A Squinty Eye & A Trip to the Vet

A Squinty Eye & A Trip to the Vet

Last night I noticed something wasn’t quite right with Pippin’s little face. His left eye was squinty, watery, and just didn’t look normal. He was still eating and drinking, but he seemed a bit quieter than usual, and any chin parent knows—those tiny changes matter.

This morning, his eye was still weepy and half-closed.

The good news?

When we checked his new, MUCH larger cage, we found evidence that he had a busy night. He chewed his bamboo stick, nibbled his timothy braid, dragged it up to the upper level like a proud little builder, ate all his pellets, and pulled hay around the cage. So behavior-wise, he’s still being Pippin.

But a squinty chin eye is never something to ignore.

Chinchillas hide pain incredibly well, and small symptoms can mean something is brewing. So today he’s going in for an emergency appointment with the exotic vet. We’re lucky to have an Exotic Specialist on staff where I work, so he’ll be seen right away.

My hope is that it’s something simple—maybe dust irritation or a tiny abrasion. But we won’t take chances with eyes. When a chin says “something feels off,” you listen.

I’ll update once we know more.

Send good thoughts and a tiny raisin (the virtual kind—he’s had enough treats today).

Squeaks & Snacks,

Pippin & Heather 

Welcome to Our Little Corner of the Chin World

 

Welcome to Our Little Corner of the Chin World

Hi friends — Heather here, and welcome to the very first post on Pippin’s Pawprints!

If you’re reading this, chances are you love chinchillas… or you’re curious about what it’s like to share your home with one of these fluffy, ridiculous, wonderful little personalities. Either way, we’re happy you’re here.

Pippin is our resident Brown Velvet chinchilla — cuddly, soft, learning his way in the world, and absolutely convinced that every sound a bag makes means “snacks.” His favorite treats? Bee pollen, raisins, Cheerios… honestly, he’s never met a treat he didn’t like. We’re working on moderation — he’s working on convincing us he deserves seven a day.

Pippin is also the chin that brought us back into the chinchilla world after a long break. I’ve loved chins since 1998 and have cared for many over the years — including fosters and even a tiny newborn who needed round-the-clock bottle feeding after being rescued from a dangerous situation. That baby survived, flourished, and taught me more about fragility and resilience than I ever expected.

Life took me away from chin ownership for a while… but then came Pippin.

And suddenly, I remembered everything I loved about them — their sass, their sweetness, their quirks, their curiosity, and their ability to steal your heart with one whiskered sniff.

So, this blog will be a little bit of everything:

• Pippin’s taming journey and adventures

• Enrichment ideas and cage upgrades

• Safe treats and food tips

• Care education for new and experienced owners

• A place to share what we learn as we grow

• And someday, updates as our chin family expands

Whether you’re here to learn, smile, or just fall in love with a fluffy face — welcome.

We’re glad you found us.

Tiny paws. Big stories.

Stay tuned — Pippin has a lot to say.

Squeaks & Snacks,

Pippin & Heather