help

[chris]

Hi I hope someone can help me i'm Sharon, Chris' other half and i've been left in charge of scrat and chip for a week. my question is do chipmunks pine? as chip wont come out of the cage even for his beloved peanuts. He just sits on top of his nesting box so scrat will only come out for one or two seconds then is back in cage spinning round in frount of chip. Help!!! is there something the matter with him. I'm only getting a short amount of time with them as i'm out at work and the chips are in bed when i get home. 

 I've made sure ive followed Chris' instructions, food, fruit, water etc. They do know me and will usually sit on me. I'm at a bit of a loss at this change in behaviour.

[Doghouse135]

Hi Sharon

I'm sorry but I'm not that experienced myself.  I will say though, one of mine was doing the same yesterday - wouldn't come out of his nestbox - I had to go to work and asked my hubby to txt me as soon as he saw him.  No more than 10 minutes later, out he jumped - happy as you like.  I think the changeable weather at the minute does make a difference at times.

Have you seen him eat or drink at all ?  Is he moving round the cage without any difficulty ?  Is it Chris that always lets them out, feed them etc?   It may just be the change in routine thats unnerved them

Let us know how you get on today

[chris]

Hi Sharon again. This morning scrat was out on top of the nest box, but as soon as I opened the cage he disappeared back in his box. Ive just put in some grapes, a satsuma and filled up food etc so chip stuffing his face but no sign of scrat.
I have let them out before but chris has always been there. However it's me that invents the peanut challenges so he does play with me.
Well I wont see them again now until tomorrow as by the time I get back the only thing that would get them out of their nest boxes is the hoover!!!!!! (only joking)

[tarcus/Kevin]

don't now where you live but i would suggest that the change in temperature is more likely to be the cause of erratic behaviour, that coupled with the shortened daylight will tend to put the most active chips in no mood to play all day.
Having said that they also have routines they get used to and will miss their favourite playmate for a little while until something new takes their attention (just like kids really)
I am sure there is nothing to worry about and they will be perfectly fine if not a little sulcky when he returns.

[Nate]

Hi Sharon , I would say the same as Doghouse135 and Tarcus, it's either a combination or one of two things, the drop in temperature (I know yours are indoors) and because Chris is not there.

All mine are indoors to, and it's lovely and warm inside for them. Even so some of mine love their time sitting on towels on top of the radiators, as if they are cold. But I'm sure they are aware of the change in seasons outside. Star has been very busy stocking up her nest tunnel. It's pretty much packed now, so she only comes out very briefly a couple of times a day to have a drink and a bite to eat. She used to spend lots of time on her wheel but for now she hardly looks at it. I've checked her out, and she still looks lovely, with a nice coat, and bright eyes, so I'm sure she has just slowed down for the winter. So has Pickles and Chloe, but the rest are as bonkers as ever, that's chippies for you.

They can get very attached to their owners, when I went away first mine actually sulked when I got back. Some of mine treat me as if I am their territory, and will chase others away from me. So even though they may not like being picked up, or want to sleep in your lap, they can still have a strong connection to a human, but always on their terms. Some similarities to cat behavior here. As Chris has spent the most time with your two chipies it's likely they are missing him in some way.

So I think you are not fully accepted as part of their colony yet, they know that winters here, and they have a different routine this week is all the problem is. Interesting creatures aren't they, but Chris should stop hogging them to himself and let you have a more time with them 

[Nate]

Forgot to mention, they might be a bit board, so if you have time get a box of ordinary face tissues and rip the tissues in to small leaf size pieces. Then just leave the ripped up tissues in their aviary. Mine seem to be on the look out for nesting stuff more so than normal, so this will keep them busy whilst you're out.

[Wilsy]

Hi All,

The tissues are a fab idea. I give them to mine and they go bonkers over them. I also cut up old tea towels and just push a corner through the bars. They will pull and pull until they have it all through. They use it as a flannel and start rubbing themselves along it as if to clean They have also snuggled up in it and fallen asleep.

Sarah

[chris]

I'll be back on Tuesday to see if they come out to play then.  It's kinda nice to know they may be missing me in a way though, as it would mean a bond has already been made.
I'm still checking the forum regularly but get little time to post until I get back on Monday evening.


Chris

[chris]

Hi it's Sharon... just to say thank you to you all for putting my mind at rest. I got to spend a large chunk of my day with them. Chip did come out and you're right the little rat is sulking with me. The tissue idea is brill. i'm gonna put a box in tomorrow. as for today I gave them water melon which he ignored until I went away then yipppeeeeee. Iv'e also been hiding peanuts (all of which they found). But thanks again as I was really worried.

[Nate]

you're right the little rat is sulking with me