Joeychinchilla
Hobby Breeder,Self Funded Small Rescue & Re-home Based in Eastleigh,Near Southampton,Hampshire UK
Fur Fugus
Fur fungus
Fur fungus affects chinchillas fungi grows on the skin of the chinchilla irritating the outside layer of skin and then going further into the skin. This causes the chinchilla’s fur and sometimes whiskers to fall off and can be very uncomfortable for the chinchilla.
Fungus cause
Fungi can be caused by several different things.
Chinchilla’s not getting enough light or the air is too moist and stagnant.
Fungus spreads
Fungus is an airborne disease, and can be spread through the air or by hand, and by sharing dust-baths.
As long as you tackle the problem quickly and carefully you can try to prevent it going through your complete herd.
Ensure your cages have been properly cleaned and ensure the humidity is low below 70 make sure air circulation is good and the chinchillas have light during the day light hours, That way it should clear your herd quickly.
How Fungus looks
Many people confuse fur fungus with fur chewing, as it can look similar.
You normally find fungus around the nose or tail area, sometimes whiskers will break too and you will see flaky skin on the areas infected. The chinchilla may be rubbing these areas more than they would when cleaning normally.
The chinchilla by touching these areas will be spreading the fungus all over their body and fur will fall out.
Fur fungus Cure
I find it best to treat the whole herd that way you are preventing the fungus spreading, to do this add some fungus stop (or athletes foot powder) to the chinchillas dust-bath.
You can also treat it with the powder being put directly onto the infected and surrounding area (for about 5 days) but still include some in the chinchilla’s dust-bath.
You can also treat the area with alcohol which will kill the fungus but can cause skin irritation if used more than 3 or 4 times.
Make sure dust-baths are kept to their correct cages (do not share between cages).
Ensure the cage is disinfected.
Make sure you wash your hands after treating each chinchilla.
In severe cases you may need to take your chinchilla to the vet to get a prescription medication.
IF IN ANY DOUBT TAKE YOUR CHINCHILLA TO THE VET
A question we get asked from time to time is "why does my chinchilla have dry ears?" this can happen from many things, dust bath left in the cage too long is the most common reason, the easiest way to treat it is a tiny amount of baby oil on the tip of the ear's and rubbed in gently.
Obviosly if you think it could be caused by something else, always consult your vet
