Chinchilla going vacant?

[riotheoleo]

My little boy lives alone but has lots of toys. Recently I've noticed his fur isn't as fluffy (we give him daily dustbaths) and also that he goes into these vacant trances. He just stands there for ages and when I normally stroke or tickle him, he nibbles my finger and runs around it but he just stands there, not moving and I can't even see him breathing. If I move his paws up and down he doesn't object and just follows them. Eventually he will go back to normal and start nibbling my finger but I'm worried as my second cousin does this as she has epilepsy. Should I take him to a vet? He's eating his pellets and drinking normally but he hasn't touched his hay for a few days...

 

[Deeds777]

These are characteristics of seizures for chins. If a chin is not responding for periods of time, it's better to have him looked it. This can be caused by epilepsy or heatstroke if your house isn't very cool.

 

[ElliesMama]

My chin goes into those frozen stances or what I like to call "day dream mode" sometimes, but she is perfectly fine and healthy. I think that's just something that they do. She'll run around, stop and freeze for a while as if she's hypnotized, and then go right back to being her hyper crazy self.

As for his fur, he may be getting ready to shed. Chinchillas go through shedding cycles, so his lack of "fluffiness" may be due to this. Also, you may want to limit the dust baths you're giving him. Too many can lead to dry skin.

If he's eating and drinking normally I don't think you need to worry!

 

[riotheoleo]

Thanks!

 

[Dreamlite]

What kind of dust do you use? A low quality dust and lots of handling can make a huge impact on how their fur looks

 

[Cuddlebug]

Chins can sleep with their eyes open and appear to be in a trance when they do it. This is because they are prey animals and need to be able to see what's coming. Some stop this behavior once they feel safe in their home.

 

[riotheoleo]

Ok thanks cuddlebug!
Dreamlite, he uses a chinchilla dust from a warehouse but that cannot be the problem of the fur as he has been using it his whole life.

 

[Dreamlite]

What brand? Is it powder or granular? Companies can change the quality of their dust which is why I asked.

 

[riotheoleo]

In the middle. It's like a very, very light sand.