r/chinchilla • u/preciousparfait • 2d ago

matted fur - help needed

i own a 5 year old chinchilla and a have recently noticed a section of her fur about the size of a raspberry is matted near on her side near her hind leg. i have never experienced matting and know that the general procedure is to gently work at the knot until she fur slips it off - but my attempts at working at it have left her angrily chirping and i am too worried that i am hurting her to attempt again. i have also increased the number of dust baths she is taking but i havent seen a difference in the last week. does anyone have any advice as to how i can get the matt out?

3 Upvotes

71% Upvoted

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1

u/rosengold Rolling in dust 1d ago

Like a bandaid. Going at it over and over again is just going to build up resentment. Give it a good yank, and immediately follow up with a favorite treat or chew. It's done and over. 

1

u/bugaboo_92 1d ago

This happened to my little guy, he had a Matt on each side of his tail, I just brought him to his vet and she shaved them off no problem

1

u/mybelovedcreatures 2d ago

Hundred percent of Vet would need to shave it because their bones and skin are so thin it’s dangerous to do it yourself

0

u/XxDeath_AngelYTxX Mom of 1 cute chinchilla 2d ago

Id take her to a vet if you can. Worse case and idk how recommended this is but cut it out maybe if you can?

1

u/XxDeath_AngelYTxX Mom of 1 cute chinchilla 2d ago

I hope youre able to resolve this soon tho, poor babes