Knowing People who Run a Chinchilla Rescue is Dangerous – Meet Gregg and Grace

The problem with knowing poeple who run a chinchilla rescue is, I come home with chins! I don’t mean to – it just happens. There’s a chin which comes in, is either a physical wreck or a sob story or needs nursing …….. or all 3 – Meet Gregg and his Mrs, Grace.

Gregg is a tiny little scrap of a chinchilla who has been living with Roman and Jane for a few weeks now. I met him when I first went to visit and was immediately smitten with his little face. Despite huge adversity, Gregg is a determined little fella and he gets around remarkably well considering he seems to have almost no control over his back legs. He munches away at his food, snuggles up to his girly, and generally seems pretty content. He also has nibbled ears which are permanently set back, making him look constantly pensive.

How Cute is This Face?

Gregg's Adapted Chinchilla Cage

I have adapted Chloe’s old cage for him so that he can get around – there’s a ramp with carpet (hessian backed pure wool) for grip so that he does not have to jump up or down onto the shelves – although, as he has proven on more than one occasion, he is perfectly capable of doing so!!  He also has Chloe’s original underfloor heated box for his comfort.

Gregg quite often stands on the ramp to eat his Readigrass or hay from the rack – Grace uses it as a springboard. She also spends a large portion of the evening/night rearranging all the cage furniture and seems to enjoy doing so as noisily as she possibly can!

Grace was a bit shy and retiring when she arrived – you can see her under the ramp in the first picture, not quite sure whether this bigger cage was acceptable or not ………..
In the last week she has come out of her shell completely!! Now when I open the door this is what I find:
“While she’s not looking I can make my escape ……… oh no! She’s seen me!! Nope, I’m not planning anything – honest”

Grace Ready to Escape

Gregg has settled in very well and seems to be enjoying his new accommodation – the heated box is proving highly addictive.
I have deliberately moved his food bowl as far away from where he sleeps as possible – Roman, Jane and I are hoping that the combination of stimulation, warmth, acupuncture, and a little exercise will help him. He is pottering about his cage with interest and likes to see what is going on when I am in the bedroom – watching TV or reading or on the laptop etc.

Interestingly, he has adapted to his disabilities and with his wobbly legs he leans against the mesh of the cage or a solid object to support himself – especially if he is washing or eating.

Gregg Leaning on the Cage Mesh

I have the feeling that nothing will stop this little chap from getting what he wants when he wants it – he’ll fit right in!