How chubby can they be?

[eycamry]

HELP!!! One of my girls is getting fatter and fatter everyday. We've only had these two girls for three weeks and have been literally seeing their size difference getting bigger. :banghead: I seriously doubt that she is pregnant. What should I do? Will I need to separate her into another cage and feed her healthier diet? That would be so cruel. They love each other so much. :nolove: Please any suggestions are appreciated. :confused:

[IndyChinChick]

Why do you seriously doubt that she is pregnant? Is there any chance she could be? You might want to check into that so you can be ready for the kits if they come.
How is her activity level? Does she get plenty of exercise? Are they sisters or unrelated? Chins come in different sizes. Mine range anywhere from 500 grams (he's tiny) to well over 600 and I only have 4 chins. It could just be that she's built bigger. How much of a difference are we talking in the last 3 weeks? Do you have a scale? Have you weighed them?
What kind of diet are they on? No chin should be receiving an "unhealthy" diet. Pellets and hay are all they need, with the occasional treat. A raisin, a shredded wheat (unsweetened), a rose hip, etc are all good treats for a chin ONCE a day and no more.

[eycamry]

Why do you seriously doubt that she is pregnant? Is there any chance she could be? You might want to check into that so you can be ready for the kits if they come.
How is her activity level? Does she get plenty of exercise? Are they sisters or unrelated? Chins come in different sizes. Mine range anywhere from 500 grams (he's tiny) to well over 600 and I only have 4 chins. It could just be that she's built bigger. How much of a difference are we talking in the last 3 weeks? Do you have a scale? Have you weighed them?
What kind of diet are they on? No chin should be receiving an "unhealthy" diet. Pellets and hay are all they need, with the occasional treat. A raisin, a shredded wheat (unsweetened), a rose hip, etc are all good treats for a chin ONCE a day and no more.

We adopted both them from a shelter three weeks ago. So... don't really know much about their past. The previous owner left them and a cat outside of the shelter one night. I would assume that they were all he/she had, no male chins.
No, we do not have a scale to weigh them. Should I get one? Can she be obese? We are letting them out to play every night for 30-45 minutes. They are both very active. This chubby one is a great jumper. She finds every way to get out of the playpen. Last night, she even jumped over the 2ft tall fence and landed perfectly outside. They would both lay down on their sides after play time almost everyday. I assume they had plenty of exercise and were exhausted.
The pellets, hay and treats were bought from Petsmart. Treats are given once a day, just 2 tiny bits each.
What if she is pregnant? How do I tell? Can I feel it if I touch her tummy? Are pregnant chins active?

[luvothechase]

are you SURE they are both female? i would advise against messing with her stomach if you really think she's preg. you may cause her to miscarry

[eycamry]

are you SURE they are both female? i would advise against messing with her stomach if you really think she's preg. you may cause her to miscarry

Yes, I am 100% sure they are both females.

[SimpsonsFan]

You definately should get a scale!!! Go to Wal-mart, or any other discount store like that, and check in the kitchen section. But,m please don't buy one of those crappy non-digital scales, spend the extra couple bucks and get a digital one, it's nearly impossiable to get a weight on them, with that stupid needle jumping all over the place!!! Heck, it's hard with a digital one, they move around quite a bit. Might be a good idea to put a bowl on top of the scale, and put 'em in. I actually have a little cage biult around mine, but a bowl should work for now.

[ChilliBooBoo]

When they are young they grow fast, some faster than others. I have a 9 month old female that is HUGE!!! I haven't weighed her but she dwarfs my 14 month old male. She's just built big, she has BIG ears and a LONG tail, she's beautiful. Even with all of that weight she's fast as ****, faster than my little guy. Though I'm far from an expert I'd look for changes in behavior, diet, energy level, and attitude toward other chins and you to determine if she's pregnant. Hope I was of some help to you.

[crittercagesnc]

It could be that they weren't on a good feed for a long time and now they are making up for it. Do check with a vet about poss preg but otherwise DON'T limit thier feed. Chins don't "over eat" to the point of danger (unless it is stuff like raisins - other treats).
PS good for you for adopting chins in need of a good home!!!!! Be forwarned though - chins are ADDICTIVE!

[eycamry]

Thanks everyone. I think she is just a big girl. We are going to get a wheel for them and let them have a little more exercise. And definitely less treats, if I can persuade my hubby. He spoils them.

We ARE addicted to them already! Since day ONE!

[j0cy0223]

They're probably just getting chubby because they are well take care of. =] My chin has gotten a lot chubbier since I brought him home. He's just been eating a lot more and exercising a lot more.

Sometimes ~ it may just be the thick fur that makes them look chubbier.