I had a pet chinchilla and it was the meanest critter I ever had! I had to use a thick glove to take it out when I had to change her cage. I had her ever since she was a baby too, so she hadn't been mistreated or anything. Also, when they bite, they have razor sharp teeth and boy do they HURT! I'm sure there's nice ones out there. but I haven't seen one. I think they're more or less an 'ornamental' pet. One to look pretty, but not to play with.