a little help??

[mr_kajey]

Hey, new to the forum, and also new to chipmunks so please bare with me, i have read a book....and searched the net but as with my reptiles i know information is best from people with hands on information 

I recently re homed a 6 month chipmunk from a lady... I was always under the impression your supposed to keep more than one as the local pet shop will ONLY sell them in pairs...

My problem is when he first arrived here he had no toys, so i spent a few days purchasing play houses, ropes and ladders for him to which he seems to totally enjoy... I also bumped his diet up from plain hamster food after reading the book and included an abundance of different fruit, veg, nuts and seeds....again he seems to be in his element.....But.......he is pacing backwards and forwards along one section of his cage, I'm not sure if hes stressed or what?? I thought it may just be down to boredom still and maybe loneliness in which case i am looking for a mate asap...but again i am no expert? anyone know why the little fellas pacing?

[jinkim65]

If his cage is a bit small he will pace. Let him out for a run (if he's an indoor chippie) and he will love that.

Saying that, mine sometimes get into their routine runs (not pacing, just random laps which they'll do for a bit, then change it), but they come out everyday for a good free run around the living room. They even have their routine laps that they do in the living room, which can make it easy for me when I want to catch them, but they've worked out my ways and now switch it up more often if they suspect its time to go back in the cage.

As long as you're sure he's getting enough exercise and that he's given the chance to have a good run in a big space, then I wouldn't worry too much.

Oh and welcome!! 

[pinkpill]

i wouldnt worry too much one my chips angel constantly paces in her cage in a very small space of it even when she has full range of my lounge and a chocca block full of toys cage. what sex is it? as maybe it wants to mate 

[mr_kajey]

He is a male, roughly 6 months so hes still very young....and I must say he does have surprisingly big testicles for such a small animal so that could be a factor!

Ive only had him here a week, Ive let him have a good run around the bedroom away from the dog where its nice and safe for him... but haven't let him out so much as i wanted him to settle in a little before he has me chasing after him ha ha! luckily he climbs back into his cage when hes had enough so saves me the chase.

On the whole he is very chilled, spends 90% of the day relaxing on his corner porch watching our daily activities, but his pacing looked to be a little erratic..

Thanks for your help, will get him out more regularly as hes settled very quickly in the transition from the shoe cu board tucked away to the living room where he gets plenty of interaction..  hoorah for chipmunks

[pinkpill]

i think the pacing can look very eratic like i say my angel is the same and she she goes back in her cage fine too i think some chippies are just a bit more hyper than others but i shouldnt worry try some peanut butter on your fingers or some monkey nuts or some fruit to try and tame him more so he'll come and sit on you 

[Dragon35]

I have an outside avairy and one of my girls jumps from one panel to another in a loop she has always done this and there are plenty of toys to play with so he might just be very playful.

[hollysmithy]

im soo glad its not just my chipmunk jump he paces n he comes out for a run in the conservatory
n they have lots of stuff to play with soo atleast i dont feel bad about it now 

[candyfloss]

It sounds like most of us have a chip that's a bit looney!  One of mine runs along the wooden bridge, up the side of the aviary, along the roof back to the wooden bridge then repeats this at least 5 times!

The rest of the chips just sit there watching as if to say "and your point is??"