My chinchilla is making a nest?

Question

ok, my chinchilla is really fat, drinking and eating more, and has been laying around a lot. during the past few days she has been pushing her bedding in one corner like she is making a nest. is this normal behavior for a pregnant chinchilla or does she just really enjoy making a mess with her bedding? i am not sure if she is pregnant or not, but if she is do i have to do anything special for her?

oh, and if you've seen this before about how long after do you think she will give birth?

thanks =)

Answer 1

Those do sound like some of the symptoms of a pregnant chinchilla.  The easiest way to know for sure is to check her nipples by feeling her belly (be careful not to push on her belly because this can cause her to loose the kits if she's pregnant; just gently move her fur aside until you find them).  During the first three months of a pregnancy they're just little bumps like normal, but after that they grow to become almost as long as her fur by the time she delivers (a pregnancy lasts between 109-120 days, on average 111 days).  If she is pregnant, that will give you some idea as to when she'll have the kits.

Answer 2

The kits are born with their eyes open and fully haired. We leave the kits with their mother for at least 7 weeks. During that time we hold them for short periods to get them ready for a human companion

If you suspect your female is pregnant remove the male and place her in the "maternity" cage. The male can be put back in with her 72 hours after the babies are born. Male chinchillas make good fathers; the only reason for removing the male is to prevent a breed back. The female will come into heat again soon after giving birth and the male is removed to prevent another pregnancy. A constant cycle of pregnancies and nursing wears down a female, so she should be allowed to recover between litters.

Caring for a pregnant chinchilla:

Care for your mom-to-be as usual, but make sure she has as little stress as possible. She needs plenty of peace and quiet, a good diet, and plenty of fresh water. Avoid any unnecessary handling and make sure she has a large nest box that is big enough for her and her babies. Otherwise leave the rest to nature. Female chinchillas usually don't have any trouble giving birth, but if she does have problems call the vet immediatly.

Caring for the babies:

After the babies are dry and have nursed you should handle them a little to get them used to people. Watch to make sure that each baby is nursing and that the kits aren't fighting. When you handle the kits for the first time it is also a good idea to weigh them. The kits should weigh between 1-3 ounces, if any weigh under an ounce they may not survive. The kit's bellies should be round and full, this lets you know that they are getting enough to eat. Usually mom has enough milk, but if she doesn't, if there are more than 3 babies, or if she can't produce milk you may have to hand feed or supplement the kits. The babies can be weaned at 6 weeks of age, but they can be left with their mother until they are about 10 weeks old. If the female looks like she could use a break and the kits are doing well then wean them early, but if the kits are small or the female is in good shape keep them together longer. Handling the kits frequently is important because it helps them adjust to their future homes better and they are more comfortable around people.