Question:
I got a call today from a lady who does rescue work in my area. She just got 5 chins that have been all housed together. Two males and three females. Their fur is so badly chewed that she can't really if they are all standards or if a couple of them may be ebonies. I'm going over tomorrow with food, dust , timothy cubes, and treats for them all. They have been fed guinea pig food and she says that it is full of corn and nasty stuff. She really doesn't know very much about chins but wants to learn as much as she can, get these littlle guys healthy and then find new homes for all of them.
What can I do to help her out about the fur chewing problem? I know getting them seperated out a bit more will help but I don't know what she has in the way of cages.


Answer:
I know fur chewing can be a result of stress, and sometimes it can be genetic and can't be helped. Large cages and plenty of toys help if it's just stress, poor living conditions can really make them start chomping. Good luck with them, I'm glad people like you are willing to help


Answer:
I am guessing once they de-stress, the chewing will get better. Wow, what a sad story.
Just a little bit of advice...be very careful with all the new food. I would transition them slowly from the guinea pig food and be very careful about giving treats and foods they are not used to. It sounds like they are VERY neglected and probably haven't seen any of this stuff in their entire lives.
Let us know how it goes Pam.


Answer:
Great advice! I will make sure she does introduce it slowly by mixing it with the old stuff. Horrible as it may be. When I say treats. I am going to bring over some of my supplement that is oats and barley and herbs. I'll make sure she doesn't use all the new stuff right off the bat but starts with the mazuri feed and when she knows theyare adjusting to that then adding a tiny pinch of something else.
Should she give the timothy cubes right away or wait till they have adjusted to the Mazuri?
Would it be best for her to seperate the 2 males out by themselves for now. With males in one cage females in another? Certainly wouldn't want any pregnancies unless any are already!


Answer:
She also said that they had all been in a very tiny cage! That would probably account for all the chewing!


Answer:
The males may need to be in a seperate room if the females are taken away. Some of the "chewing" may be from fighting amongst the males for the females.
With the food, it will most likely be a trial and error thing. Add a little bit and see how they react and then add some more. It will probably take awhile for some but others may adjust easily. It just depends. Stress has an effect on the digestive system so it may take them longer. Anyway, tell her good luck from all of us and don't be shy to relay questions here (or have her join and ask them herself).


Answer:
Thanks everyone! My friend Barb, who join on here just a few weeks ago, was already at her house. I'm sure she gave her some great advice since she used to have many chins herself. I'll do my best to help her out and use all your suggestions


Answer:
Oh, those poor chins! I'm glad they've found there way to the two of you.


Answer:
whew at least they are in safe hands now. sounds like they need so TLC. hope everything goes well! i bet they will really enjoy a dust bath. keep us updated!


Answer:
Wow, who would do that to their chinnies?! What inconsiderate people!! I'll keep these little ones in my thoughts, i'm glad they found people who will get them on the way to a good happy life!
Just one thing, if the males were stuck with the females, what are the chances the females are pregnant because of it? If I could, I would help with some of the cage stuff since I have cage material that could build a new medium sized cage (as a just in case something catastrophic if somehow the one I have breaks or something). I hope you guys can get everything sorted out quick and easy. and again, you guys are awesome for doing this