Hair rings only afflict male chinchillas, and are often the result of mating, or mounting cage partners. Literally, hair will wrap itself around the extended penis, and when the penis returns to its sheath irritation ensues. It is important to check your male at least once a month, more often if your chin is willing, or anytime you see that his penis is red, swollen or dripping urine (this is an extreme situations).

To perform a check:

- Checking will usually require two people, one to hold the chin, the other to actually check.
- Cradle the male chin on its back, he will probably try to cross his legs to hide his privates, and the person who is holding him should place a hand behind him on his back and one at his bottom, and use a finger to hold the legs down
- The person who is checking should take a very small amount water based lubricant or a small amount water, and use it to lubricate the area.
- Then gently push the cone shaped sheath back, taking great caution, and the penis should begin to extend
- Grab the penis and gently pull on it to extend it all the way
- You should be able to see any hair rings, and if you do, gently remove it by rolling it off.
- For extreme hair rings that are stubborn to remove, either soak the chins bottom area in water to loosen the hair ring (if you can do this, sometimes the chin will not comply easily) or take it to a vet.
- After doing this, watch your male chin and make sure his penis returns to the sheath

Performing these checks are absolutely necessary, and if you do not think you are capable of performing this check once a month, you should consider getting a female instead of a male.