u/Ok-Ordinary7147

I’ve had my chin (Mabel, ~1yr?) for three weeks now, and I’ve noticed that sometimes when she looks entirely content and relaxed, her jaw is moving from side to side. It’s completely silent, there’s no drool, and she’s still pooping like it’s her job. Is this likely bruxing rather than grinding?

Probably unrelated, but she also alarm calls about every other day (usually at night but sometimes during the day when I am within her line of sight). What do we think? Just a happy weirdo? 🤞

I’m adopting a chinchilla today and am so excited! I have the cage, some hides, apple sticks, treats, food, and water bottle all set up. Unfortunately, the fleece liners I ordered for the shelves will be arriving today after I bring my little one home (ledges, pumice, wheel, and hammock will be here in a couple days). I want to keep things as peaceful as possible for her once she’s home, and am worried that putting her in the cage and then going back in to add the liners might cause her unnecessary stress. If I know the liners will arrive within an hour or two of getting home, would it be better to leave her in the carrier until then? It is fleece-lined, cool enough, and already has food inside. Just looking for some advice as to how to keep her as comfortable and happy as possible. Thanks!

I’m considering adopting a chinchilla as I know they’re wonderful pets and I’m missing an animal in my life. I had one when I was a kid, and his cage was in my bedroom with me; I vaguely remember a slight smell of hay, but there was no other real odor. I now live in a small studio apartment and am definitely more sensitive to odors than I used to be. I’m wondering if anyone could estimate how much of a smell, even if it’s just hay and bedding, I might experience throughout my 450-sq. foot space. I do have an air purifier but who knows how effective it really is. Thanks!