Can someone explain my chinchilla's whimpering?

Question

I brought home my pet chinchilla in May of this year and I think she's adjusted pretty well. She spends an hour and a half outside of her cage and we make sure to give her little treats like raisins and the occasional apple everyday.

My concern is that ever since the first day we brought her home, she's always made these strange whimpering sounds when someone picks her up to put her back in her cage or just to pet her. I'd like to know, does it have a special significance or do all chinchillas do that?

She makes all the other regular chinchilla sounds like, if she wakes up grumpy then she'll bark and if she's intimidated she'll cluck.

Should I have it checked out by a vet?

Answer 1

If your chinchilla is whimpering when touched/picked up, it is just a sign that she is uncomfortable and is trying to let you know. No need to have it checked out by a vet unless you notice 1. her poo's becoming irregular, 2. She stops drinking/eating 3. She becomes really lethargic

On another note, raisins and ESPECIALLY APPLES!! are !!*VERY*!! unhealthy for her. Chinchillas have sensitive stomaches that shouldn't be cluttered with unnecessary sugar. Here is a great forum for you to get even more info from many experience chinchilla breeders/ pet owners.

http://www.chins-n-quills.com/forums/ind...

Good luck

Answer 2

No, it's generally normal. Chins are just very vocal creatures. It could mean nothing. I wouldn't worry yourself. My chins randomly make noises, and when I hold them they squeak at me. If your chin bites you while holding, then that is a sign it doens't want to be held.

I actually wouldn't suggest going to that forum. A lot of people on there are VERY...erm..pissy. If you want info without being accused of something...I would suggest chins-n-friends.

Good luck!