Welcome to Let's Love Chinchillas
  • Welcome
    • Join us on Facebook
    • Join Our Group
    • Join us on Instagram
    • Thank you!
    • Contact
    • Disclaimer / Terms of service
  • Our rescue mission
    • Foster / Adoption Forums
    • Care questionnaire
    • Adoptable Chinchillas
    • Adoption Information
    • Need to Surrender?
    • Donate
  • Owning a Pet Chinchilla
    • Cages >
      • Cage Suggestions
      • Cage Examples
    • The Chinchilla
    • Basic Chinchilla Care >
      • Diet
      • Proper Handling
      • Home Environment
      • Wheels
      • Bonding Chinchillas >
        • Introducing a new chin
    • Rescuing
    • New Owner Check List
    • Mutations
    • Male Vs. Female
  • Chinnie Boutique
  • Medical
    • DISCLAIMER
    • Summer Warning!
    • Be prepared.
    • Quarantine / Pregnancy Watch
    • Proper Sexing
    • Paws
    • Teeth
    • Heat Stroke
    • Sprains, Fractures, Broken Limbs & Amputations
    • Problems with Fur
    • Hair Rings
    • Ringworm
    • E-cone
  • D.I.Y
    • Processing Wood >
      • Safe wood / Chews
      • Kiln Dried Wood
      • Coconut
    • Chinchilla Cookies
    • Dyeing Loofah
  • Printables!
Picture

What is a hair ring?

A hair ring is formed when loose fur gets trapped in the sheath of a male chinchilla's penis. As the penis retracts, it rolls the loose fur up inside. Just as knots form in hair, a knot can form in the sheath of the penis. Hair rings should be routinely checked for in order to keep your pet happy and healthy. 

Misconception: It is commonly believed among pet owners that chinchillas only used for breeding or kept in mixed-sexed pairs can get hair rings. This is false. A single male chinchilla can, and will most likely get hair rings. Even two males caged together can get hair rings due to dominance humping. 
Picture

What are signs of a hair ring?

Common signs of hair rings are:
  • Excessive grooming of the gentiles
  • Discharge from the penis 
  •  A prolapsed penis
  • Discoloration
  • Discomfort
  • Problems urinating // Not urinating
  • Problems mating 

Health risks

Generally a well-kept chinchilla will perform a hair ring check on his own, however some hair rings are very difficult to remove. This is why it's important for a owner to perform a hair ring check. 

A hair ring left around the penis can cause many issues. Some complications include Urinary Retention ( which can lead to  Urinary tract infections, Kidney issues, bladder damage, etc. ) , loss of circulation ( which can lead to tissue damage, blood poisoning). 

How to check for a hair ring

First, you need to know where to look. 
Picture
Picture
A male chinchilla has a scrotum ( not always visible ) , a penile cone, and a anus. You will also notice a rather large gap between the penile cone and anus. To check for a hair ring, you need to properly secure your pet so he does not jump around. You may need to seek the help of a friend. 
How to properly hold a Chinchilla
Once you have your chinchilla properly secured, you can gently work the penis out of the sheath. It takes some patients, but can be achieved. If you seem to be having complications in doing so you can use a water-based lubricant to help ease the process. 
Picture
Picture
When and if you find any fur trapped on or around the penis you will need to remove it. A ring should be able to be worked off, and a small cluster of fur should be able to be pulled off gently. It can take some time, but the goal is to be as gentle as possible. 

Picture
Fur can vary in color depending on Mutation.
Picture
This is a RING which was wrapped around the penis
If you can not remove the hair ring on your own, you will need to visit your Exotic vet and have them do the procedure.  It's neccissary to have it removed and part of being a responsible owner. 

How often should you check?

To start, you should check monthly for a hair ring. Once you get to know your pet's hygiene you can determine how often you need to check. A animal who is known to handle hair rings on their own only needs to be checked every few months, but a chinchilla known to be lazy should be checked once or twice a month. 

** Note, you should watch your pet after checking for a hair ring. If the penis does not fully retract you should go to the vet. **

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
  • Welcome
    • Join us on Facebook
    • Join Our Group
    • Join us on Instagram
    • Thank you!
    • Contact
    • Disclaimer / Terms of service
  • Our rescue mission
    • Foster / Adoption Forums
    • Care questionnaire
    • Adoptable Chinchillas
    • Adoption Information
    • Need to Surrender?
    • Donate
  • Owning a Pet Chinchilla
    • Cages >
      • Cage Suggestions
      • Cage Examples
    • The Chinchilla
    • Basic Chinchilla Care >
      • Diet
      • Proper Handling
      • Home Environment
      • Wheels
      • Bonding Chinchillas >
        • Introducing a new chin
    • Rescuing
    • New Owner Check List
    • Mutations
    • Male Vs. Female
  • Chinnie Boutique
  • Medical
    • DISCLAIMER
    • Summer Warning!
    • Be prepared.
    • Quarantine / Pregnancy Watch
    • Proper Sexing
    • Paws
    • Teeth
    • Heat Stroke
    • Sprains, Fractures, Broken Limbs & Amputations
    • Problems with Fur
    • Hair Rings
    • Ringworm
    • E-cone
  • D.I.Y
    • Processing Wood >
      • Safe wood / Chews
      • Kiln Dried Wood
      • Coconut
    • Chinchilla Cookies
    • Dyeing Loofah
  • Printables!