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Post by Deleted on Jul 23, 2017 8:08:30 GMT
Can I ask to see what evidence there is to back up your statement about bumblefoot in chinchillas? I'd love to read it x
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Post by randomname on Jul 23, 2017 8:30:07 GMT
The whole bumblefoot/mesh thing is both true & untrue (!) Bumblefoot has many causes, but it's generally a bacteria that invades a wound. For instance, our Stumpy degu had an amputation due to bumblefoot & lived in a Liberta, so no mesh. However mesh can irritate or cause injury to the foot allowing bacteria in. It doesn't always & does not cause bumblefoot in & of itself.
My dislike of mesh is that it is an absolute pain to clean, it's more likely to harbour bacteria unless you thoroughly blast it with a steam gun regularly. I binned all my mesh cages for that very reason. Also it must be hideous to walk on - just imagine all your floors being made of mesh & you being bare foot. It wouldn't kill you, but it would hurt. There is also the risk of catching a toe or foot that a solid floor does not pose. Humans did not originally wear shoes, so having tougher feet would be a bonus to us as a species. However this is redundant given our lifestyles now. We don't encourage kids to toughen their feet! I feel adding natural rocks & other rough surfaces would be a safer, kinder way to achieve the same goal for chinchillas.
On another note, I've just ordered some Flaxboise - which is like Auboise (hemp chips) but flax chips. It's softer than the hemp, but the same absorbency & look. It's only £8 for 20kg (around £1.50 cheaper than Auboise) so I hope it's a hit with all the animals.
Will report back when I have trialled it.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 23, 2017 10:01:58 GMT
Their feet are designed to hop on rocks. They need to build up clouses-either through wire floor, wood shelves, hard areas, otherwise there is no protection for the foot. I find fleece to be the worst for bumble foot as it both holds bacteria, and does not alow any level of callous building.
F10 vetenary disinfectant and a good scrub is personally easier than picking up shavings from all over the unit and rescue room.
ANYTHING can give bumblefoot if it is not clean or dry. Moisture and bacteria is the main cause of this. whilst mesh alows urine to go through to the tray below rather than sit and be walked in.
Whilst yes it does increase risks of being caught, 3/4 inch mesh is what is recommended to support feet. Wall surfing of cages is just as risky with slat bars, horizontal and vertical and falling through and snapping as they struggle. chins spend very little time on the floor but on shelves, hammocks ect.
Once again, trial and error based unless i go hunting for the articles published in the ncs and mcba. 90% of uk breeders use wire mesh floor- myself included with over 40 chins at present and never an instance of bumble foot, bar a rescue that came in with it due to unhygenic conditions, which was help with antibiotics and a mix of flooring.
Actually yes in many places humans do walk barefoof over rocks and stones, and build up these callouses on their own feet and they are toughened. I know after a week on just a beach and rocks my feet are fantastic! whereas if in shoes 24/7, they harbor bacteria. its very much a personal preference. unlike rats and such who are not designed to build up these calouses.
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Post by randomname on Jul 23, 2017 10:19:10 GMT
Yes, humans that live in nature often go barefoot, but those that live in urban areas do not. That was my point - that cages/domestication is much like urban living in that it negates the need to have toughened feet largely. You're also right that sweeping up shavings is a pain in the bum  my lot have their own hoover, but I can't persuade any of them to use it, I still have to do it I can't stand fleece either, is a terrible substrate & an environmental disaster. I prefer the more natural approach if possible. I don't use any fabrics or plastics for any of our lot. I think there are so many downsides to mesh for me I just gave up on it, but not for bumblefoot reasons. On a side note, am assuming you buy your vet disinfectant in bulk, can I ask what you use & how much it is? I use Formula H (not to be confused with Preperation H!!!!!!  ) & it's pretty stupidly priced. Am hoping I can find some cheaper. Not many people on here buy the vet's stuff in bulk, so never get to ask others what they use. |
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Post by Deleted on Jul 23, 2017 12:54:24 GMT
LOL yes don't confuse with preparation H 😂😂😂😂
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Post by Deleted on Jul 23, 2017 13:14:56 GMT
I think finding one that suits you can be really hard!!
F10 is amazing, i only buy 100 ml. but you only need 4 ml per 1 liter! so 100 ml can make 30 liters of liquid once made up, or if you have an infection present you use 8ml per 1 liter. I buy off ebay, 100ml is about 10-15£
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my lot have their own hoover, but I can't persuade any of them to use it, I still have to do it 
) & it's pretty stupidly priced. Am hoping I can find some cheaper. Not many people on here buy the vet's stuff in bulk, so never get to ask others what they use.