chin health

I have three chinchillas and recently I had to make a move and I was only able to take one chin, my roommate promised to take care of my other two chins. I went to check on them and both of them appear to me to be deathly skinny, when I left they were nice and round now they have lost some hair and weight, but they are acting normal. I am scared! I can't get into the vet for a couple of days, I need some quick advice, I'm desperate!!!!!!

[Sassy]

I would give them some Nutri-cal (can be found in the cat or dog section of most pet stores) and get some food and hay into them right away. Get them to the vet as soon as you possibly can.

Thanks Sassy! I appreciate the advice, I've had chinchillas for several years and never had problems until I had a friend take care of them, or should I say not take care of them.

[Sassy]

How long has she been taking care of them (or not)? Have they had access to water? Dust baths? Has she done anything for them or with them?

I brought them home and have been giving them plenty of food, water and attention and in the last 24 hours or so they have been doing great !! They have already gained weight and appear much happier I just pray everything will come out fine Question can a chin gain weight to fast? Does age have anything to do with it Niki is 10 and her son Austin is 5?

[Christi]

Years? Wow? Um, you don't keep them caged together, do you? I would think that gaining weight too fast could be as bad as losing it so be careful.

I haven't kept them in the same cage since Austin was 1, he wanted to hump her so I put an end to that but they all play together, they like having their own cages. They are very spoiled and somewhat mad at me but I'm mad at myself That will never happen again!!!!!!