
Myth: Anti-Fungal Prevention,Reducing the Allergic Impact of Hay and Dust "Chinchilla dust serves the important purpose of allowing your chinchilla to stay clean in a way similar to how it would maintain its coat naturally. In its native cold, arid environment, the chinchilla would roll in fine volcanic ash to stay clean. Chinchilla dust, like volcanic ash, sticks to oils and dirt in the coat, and then falls off, cleaning the chinchilla's fur as it does so." (ref- chinchillas.com) There are several brands of dust available in the U.S. (Blue Cloud, Blue Sparkle, Kaytee, Sunseed, etc.) and from what we've been told, the dust used in the U.S. is of a much finer consistency than that found overseas, where it is more granular and is sometimes referred to as "sandbath." According to Azure Chinchillas, located in the UK, "Use ONLY volcanic pumice or sepiolite (both available in pet-shops) and not silver/play or builders sand." Regular dusting is absolutely vital to a chinchilla, without it they're susceptible to stress-related health and behavioral problems. Allow your chinchilla access to fresh dustbath, about a measuring cup full placed in an appropriate container, for at least ten minutes every other day during the warm weather season, or when high humidity is a factor. Taking regular dustbaths will keep your chin's fur from becoming greasy, matted and heavy, which significantly increases the risk of overheating. During the cold weather season, when humidity isn't as much a factor because most home heating systems are also drying, ten minutes of dusting 2-3 times a week should be enough to keep your chin clean while stopping short of potentially causing dry skin. If your chinchilla is a bathing fanatic, and some really do relish their bath quite a lot, then it's fine to give dustbath every day just as long as it doesn't result in dry skin. Dry skin isn't very common but it can occur, especially if a chin's skin is exposed from fur-biting or if it hasn't completely grown back after being shaved for an operation or clipped to treat a wound. Sometimes a chin needs dustbath after prolonged handling, and there are some chins that just seem to get more oily or "greasy" faster than other chins, and in that case more frequent bathing is necessary. After all, in the wild they'd get to bathe all they want. 
If you smoke, please do it as far away as possible (preferably outside) from your chins because not only is second hand smoke (see articles in Healing: Ailments & Remedies) as harmful to pets as it is to people, the tar coats their fur and they clean their fur with their mouths, thereby ingesting the tar. If you take in a chin with a tar-stained coat, he will need a wet bath, dustbath alone can't clean up tar. If your cages are covered, as described on Routines, then simply draw the sheet around the cage completely or put another sheet across the front when administering dustbath to contain flying dust. Some chins have a slight sensitivity to dust, and especially if they've inhaled some small particles they may make the nose-clearing sound, wipe their nose or get watery eyes, but be observant because these symptoms can indicate the onset of pneumonia or other respiratory problems. If your chin seems particularly sensitive to the dust you're using, try another brand, that often resolves the problem. It is acceptable to "reuse" dustbath in the container that it was administered in if the chin has only left droppings behind, this is typical. Remove the droppings and reuse the dust as long as it is not soiled by urine. A tablespoon of Arm and Hammer Baking Soda can be mixed into the dustbath to make it, and consequently the chin, smell more "fresh," although if your chin is urine-sprayed he needs to be wiped down with a damp cloth and dried thoroughly with a towel before being offered dustbath. "ARM & HAMMER® Baking Soda is made from soda ash, also known as sodium carbonate." (ref- armhammer.com) Rolling in dustbath is learned by example from the parent. If your chinchilla does not roll in dustbath, then at some point there was neglect in his early upbringing, either dustbath was not reliably provided for the parent so they could demonstrate this necessary routine or the kit was prematurely weaned before he had a chance to learn. If your chinchilla is not dusting, administer Dustbath Massage daily, as he gets used to feeling clean by using the dust then VERY gently try to roll his back in the dustbath to help give him the idea and eventually he will catch on. If a chin who has always dusted refuses to take a dustbath, this may indicate an injury ( e.g., it hurts to roll) or an aversion to the type of dustbath being used (some chins will not use a heavier, more sandy dust). Besides dusting, chinchillas occassionally clean their face and whiskers with their forepaws.  Chins
not only groom each other, they like to be groomed by their chinparent
as well, per chin scratches, see article.Grooming combs aren't really necessary unless you're planning to do competitive showing with your animal. However, sizes 5 and 7 (combs with wider tooth spacing) may be helpful when a chin has matted fur or if a chin with a particularly thick coat is shedding and would benefit from having the excess hair removed. Chinchillas do shed (and regrow) their fur, but very subtly, in almost unnoticeable amounts approximately every few months. You do NOT need to trim your chinchilla's finger and toe nails. Chinchillas do not have claws, they have residual nails that are thin and fragile and protect their fingertips. Chinchilla nails are insubstantial enough to keep in check on their own, they'll get enough routine wear such as during out-of-cage exercise time and by using a solid-surface exercise wheel and solid (wooden) cage shelves and perches. Chins don't do much digging in the wild (except of course when scratching and rolling in volcanic ash) because they inhabit the abandoned burrows of other animals or find naturally formed holes and crevices to reside in. Grooming Articles About Grooming Combs Kingdom Chinchillas (MSN) Dustbathing: Photos Chinchilla-Lexicon European and U.S. Dustbath, Photos Chinchilla-Lexicon Fur Quality: Overview, Clarity, Veiling, Density, Fur Length, Texture, Finish, Priming Ebony Dragon Chinchillas Grooming Ebony Dragon Chinchillas Grooming to Show Azure Chinchillas Shedding Fur Chinchilla Informational Site Types of Sand/ Dust to Use Chinchillaburg Videos: Grooming, Photos of Combs S.A.S Chinchillas, see Grooming Videos of Grooming, Bathing ARKive, Ontario Chinchilla Association, Winmar Farms, 7meg Windows Media Player clip  Grooming Accessories (Retail) Combs, Lint Roller, Instructional DVD ChinWorld Combs Ontario Chinchilla Association Dust see Supplier Sites Metal Dusting Box Carolina Chinchilla Connection, Paul Spooner (UK) The Right Dustbath Container Any container used must be LARGE enough for a chin to have room to roll, and to allow for easy entry/ exit, plastic is NOT suitable! Safe options include: glass fish bowl, aquarium, metal dusting box (see: Accessories), metal dog dish, terra cotta planter, ceramic bowl, or Super Pet Ceramic Chinchilla Bath (large size is necessary but is often too small for adults) which is sold at: All About Pets, Doctors Foster and Smith, Pet Care Central, Strictly Pet Supplies DRY SKIN (photos; cause; prevention; detecting, appearance; treatment) Photos 
typical
dry skin under fur on back
severely dry
skin on paw, the
next day after treatment with unscented
Neutrogena
Hand Cream typical
scaly, dry skin on ears: 1,
2 severely
scaly, dry skin on ears: before
and after treatmentCause Dry skin can occur because chins need a cool, dry environment and some chinchillas have sensitive skin, although this is rare in our experience. Dry ears and foot pads, though, are fairly common, and when foot pads are not cared for they can develop callouses that crack open and lead to Bumblefoot. Dry skin can occur under the fur but it's much more likely to occur when the skin is exposed, such as from fur-biting, or if the fur hasn't completely grown back after being shaved for an operation or clipped to treat a wound. Using a dehumidifier in summer in our climate is appropriate, our location is surrounded by water and high humidity is a constant during the warm weather season. The dehumidifier counteracts the humidity and more or less strikes a balance so that there are no dry skin problems for our chins. Winter is another story. The hot air from the furnace that heats our house over our long winter creates a very, very dry atmosphere. Dry skin problems are much more likely to occur when the environment becomes significantly drier than usual.
Prevention These suggestions should only be taken into consideration if your chinchilla is experiencing dry skin: Increasing humidity with a humidifier is adviseable ONLY if the humidifier has a hypo-allergenic or air-purifying feature (ref- 1, 2, 3) and is kept at the other end of the chinchilla room on a LOW setting. Be VERY cautious of creating an atmosphere for fungus, maintain proper temperature and humidity control in the chins' environment: "Ideal conditions are 60°F to 70°F with a humidity level of 40% to 60%." (ref- nhahonline.com) Keep the household temperature at a low setting, no higher than 70F during wintertime so that the furnace isn't blowing hot air throughout the house any more often than absolutely necessary. Dustbath not only helps dry and lighten fur when it gets soiled, damp or greasy in the wild, it can also be drying to chinchilla skin. Chinchillas need to keep their fur groomed regularly but when a chinchilla has sensitive skin which has become dry due to climate changes, give fewer dustbaths- once or twice a week at most. If the dry skin is a result of the skin being exposed from fur-biting, see article that addresses that subject. Detecting, Appearance There are two types of dry skin, typical and severe, the latter of which in our experience is rare. Typical dry skin show no redness, only some scaliness (ears photo) or flaking that looks a lot like dandruff (under fur photo, look closely for the flakes, they were a bit difficult to photograph with clarity). In the case of skin that's exposed as a result of fur-biting, etc., when the chin does a lot of scratching in that area it can be an indication that the skin there is dry, irritated and itchy. Severely dry skin, such as the paw photo, will appear red and scaly, the blood between two of the toes occurred when the cracked skin bled as the chin ran about trying to avoid being picked up and treated for her dry skin. In this case, where the skin is so severely dry, it closely resembles the appearance of Ringworm fungus: both have thinned or missing fur and the skin that is showing underneath is reddened with tiny lesions and scaliness. Unless you're experienced in dealing with both it's practically impossible to differentiate between the two, but one thing is certain: fungus will spread and there will eventually be more infected patches. You could be looking at the first sign of fungus and it's not worth holding out hoping that it's only a case of severely dry skin, DO NOT take chances! Seek the expert help of an exotics specialist vet immediately. Treatment There is no treatment for dry skin under the fur, only the preventative measures named above can help alleviate that. When not located under the fur, such as with exposed skin or paw pads and ears, treatment for typical or severe dry skin cases is the same. Have ready a hypoallergenic moisturizer (Jojoba, Vitamin E oil, Aveeno, pure Aloe Vera, unscented Neutrogena Hand Cream) and a cloth for dabbing off any excess moisturizer and wiping your hands. Place the chin on your lap, put a tiny dab of moisturizer between your thumb and forefinger, and gently massage the moisturizer into the dry area. When doing ears, DO NOT go into the ear canal with the moisturizer. With exposed skin or paw pads, apply moisturizer until you're certain the dry skin is well saturated. With dry skin scales on ears (see photos), they will begin to slough off as you rub in the moisturizer, you'll see tiny flakes of gray on your fingertips. Just wipe off the scales on the cloth and keep reapplying moisturizer until the ears are well moisturized and the scales have all been rubbed off, as depicted in this before/ after photo. After treatment, place the chin back in his cage and allow him to clean up with dustbath, counterintuitive as this may seem, it won't cancel out the effect of a good moisturizer and chins have a psychological need not to feel "greasy." Check the dry area daily, applying treatment until the skin is healed. CALLOUSES (photos, cause, treatment, bumblefoot) Photos
absence
of callouses on wild chinchilla foot pads
typical callouses advanced
or overgrown callouses, "flippers"Cause Callouses on the feet of chins in captivity is pretty common. Chins need a cool, dry environment and their foot pads can simply dry out from time to time. In the wild, chins traverse rough, rocky terrain with volcanic rock (think pumice) that keeps their callouses in check, while in captivity the cage environment (BOTH wire flooring and solid flooring) provides just the opposite. The recommendation to give chins something in their cage that is flat or soft to rest their feet on is intended to relieve feet from the constant pressure of wire mesh, not as a prevention against callouses. Feet should be checked for callouses at least monthly. Older or heavier chins whose feet have naturally spread with age or weight are more susceptible to advanced or overgrown callouses that form "flippers" on the sides of their feet.
Treatment Two people should be present for this, seated across from each other with one securely holding the chinchilla bottoms-up on his lap so that the foot pads, the bottoms of his feet, are easily exposed. The person holding the chin should support both feet throughout the process so that the chin isn't dangling or struggling while the other person, with nail file ready, gently files at the callouses. DO NOT attempt to "flake" or "tear" off the callouses, although they are just dead skin they are attached to live skin and attempting to tear off a callous can cause pain and bleeding. Chinchilla feet are very sensitive and even the act of gently filing the callouses will be frightening and upsetting, especially at first, but don't let that dissuade you from treating the callouses because otherwise they could become a case of Bumblefoot. Just speak soothingly to him while holding him securely and especially supporting his feet well, then file as precisely as possible, being careful not to slip with the file and scrape the sides of the feet where there is only flesh, that would be VERY painful, like a bad rug burn. If callouses are neglected, or if the chin is large or older and his callouses have gone unchecked for a little while, then they may spread outward and it can look like the chin is wearing flippers (photo #2). In this case, it is necessary to file some at the extended edges where the calloused area has spread, again being VERY careful not to hit flesh with the file. Since chinnie feet can spread a little naturally with weight or age, be sure that you're only filing at the callouses. Another alternative to treating overgrown callouses is by using vet prescribed Trypzyme (ref- 1 ,2, 3). Ask your exotics specialist vet if you think this might work best for you, according to our vet, "Trypzyme is an enzyme based topical that is used to relieve excessive callus formation and to treat wounds...I haven't used in years and have not tried it on chins. I don't think it would pose a problem to use it in chins but just to be safe, I would keep them from ingesting it thru licking a pawpad, etc." (DVM Glikis-Scott of the Birmingham Veterinary Clinic in MI) After treating the callouses, liberally apply one of the following to the foot pads, massage it in well and return the chin to his cage: Neosporin First Aid Antibiotic Ointment or a hypoallergenic moisturizer- Jojoba, Vitamin E oil, Aveeno, pure Aloe Vera, unscented Neutrogena Hand Cream. We personally recommend trying the Neutrogena, it has amazing moisturizing properties and expedites healing dramatically. While treating callouses, be sure to keep the cage floor especially clean as a precaution against infection: wipe down all cage levels, perches, etc. once daily with a damp rag that has Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol on it, once wooden surfaces have dried they'll be safe again for chewing.
Bumblefoot (Ulcerative Pododermatitis) Additional Articles/ Photos: Chinchilla.uk, Granite City Chinchillas, Davidson Chinchillas, Ebony Dragon Chinchillas Bumblefoot is a condition that results from neglected callouses, it is, essentially, an unattended and infected callous. Chins that are housed on EITHER wire mesh OR flat flooring can get callouses that develop into Bumblefoot, read about the Cause of callouses. Other animals, such as rabbits and guinea pigs, can also develop Pododermatitis but their causes and treatment can differ from that of chinchillas due to their particular attributes. (ref- peteducation.com) Callouses that aren't kept in check and treated can split or crack open, essentially creating an open wound on the footpad that is highly susceptible to infection, especially since chins walk where they've urinated and that bacteria can invade the wound. A case of Bumblefoot and how it was treated is described in this article (.doc). While treating Bumblefoot, as with callouses but even more important once infection is present, be sure to keep the cage floor VERY clean. Wipe down all cage levels, perches, etc. once daily with a damp rag that has Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol on it, once wooden surfaces have dried they'll be safe again for chewing. MISSING FUR? (medical explanations; wear, rubbing; fights; fur-slipping; fur-biting, chewing, barbering; fungus) Also see: Estimating Chinchilla Age for fur regrowth information and When A Chinchilla Goes Bald by VetCentric Medical Explanations Abscess It is possible for a growth or abscess to be indicated by a hairless patch. In this case, unlike with wear, it is usually completely clear of fur, without the bits of fuzzy new growth common to a worn spot. If you palpate the area and it feels like there is a spongy or hard lump beneath (growth, tumor), or it feels like a small sac containing liquid (abscess), consult the expertise of your exotics specialist vet immediately. The chin may not be in pain, but the area must be professionally examined to determine exactly what it is and how to treat it. Also see article on abscesses. Malocclusion or Cold/ Pneumonia Advanced malocclusion can cause a chin to paw at his mouth, chin or nose and wear off the fur in those spots as he tries to clean his face of drool and mess. Pawing at those areas to remove nasal discharge could also be a sign of cold or pneumonia. Illness/ Injury If the chinchilla is experiencing internal pain, has sustained an injury or had surgery recently (regardless of whether they're on pain medication, some chins will pick at the operation site) and for any of these possibilities has been obsessively pawing at or barbering the affected area, it can cause fur to be shorn or worn away. Observe your chinchilla closely to see if he is favoring a paw or limb, if his droppings are normal, etc. If you suspect the presence of injury or pain, take your chinchilla to an exotics specialist vet immediately to be x-rayed/ examined for breaks, sprains, etc. Wear, Rubbing (photos; cause; detecting, appearance and treatment) Photos
example of wear under
leg and armpit wear
in the mid-chest areaCause It's not uncommon for a pet chinchilla who is large or heavy to wear mostly-bald patches under their arms or legs. It results from rubbing that occurs naturally as they play in a spacious cage and get adequate exercise, in itself it's not detrimental or cause for concern. Wear can also occur if a chin rubs a spot on his body quite often, by something he does. For instance, we have one chin who is always peering over the lower shelf of his cage and rubbing his mid-chest area on it. Then he peers out of his house to watch TV (photo), rubbing the same mid-chest area. Detecting, Appearance, Treatment Wear will NOT appear cropped, there will be NO scaliness, scabs, scratches or blood. The skin may appear pink, from the rubbing, where the bald patch is, but there is no need to treat it unless it appears to be raw and painful to the chin. In that case, massage a little hypoallergenic moisturizer (Jojoba, Vitamin E oil, Aveeno, pure Aloe Vera, unscented Neutrogena Hand Cream) into the areas. Once the moisturizer has been absorbed allow a dustbath so the chin won't feel messy, this will not counteract the benefits of the lotion massage. Fights (fight wound photos; detecting, appearance and cause; treatment and prevention) Also see: Skin Abscesses in Small Rodents and Basic Wound Management by Davidson Chinchillas Wound Management/ Care by Ebony Dragon Chinchillas and Maintaining Group Compatibility on ChinCare Photos bite
marks on ear bite
mark on skin under fur puncture
wound: right
after fight, fur
clipped around wound and healing in progress wounds
to face wound
under fur, discovered after it had scabbed over and become infectedDetecting, Appearance and Cause If you know or suspect that your chin has been nipped, bitten or in a fight with another chin, examine him for bite wounds immediately. Obvious signs of conflict are scratches, gashes, gouges and blood or patches of missing fur (or tufts lying about the cage) that may be more than just fur-slip, there can be a fight wound on the hairless spot. Gently and securely, hold you chin up so that you can blow into the fur on his body (not face) and examine the skin beneath for wounds. ALWAYS blow on the chin's fur under a good light to get a closer examination- scratches and bite marks are easily hidden by their thick coat and what goes unseen and untreated can become infected (by bacteria in the saliva of other household pets, especially), abscessed, and even lead to death. The most commonly attacked areas, which also tell something about the circumstances surrounding the fight, are: wounds to the top of the head and ears (especially at the base where the ears meet the body) signify that the victim was mounted and in a submissive position when attacked; wounds to the nose or lips reveal that they were face-to-face and could have been rearing up and challenging each other over something shared or scarce (hideaway, food, water, etc.); wounds to the back demonstrate that the victim attempted resistance and was caught despite trying to avoid conflict. No wounds on the attacker mean that the victim did not fight back but don't count on the victim continuing to be incapable of anti-social behavior in the future. Chins can learn anti-social behavior by example and may store that knowledge to be used next time in their defense, or as a preemptive. Never put two chins together again after a serious fight, it presents an ultimatum and the victim may either die of stress-related shock or kill his cagemate in advance, to prevent further attacks.
Treatment and Prevention Depending on the number and severity of the wounds, and especially if your chinchilla is in shock, when there has been a fight it is strongly advised that you rush him to the nearest exotics specialist vet for immediate examination and treatment! If the fight wounds are on the skin hidden beneath fur, then the fur on and surrounding the wound MUST be trimmed so that the wound cannot become matted by the fur, this leads to infection and abscesses. Two people should be on hand, one to carefully hold the chin still while the other uses a small pair of scissors, such as nail scissors, to trim the fur on and around the wound before administering treatment. Wounds that are exposed, such as those on the ear or face, can be treated as is. Disinfect the wounds by gently dabbing them with a soft cloth (no Q-tip or cotton ball that can leave stray fibers in the wound) soaked in Hydrogen Peroxide, then put a light dab of a hypoallergenic moisturizer (Jojoba, Vitamin E oil, Aveeno, pure Aloe Vera, unscented Neutrogena Hand Cream), Neosporin First Aid Antibiotic Ointment or Silvadene (vet prescription) on the wound. Treat fight wounds this way once daily until it's obvious that healing is well underway, then observe regularly until all fight wounds are completely healed. ALWAYS disinfect before covering the wound with something to expedite healing, a covered wound that has not been disinfected first can lead to abscessing! Should the wound abscess, see this article. If it's suspected that there are multiple fight wounds and the chin is not in shock, it is adviseable to administer a wet bath because this accomplishes two necessary things: 1) cleans all wounds 2) reveals the location of all wounds during the blow-drying process so that they can be treated. While your chin is undergoing treatment it's important to perform Dustbath Massage, keeping clean keeps the chin's spirits up and a positive attitude will expedite recovery. Supervised introductions and an awareness of what can lead to cagemate conflicts (see: Maintaining Group Compatibility) can prevent fighting.
Fur-Slipping (photos, explanation) Also see: General Characteristics of Behavior Photos
typical
fur slip on chin
slipped
fur, the fur is released cleanlyExplanation Fur slip is not the same as shedding, which does occur with chins the way it does with other animals but to an almost negligible extent. In the case of fur slip the area will NOT appear cropped, there will be NO redness, scaliness, scabs, scratches or blood- only a bald patch and cleanly-released (the whole tuft, from root to tip) fur. Fur-slipping does not hurt the chin and the fur will grow back. If you startle or frighten your chin in the process of picking him up or handling him, he may release or "slip" fur at the point of contact. Just as porcupines release quills in self-defense, a chinchilla is able to voluntarily release its fur at the spot where it's touched, so that a predator in the wild or another chinchilla will get only a mouthful of fur while the chin himself escapes. Slipped fur is detectable at the moment it happens: there are small tufts of fur in your hand, on your clothing or on the floor, and the chin has a bald spot/s where the fur is cleanly gone. If slipped in very small quantities, as in whisps, the bald patch may not be immediately noticeable due to the chin's fur density. A calm, gentle approach and secure handling of your chin can help prevent fur slip. Fur-Biting, Chewing, Barbering (additional articles; photos; detecting, appearance; cause and treatment; prevention) Additional Articles Chinchillas2Home Ebony Dragon Chinchillas Stress-Induced Cushing's Syndrome in Fur-Chewing Chinchillas Photos mild
case moderate
case moderate
fur-biting photo with article Granite City Chinchillas extreme
fur-biting and extreme fur-biting in a rescue
case: 1, 2 extreme
fur-biting photo with article Chinchilla Chat Line degrees
of fur-biting from mild to extreme: 1,
2, 3,
4 InfoChinDetecting, Appearance If your chin's fur DOES have a "chopped" look with NO signs of redness, scaliness, scabs, scratches or blood, then they are fur-biting, which can also be called, "fur-chewing" or "barbering." Fur-biting is the result of a chin biting or chewing at his fur, it most commonly appears as a patch of fur cropped shorter than the rest and the most common location for fur-biting is on the flanks but it can occur anywhere the chinchilla can reach, including the very back and tail. In severe cases the entire lower half of the body can be barbered right down to the skin. While chins can barber each other, from our observation and experience it's usually the chin himself that is doing it. It is very difficult to catch them "in the act" and at that very moment to determine whether they're just grooming or fur-biting, you can usually only tell by the aftermath.
Cause and Treatment Fur-biting is a neurotic reaction to stress which can come in many forms, including a medical problem (internal pain, injury, recent surgery, amputation, etc.) or an environmental stress factor (boredom, malnutrition, cagemate incompatibility, etc.). If a medical problem is the suspected cause, contact your exotics specialist vet immediately and ask if painkillers should be prescribed. However, MOST of the time fur-biting results from an environmental stress factor, see article. Much has been speculated on why some chins resort to barbering under stress and others don't. It is certainly a neurotic reaction, essentially self-mutilation, but in itself it does not harm the chin. Hairballs in chinchillas are very rare and the care myth (extrapolated from rabbits) that chinchillas need regular preventative treatment (papaya, Petromalt, etc.) is finally becoming a thing of the past. Fur-biting is probably only hereditary in the sense that temperament can be hereditary, that is, when one high-strung (should be regarded as NFB) or oversensitive chinchilla gives birth to another of the same temperament and both barber that makes fur-biting APPEAR to be genetic when in reality it's just the temperamental predisposition that was passed on. Fur-biting is predisposed by temperament, and the more high-strung or oversensitive a chinchilla is, the more likely it is that an environmental stress factor will trigger a fur-biting reaction. Just as some people can weather any crisis without displaying neurotic tics, because their temperament makes them more adaptive and resilient, some chins will never barber no matter what they endure while others do resort to fur-biting under stress.
Fur-biting is not uncommon and even chins thought incapable of it may begin fur-biting when exposed to a particular environmental stress factor. To stop the fur-biting, find and resolve the environmental stress factor (what is a stress factor for one chin may not be for another, see article for details) which may take time to discover and the chin may continue to barber sporadically even after the problem has been addressed, because once a chin has resorted to fur-biting as a response to stress, he may compulsively resort to it again in future. Usually, though, the barbering will clear up relatively soon and remain resolved in relation to the stress factor that was addressed. Older chins or those who have barbered compulsively for years can take longer to discontinue if they are able to at all, for them fur-biting has become a routine reaction and it's often their first resort when confronted with any stress. There are chronic cases (most fur biters aren't chronic) that can arise in especially high-strung or oversensitive (or who may also be a victim of neglect/ abuse/ abandonment) chins, for these we recommend trying Bach's Rescue Remedy. Fur-biting that leaves skin exposed makes the chin vulnerable to dry skin that may require treatment. Fur will regrow at a rate that corresponds with the chin's age and mild or moderate fur-biting cases will regrow more quickly than those where the barbering is right down to the skin, as in severe cases. When a chin is significantly underweight or severely fur-bitten, he is more vulnerable to cold and drafts. Put a sheet around his cage (as described on Routines) and provide some cloth (a baby blanket of fleece in his house, a hammock, Cuddl-E-Cup with strap cut off, Comf-E-Cube, Chilla Pilla with The Day Bed) in his cage so that he can retain body heat, it's also a comforting convenience. In cold weather climates it may also be adviseable to provide a heated bed (such as Lectro Small Animal Heated Pad), which can be placed inside a pillowcase for the chin to sit on and stay warm. We've noted that chins with significant weight loss or fur loss are attracted to heater vents during playtime, this is because of loss of body heat. As long as the chin is able to move off the heated bed at will, there is no danger of him overheating himself.
Prevention If you are a pet breeder seeking optimum health and temperament in offspring, fur-biters are NFB because passing on the temperament qualities (high-strung, oversensitive) that predispose a chin to fur-biting won't make for offspring that are relaxed, happy, sociable and capable of really enjoying life. Chins that are high-strung or oversensitive are often exceptionally intelligent, which makes it difficult for them to cope with an underactive or mundane environment during their waking hours, thus for them the environmental stress factor is often sheer boredom. As with all chins and especially fur-biters, they'll benefit from an interesting variety of engaging distractions in their environment. This includes having a large cage to accomodate running and playing, a variety of chew toys, at least one hideaway per chin and a cage wheel to help decrease stress and boredom inside the cage and TV during waking hours to provide environmental stimulation when they're not actively engaged in out-of-cage exercise and interaction. Ringworm Fungus (photos; care myth: anti-fungal prevention; detecting, appearance; contagion, cause and prevention; treatment) Also see: Fungal Infection by Ebony Dragon Chinchillas, Ringworm by Azure Chinchillas and Newman Veterinary article Photos of Ringworm Fungus
advanced,
perhaps an allergic reaction- swollen and scabbed patches on side/
same spot, healing around
eye, nose and edge of ear healing
around the eye after a week of treatment healing
on nose and side of face, new outbreak in whiskers-
see redness and scabs on
nose and lower lip scroll
down on Chins
In Canada's Health & Care pageCare Myth: Anti-Fungal Prevention "Prevent fungus by putting anti-fungal powder in the chin's dustbath" ...this care myth is both dangerous and unnecessary! Fungus is not a constant threat where adequate cleanliness, among other normal preventatives, is present. When dust flies about the chin's cage environment it is inhaled and settles on everything from chew toys to hay and pellets, but when anti-fungal powder is added to dustbath as some misguided "prevention," that changes everything. Anti-fungal powder warning labels make it clear that the product is for external use only and should ingestion occur, it is advised to contact a "poison control center." Anti-fungal powder (Desenex, Tinactin, Gold Bond- be sure it is medicated, it must have an anti-fungal agent like Miconazole) should be used ONLY to treat a diagnosed case of Ringworm, and then there are precautions to follow. Azure Chinchillas confirms the problem with this myth, "The common “breeders home-treatment” consists of adding about a tablespoon of athletes foot powder to the chinchilla’s sandbaths, so they self-medicate. It is also routinely used as a “preventative” by many breeders, but I have my reservations about the wisdom of using this, as my chinchillas have displayed breathing abnormalities when the powder has been added to their sandbaths, so I no longer add it as a prophylactic. Even with anti-fungal powder added to sandbaths, a cure is not guaranteed if the infection is virulent... Thought must also be given to the fact that the chinchillas are liable to groom off anything that is applied to their bodies, and these types of human medication can be harmful to them if ingested." Chinchillas.com adds, "A common practice of many breeders is to try to completely prevent fungus by routinely administering anti-fungal agents in the dust. This can be an ineffective, if not dangerous practice. The constant exposure to certain anti-fungal agents does not insure that all strains of fungus will be prevented, and when a strain does appear in a herd that uses a constant preventative, it is often a particularly difficult strain to erradicate." Detecting, Appearance When people talk about chinchillas and fungus, they're referring to Ringworm fungus. Ringworm fungus is not a worm but a fungus that affects the skin and also causes fur loss. Note that there are strong similarities in appearance between fungus and severely dry skin, which is notably less common than fungus. According to Pet Care Veterinary Hospital, "Changes in your chinchilla's fur warrant a visit to your veterianarian, because lice, mites, or ringworm can also cause hair loss." (ref- Pet Care Veterinary Hospital) If a chin DOES have small patches, especially around the eyes, nose, whiskers and chin (where fungus usually begins), where the fur is thinned out or missing and the skin that is showing underneath is inflamed and red with tiny lesions, flaking scabs, scaliness or broken whiskers (from pawing, Ringworm is VERY itchy), then you need to take your chinchilla to an exotics specialist vet IMMEDIATELY for testing! Fungus can spread quickly on an affected chin because as he scratches or cleans (also examine the chin's urethral cone or penis) himself it will travel, typically beginning on the face, then the paws, and then spreading across the body. At the vet's, insist on a culture analysis because "only 50% of a certain species of Ringworm fluoresces under the glow of the Woods lamp, a culture is used to verify the diagnosis." While waiting for the culture analysis, perform the cagemate precaution in step 2 of the Treatment section.
Contagion, Cause and Prevention Ringworm is a fairly commonplace fungus that's cross-species contagious and is transmittable to and from people as well as animals. According to Wikipedia: "Ringworm is very common, especially among children, and may be spread by skin-to-skin contact, as well as via contact with contaminated items such as hairbrushes. Ringworm spreads readily, as those infected are contagious even before they show symptoms of the disease."(ref- wikipedia.org) Thus, Ringworm spreads by contact with the fungus itself, a carrier of the fungus or something used by the carrier. We've read that some types of Ringworm can spread by airborne spores but in our and other's experience as long as the affected chin/s were being properly treated and contact/ cleanliness precautions observed, there were no new outbreaks. Chinchillas contract Ringworm chiefly by exposure to conducive environmental conditions (unclean husbandry practices, damp or humid climate, not dried thoroughly after a wet bath, access to places that may harbor mold such as a bathroom) and/ or when a weakened immune system or environmental stress can make them more vulnerable to it. Prevention includes: maintaining a clean cage and surrounding environment, controlled temperature and low humidity, properly-stored hay and wood, some quiet solitude for daytime rest, regular out-of-cage exercise time and awareness of the Environmental Stress Factors. If you believe your chins may be especially vulnerable, take a cloth sprayed with Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol and wipe down cage levels daily, then allow to dry. Cages should always be scrubbed clean at least once weekly. If you find yourself constantly battling fungus then you need to consider the source of the problem and address that rather than just focusing on controlling the symptoms after an outbreak has occurred: change soiled bedding more frequently in cages where the chin has direct contact with it, check the AC unit to see if it needs cleaned out so that it's not blowing mold spores into the air, consider purchasing a dehumidifier, perhaps a recent change or even extreme boredom has increased the stress level among your chinfamily, etc. Treatment
CARE MYTH: THE WET BATH (administering) There are a number of ludicrous myths surrounding the "chinchillas should never get wet" admonishment. Dire consequences include the chin having his organs crushed by the weight of the water on his fur and the complete loss of fur, which then refuses to grow back...EVER. The stuff of urban legends, to be sure. It IS true that if a chinchilla is housed in damp conditions or is continually drenched (leaky water bottle, drooling from dental disease) then he is particularly vulnerable to fungus or pneumonia, the latter of which can lead to death. And it IS true that foresight and precaution must be taken to ensure that when a chinchilla gets wet or is given a wet bath that he is not allowed to get chilled, and that he is kept draft-free until he can be dried THOROUGHLY (chinchilla fur is extremely dense and it easily retains moisture) before returning to his cage, where fresh dustbath should be waiting for him. Wet bath can be beneficial and safe for the chinchilla but it is ONLY recommended in those situations where a dustbath will not clean adequately, for example: if a chin has come from a filthy cage environment, is excessively stained from urine-spraying, is matted, incontinent, grease-slicked, has fallen in the toilet (ref), is tar-stained (smoking indoors not only damages their health but also causes coat discoloration, stickiness and stench), etc. Dustbathing is rather like vacuuming, it's works fine for ordinary cleaning jobs like the ones that wild chinchillas would encounter in their native environment, but for chinchillas living in captivity there are sometimes extraordinary circumstances that require a more thorough cleansing. Wet baths are definitely the exception, NOT the rule! An alternative to a wet bath can be to wipe down the chin with a warm, damp cloth in a draft-free room and then gently blow dry or towel dry completely before giving dustbath. On tough jobs this doesn't work as well as a wet bath but it's better than trying to clean up serious grime with dustbath alone.
It's not unusual for a chin that is rescued from a neglect situation to need a wet bath, and it doesn't have to be a big deal for the chinparent to give one, especially since the real stress of coping with a matted, filthy coat is ALWAYS greater than the PERCEIVED stress of getting clean via a wet bath. We've bathed many a rescue chin and it is just not that awful or traumatizing, for either chinparent or chin. Once the chins realizes they're getting clean at long last and nothing bad is happening, that you won't let them drown, then they're often quite pleased with the process. It's not all that uncommon for a chin to actually enjoy the water and want to put their face closer to the blow drier (set on low) to appreciate the feel of it on their face. Sometimes chins will get mats, most often along their lower backside. Mats can result from poor hygiene habits, consummation following mounting, a maloccluding and drooling cagemate huddling against them for warmth, or in the case of a chin with a particularly dense coat whose fur during shedding time is released but becomes tangled rather than eventually shed. Matted fur on a chin somewhat resembles dreadlocks (ref), except not quite so cool, literally. A chin with matted fur is an uncomfortable chin, not only because chins are very clean animals but because matted fur makes a chin feel hot and weighted down. A wet bath will cleanse some mats and loose fur from a chin's coat (photo of chin with mats after bath, the mats are indicated by swirls in the coat with raised bunches of fur), but fur that remains matted will need to be cut out VERY CAREFULLY with a small pair of scissors such as nail scissors (large scissors can poke and they're more difficult to maneuver with precision). It's best to cut out mats right after a chin has had their wet bath, just before blow-drying. This requires two people, one person to hold the chin securely while the other does the cutting, precisely and quickly, so the chin doesn't get jabbed or cut with the scissors or become chilled while still wet. DON'T attempt to cut the mat right down to the skin, they often start there but it's better to get only as close as safety allows, without risking jabbing the chin's thin skin. Scroll down on this Chinchillas4Life page for a video about clipping mats. Administering a Wet Bath It's best to have two people when administering a wet bath. The bathroom air should be a little warm, between 65-70F, so the chin won't get chilled after his bath. Running hot water or turning a hair dryer on high for a minute or two can help raise room temperature but it should NOT get too hot. Doors and windows MUST be kept SHUT to prevent excess drafts! Have two large towels, a hairdryer and a dustbath ready and set aside in the bathroom. You need a mat or something non-slippery (even another towel) set in the tub bottom so that when you're soaping the chin he's not sliding about. In case your little guy might get away from you, put the toilet lid down in advance. We found dog and cat shampoos to be drying on chinchilla skin, an herbal shampoo that doesn't contain extra moisturizers or strong scents is best. Bring the chin into the bathroom and close the door. One person should hold the chin while the other adjusts the water temperature on the bathtub tap. The water should feel WARM, not hot, not cool, but just above lukewarm. Don't turn on the water full blast, about medium pressure is fine. Hold the chin securely with both hands and pass him under the water flow from tail to nose, keep his head pointed DOWN by nudging it with your thumb if needed. Remember- chins BREATHE through their nose, it is VERY important that he is passed under the faucet BRIEFLY, just enough to get him wet, and that he does not raise his head while going through- KEEP THAT NOSE DOWN!! Water up the nose for a chinchilla is just like drowning. If you have a hose attachment on your bathtub, this actually works better, in which case just train it over the chin with one hand and offer him your other hand for balance as he sits on the mat in the tub. After wetting the chin, place him on the mat or non-skid surface that you set on the tub bottom. Hold him securely while reaching for the shampoo. Gently suds him all over, tweaking any fur that is a trouble spot, that'll help loosen or untangle any overlooked mats. Massage the shampoo over him thoroughly but quickly, the wet bath process should be kept as brief as possible to avoid possible drafts or chills. Cover everything with shampoo EXCEPT the eyes, ears, nose and mouth, keep soap away from those areas completely. Rinse the chin in the same manner described previously- warm water, medium water pressure, passed under the water flow from tail to nose with the nose kept down- but this time it will take more than a single pass under the faucet to cleanse the shampoo from his fur. When the chin has been thoroughly rinsed, have the other person ready with the first large towel. We always wrap our bathing beauty securely in the towel with just his little nose and mouth showing and hold him for a few minutes, talking softly and soothingly to him, before blow drying. This helps absorb excess water. Chins tend to act exhausted after being bathed, don't be suprised if he seems a little limp, that's typical.
When the few minutes of holding time are up, have the other large towel ready- unfolded and placed on the floor, preferably in a corner, and place the chin on it. Chins often do a "doggie shake" to try and fluff out their wet fur. One person should wave the hair dryer around the chin on LOW speed at the LOWEST warm setting (not cool or cold air) while the other holds the chin on the towel. It is VERY important to keep the hair dryer moving and to keep it at a reasonable distance, do NOT concentrate it on any area for more than a couple seconds because a chinchilla's skin is very thin and sensitive. The person holding the chin on the towel can ensure that the chin doesn't take off in addition to helping the drying process by fluffing the fur with his towel or hand as the hair dryer is going. Once you're comfortable with giving wet baths, one person can finish the drying process by holding the chin on their lap (photo). IMPORTANT: When the chin's ears start to get very red, stop the hair dryer and do a little towel drying for awhile to allow the chin to cool off before resuming. When the chin feels and looks completely dry (check right behind the ears and the especially thick fur on his haunches), allow him to use the dustbath you had set aside in the bathroom. Make sure that he gets a few good turns in his bath while still in the warmer air of the bathroom before wrapping him up in your shirt to take him back to his cage, this will help him acclimate to the cooler cage environment. There should be no fans going, open windows or drafts near the cage, and if you don't usually keep a sheet around the cages (as described on Routines), it would be wise to do so for at least the first 24 hours after his wet bath. NOTE: It is VITAL to watch the bathed chin's reception when he is returned to his cage, sometimes the change in scent or the wish of the bathed chin to be left alone for awhile afterward can antagonize even a close cagemate and cause a conflict. Observe the bathed chin's welcome for at least ten minutes or until it seems there will be no problems. If your chins have been trained by your tone of voice to understand "No" as a deep, serious, negative tone and "Good boy/ girl" as a more high-pitched, light and positive tone, use commentary to encourage good behavior and discourage bad. CARE MYTH: WITHHOLDING DUSTBATH (dustbath massage, dry butt-bath) No matter what condition a chin is in at the time, whether pregnant, after birthing, ill, injured, etc., they need dustbath because keeping clean is not only a physical requirement, it's also a vital psychological pacifier. A chin that is deprived of dustbath is more susceptible to stress-related health and behavioral problems. In the wild, they would not refrain from rolling in their native volcanic ash for any reason, for better or worse. When chins are kept domestically, though, it is good sense for the chinparent to take some extra precautions when administering dustbath to a chin that has a condition (pregnant, after birthing, ill, injured, etc.) that makes them prone to complications (re-injury from rolling, mastitis, infection or vaginal irritation) if they were to roll in dustbath as usual. The Dustbath Massage When your chin can't take their usual dustbath, they can STILL get clean by you APPLYING the dustbath for them. Simply place the chin on a table or on your lap with a towel to catch excess dust as you apply it, and have a dish of dustbath ready beside you. Dip your fingers into the dustbath and carefully, gently rub it into the chin's coat, avoiding any affected areas such as bite wounds, an injured limb, the vaginal area of a pregnant or recently littered chin, and the entire underbelly of a nursing chin- to keep the dust from irritating the nursing kit's eyes. Baby Cornstarch Powder (no Baby Powder, nothing containing talc!) can be substituted for dust when massaging a nursing chin, just to ensure that no granular particles (dustbath is sometimes more coarse than cornstarch powder) get into the kit's eyes. A dustbath massage expedites recovery by calming the distress that a chin feels when he's messy but can't roll in dustbath on his own. A chin that feels clean and comfortable after getting a dustbath massage is more relaxed and better able to cope with his present condition.
Dry Butt-Bath ARTICLE BY DANA KREMPELS , Ph.D. UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI, BIOLOGY DEPARTMENT, HOUSE RABBIT SOCIETY OF MIAMI Although written for dry-bathing a messy rabbit rear, this will work just as well on a chinchilla:
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