Are Kirby's teeth okay Sonya? The general guideline is the first thing I think about if a chinnie goes of their food ischange of pellets?they dont like to change to different brand ones. Also check the sell by date as some pet stores are notorious for selling stale pellets. Has this maybe just happened since you bought a new batch? It you have a sniff at them they should have quiye a strong smell. If not they are stale.
teeth problems? they cant chew on their food so easily.heat? A chinnie likes to be cool. This year temperatures have risen more. Moping? they could be moping for a mate. (this does not apply to you though as he seems to be a happy chinnie) He chews like crazy on his wood toys and I put my finger in his mouth to check his teeth and I didn't see anything out of the ordinary, although Kirby didn't like the idea of me playing with his mouth. How far back do their teeth go? I could see his teeth just to the end of his mouth opening. I did realize last night if I sit there and talk to him, he eats his food. He ate almost his entire piece of alfalfa block while I was there. And if I hand him his pellets, he will eat them. I guess he doesn't like to eat alone. That will be the next thing, I have to sit there and wait for him to finish eating now before I can leave! I've created a monster! I will keep an eye on his teeth though. I did read somewhere that if they are having mouth problems, they stop eating, or don't eat as much. Thank you for the information. Sonya
If tooth problems, he will dribble a lot. Wet chin and so on. I think you may indeed have a chinnie who likes company when eating. Most herd animals (and chinchillas are herd animals) like to eat at the same time.
I wouldn't worry too much Sonya, maybe he sees you as a huge chinnie? lol. No. you have not created a monster, just a chinnie who knows how to get attention. Chinnies are good at that, a few of mine sulk and turn their back if I don't talk to them first when I go in.
If you are concerned about your chinchilla not eating. Chinchillas can go many days without eating, indeed in their natural habitat they have to forage for food. Food is very sparse indeed. So don't worry unduly about a loss of appetite for one or two days.
If however you wish to give a pick-me-up. Apple (cider) vinegar is often beneficial. Recommended dose is half a teaspoon to 250 mls of water.
