new owner

[chipsmum]

hi just looking for some advice, ive recently got a chipmunk from my father in law as he cant look after it anymore, (male and called chip). He seems happy enough but has been making squeaking noises, just wondering if this is normal or not?
Thanks

[mazmich13]

Hi
Does Chip only make the noise when you are in the room (I take it Chip is indoors). If he makes the noise when you are in the room, it maybe just that he is a little worried about you because he is unsure of you.
The best thing to do is keep talking to Chip and feed him a few peanuts he will soon come around.
Sometimes mine squeak or chirp when they are unsure of something or someone new comes into the living room where there house is.
Shell

[Doghouse135]

Hi and welcome  

It's probably normal but it's easier if you can tell us what he's doing when he makes these noises.  Is he alert and/or swishing his tail - is he active or sitting completely still when he does it?  Is he in a room with any electrical equipment - tv's, pc monitors etc ?

There is a variety of chipmunks sounds on the 'net if you search for them.  I've tried to copy and paste a link but don't seem to be able to this evening for some reason.

They make lots of different noises but I'm sure if he's eating and mooching round his cage, then he's probably just  settling in.  My chippies make a loud chipping sound that sounds a little bit like a bird chirping.  

[chipsmum]

Hi yes he is indoors, it does sound like a bird cheeping,  he is eating and drinking fine and i am sitting talking to him, there is a tele in the room and also my 4 year old noisy daughter!!
It only seems to be at night time he does it,  also can you tell me wat is best for on the bottom of cage as i use sawdust and iv been told cat litter pellets are good or hay?? Any advice would be great.

[Nate]

Hi Chipsmum, welcome to the board.

If Chip has come from a home where it was quite in the evening he could be a bit upset. It's good if you keep a chipmunk where there are people during the day, but in the evening they like to get to sleep early. They tend to go off to their nests about 5pm this time of year, but stay awake until at least 9pm. But they easily get spooked in their nests if there is noise outside their home. So during the day chipmunks like to see someone around but in the evening and through the night they like it quiet.   

Some owners say to avoid sawdust, as the fine particles can clog up their noses. I find the wood type cat pellets work fine, but never use the synthetic cat pellets which absorb moisture. If a chip swallows these you could end up with an expensive vets bill. So i use wood cat pellets or wood chips, which i cover liberally with meadow hay.

[chipsmum]

      Thanks i will use the wooden cat pellets, i think maybe that is why he is making the noises as he is fine during day its only evening he squeaks!! Also what is the best sort of food to buy and fruit, he loves grapes and apples and oranges but what else can i give him??

[Nate]

I think nearly all chipmunks like raw super sweetcorn and pomegranates. But chipmunks do vary quite a bit from each other in their food tastes. Some really like bananas, but mine won't even touch them.

To get you started take a look at the food pages on the main site to give you an idea:

Dry food:

http://www.super-chipmunks.co.uk/dryfood.php

Fresh food:

http://www.super-chipmunks.co.uk/freshfood.php

[Doghouse135]

I put wood shavings in half of their cage and then either compost or peat in the other side.  The chippies love to burrow, dig and roll around in the peat especially if it's a little damp on a warm day.

The only downside is that the carpet surrounding the cage gets covered 

[chipsmum]

Thanks for the advice but i think i will stick to wood pellets, Chip makes enough mess with the wood shavens as it is 
Also is it too late to try let Chip out his cage, we think he is roughly 7 yrs old and been told life expectency is about 8!!   I have only had him 3 days and have fallen in love with him haha.

[chris]

Hello Chipsmum and welcome 

Our chipmunks love satsumas, pomegranates, mango,and we tried them on Cherries today. Wow they loved them! and as for peanuts we try to give them puzzles and make their favorite food a little more tricky to obtain by putting obstacles in their way, hiding them etc. So far not too much trouble for them lol.
But do try peat in a pot. You can see the joy as they burrow, scatter etc

Chris