Plug...?

[Sendra]

Found this in Tribble's cage, she's a 3 year old female. I've researched and it looks like a copulatory plug, but she's never been near another chinchilla, let alone a male. Pictured next to a box of matches for size comparison. It's the consistency of dried elmer's glue. (Though I know it's not glue now.) She had one the year before and I had assumed it was somehow a chunk of non-toxic elmer's glue. (Though there is no way for there to have a chunk of glue this large in her cage!)

What exactly is this thing?

 

[Claire D]

That's an oestrus or heat plug. Females can drop those when they are in season.

A mating plug is similar except it is full because it contains semen.

 

[Sendra]

Thank you so much for your quick reply Claire! <3

 

[Claire D]

You're most welcome.

I must say, I'm impressed - you've got good eyesight to have found two plugs - some people never see them so thank you for sharing the photo. :yes:

 

[BooBoo*TheKiddo*]

I've got 4 females and only ever saw one, so very good eyes.

And thanks for sharing a photo

 

[Sendra]

I'm OCD about keeping her cage nice and neat, so I give it quick poop spot cleans every morning and night. Probably why I noticed it.