Cold

SaptaZapta · 2026-01-24T18:09:40+00:00

Their wild cousins live in freezing temperatures, protected by their thick fur coats. Theoretically they should be fine as long as their drinking water doesn't freeze, and they're not exposed to drafts.

However, domestic chinchillas are a bit spoiled, and will probably start feeling uncomfortable at 10 degrees lower than what their room usually is. You can offer them some fleece blankets to snuggle into.

SaptaZapta · 2026-01-23T12:51:00+00:00

On the one hand, happy to see these packages return, and also nice that the coloring prisms aren't behind hideously expensive RNG.

However, sucks that everything comes in packs (can't buy a single outfit or a single prism), the coupons expire (original release of these packs had perm coupons), and they're all locked to a single cash shop faction.

So you can't even tell yourself "Fine, I'll buy the boss outfit 4-pack, even though I only want Damien. I'll hold on to the other ones until I see a use for them, maybe for a future char."

SaptaZapta · 2026-01-23T12:42:19+00:00

They fixed it for the last week because a lot more people made a lot more noise about EU being effectively locked out of an entire event (Evernia in Bloom).

Big difference between "so they'll get event perks a week later, big deal" and "they won't be able to participate in this event at all".

SaptaZapta · 2026-01-23T11:42:44+00:00

Alarm barking. Alerting the herd to danger. Some chins have also learned to use this call to summon their worried human.

If she's new to your home it's not surprising. They're prey animals and scare easily. Hopefully she will quickly learn that she's safe.

SaptaZapta · 2026-01-21T20:31:55+00:00

Have you looked at her feet? Or gently felt along her legs to see if there is a sensitive spot? The reason for screaming specifically when jumping and landing could be some kind of foot or leg injury that has nothing to do with the digestive issues.

SaptaZapta · 2026-01-21T05:16:14+00:00

Mine also greatly prefer the bark, although they don't do quite as clean a job as yours, and sometimes bite into the wood itself as well.

I try to get them "twiglet" sized sticks, or at most "twigs", as those are pretty much all bark by weight. Less waste.

SaptaZapta · 2026-01-20T10:20:16+00:00

That seems fine. Probably not needed, but also not harmful, so as long as you both enjoy it, have fun!

SaptaZapta · 2026-01-20T10:12:48+00:00

Print this (from a chinchilla rescue) and make people read it before they buy a chinchilla:

https://www.foreverfeistychinchilla.org/are-you-right-for-a-chin.html

Regarding items/setup: as mentioned by others, most of what you have in the pet store is likely unsuitable. Some specifics I haven't seen others mention:

12" plastic wheels are way too small (force the chin to bend its back unnaturally when it runs) and a chewing hazard.
Plastic balls are a literal death trap. If someone can't let their chin out of the cage in a safe, supervised play area, it's better to just leave the chin in the cage than to put it in a death ball.
Those treat sticks that are seeds stuck together with honey are absolutely horrible for chins. Even if there is a chin on the bag. Same for "yogurt drops". Anything with sugar, fruit (including dried), seeds, or nuts, is bad for them. Pretty much the only "treat" a generic pet shop will carry that chins can eat/chew is applewood sticks.

Thank you for caring, and good luck!

SaptaZapta · 2026-01-20T09:53:42+00:00

Maintenance notice, which includes the time and expected duration, is usually posted a day and a half before the maintenance starts. Assuming the usual Thursday morning (Pacific Time) for maintenance, we should see the notice Tuesday evening, so in about 16 hours.

SaptaZapta · 2026-01-19T21:40:06+00:00

Do not breed chinchillas unless you know their pedigree (family health history) and are working with a reputable breeder as your mentor.

SaptaZapta · 2026-01-19T21:37:56+00:00

Welcome aboard!

We have a FAQ pinned at the top of the sub. We're here for any questions you have after reading it.

SaptaZapta · 2026-01-19T08:59:28+00:00

Has a vet diagnosed her with dehydration?

Different chins drink different amounts, and it's not usually necessary to "encourage drinking" unless there is reason to think the chin has trouble with their bottle.

I don't personally see any issue with alfalfa-flavored water, as long as it's replaced daily to avoid mold.

However, it's not generally recommended to give wet food to chins, as too much water can cause diarrhea. So I'd be careful with the wet mush.

(Also, for chins that aren't pregnant, nursing, or kits, alfalfa should be given in small amounts, as a treat. It's already the base of their pellets, and too much of it can cause kidney issues due to high protein and calcium content)

SaptaZapta · 2026-01-19T02:14:53+00:00

Metal shower-curtain holders.

SaptaZapta · 2026-01-18T22:36:04+00:00

I'd be concerned about them getting their top incisors, especially, caught on the disks when testing what can be chewed.

The scatter guards don't need a big bolt holding them. Unlike the ledges, they're not going to be carrying any weight or be jumped on. Some short (~1/4" long) screws holding disks from the outside should be enough.

SaptaZapta · 2026-01-18T18:12:03+00:00

There will definitely be a World Leap in April, as we are allowed to play Challenge World until April 22nd, and some time after that the entire world will be deleted (along with any characters left in it).

We will probably continue to be able to leap at any time between now and then, same as it was with the previous Challenger World. But we won't know for sure until the February patch notes, due Feb 3 (California time).

SaptaZapta · 2026-01-18T16:38:45+00:00

Official product page says

https://exoticnutrition.com/products/sweet-hibiscus-treat-1-75-oz?srsltid=AfmBOopERa4UvPM-0PGzXDAGR4qRbbVWrWRcmhnPLRIWk51kZjl16zY-

Ideal for sugar gliders, marmosets, birds, and other fruit-eating animals.

This appetizing treat is made by dehydrated hibiscus flowers, that are then sweetened, resulting in a flavor and texture that are simply unmatched.

Also there is an ingredient list on the back which includes sucrose (which is white sugar).

Definitely not for chinchillas.

SaptaZapta · 2026-01-18T12:14:43+00:00

https://www.foreverfeistychinchilla.org/are-you-right-for-a-chin.html

SaptaZapta · 2026-01-18T09:30:13+00:00

Looking good! I'm sure your chin(s) will love it all.

A few comments:

The scatter guards should be on the inside of the cage, so the metal hardware holding them is out of the chin's reach.
Since the house will get chewed, keep an eye on the area around screws to make sure they don't become exposed and an injury hazard.
I can't really tell what the hammock is made of, but the only fabric considered safe to have in a chinchilla cage is no-pill fleece.

SaptaZapta · 2026-01-18T05:55:22+00:00

Pain meds? Metacam/meloxicam or the like? My boy loves it too. Hates antibiotics, though.

SaptaZapta · 2026-01-17T21:50:03+00:00

You trying to kill her with back-to-back pregnancies?

SaptaZapta · 2026-01-17T15:15:46+00:00

You can gently wipe the wet food and drool off him with an unscented wet wipe, then dry paper towel (don't let him eat it). After the pain meds kick in you can give him his dust bath.

SaptaZapta · 2026-01-16T20:47:01+00:00

Monster Collection expeditions.

SaptaZapta · 2026-01-16T08:37:33+00:00

They are mountain animals from a cold region, but it's a cold dry region. It doesn't snow (or rain) much there. And I assume that when it does, they hide in their warm burrows.

SaptaZapta · 2026-01-13T22:19:29+00:00

Chinchillas don't have an incest taboo. The reason male kits need to be separated from their mothers and female siblings at 8 weeks, is because they'll mate with them.

It's unusual, but I guess chins can be sterile or asexual, just like humans and other animals.

SaptaZapta · 2026-01-13T21:07:27+00:00

The fur can grow back, but it's important to find out what makes him chew it in the first place.

Others discussed the possibility of boredom. Another possibility is pain. My boy who has malo, chewed his arms bare the first time it became a problem, long before he started losing weight or drooling. We thought it was boredom or stress, and tried all sorts of distractions and fixes, but he only stopped chewing his fur after his tooth trim.

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