What is a chinchilla fur slip?

What is a chinchilla fur slip?

Fur Slip is the automatic release of patches of fur when a Chinchilla is caught or mishandled. This condition should not be mistaken for shedding, which is a natural process in Chinchillas. In captivity, a frightened Chinchilla fur slips in an attempt to escape from being handled roughly or by someone unfamiliar.

Why is my chinchilla shedding so much hair?

Chinchillas are constantly renewing their coats. As new fur grows in, old fur is shed. Chinchillas will shed more at the change of seasons. In the spring/summer as temperatures rise, the chinchillas will shed more fur as a way to have better ventilation and air circulation within their coat.

Is it normal for chinchillas to lose fur?

With normal shedding, chinchillas lose small amounts of fur gradually from all over their bodies as the hair ages, falls out, and is replaced by new hair growing underneath.

When does a chinchilla lose all of its fur?

With normal shedding, chinchillas lose small amounts of fur gradually from all over their bodies as the hair ages, falls out, and is replaced by new hair growing underneath. This process is so gradual that obvious bald spots are not visible. With fur slip, however, a traumatic event precedes the hair loss.

Why does my Chinchilla have patchy hair?

Fur chewing in chinchillas is a common behavioral problem in which chinchillas chew on their own or their cage mates’ fur, resulting in a haircoat that looks patchy. Hair that grows back into the chewed regions may be shorter and darker than the original fur.

Can you pull the tail off a chinchilla?

You should never pull or yank a chinchilla’s tail to gain control of them, but you do have other options. Chinchillas do have fragile tails in the sense that they can be sprained and yes, the tip of the tail can break off under extreme duress.

When to take your Chinchilla to the vet?

If ever you notice patches of fur missing or notice that your chinchilla is self-harming take them to the vet immediately for an inspection. At the end of the day, chinchillas, being the small mammals that they are, are susceptible to a number of ailments, especially through the skin.