Originally posted by RogueFerret
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.


I have NEVER seen a mean or agressive chinchilla ever! My chin is the sweetest boy ever, he is a PEW named Chinchilly Willy. He has never bit us, not has ever tried. Although since he was not neutered he tried to show his affeciton to my fuzzy slippers and sometimes my hand when I put it int he cage....uh hum.


Chinchillas make great pets! They have some special needs as all pets do, and can be stressed very easily. They should not be housed by pet birds because this can easily send them into a heart attack. They need to have regular dust baths as well as hidey areas or they will lose their fur, and if stressed will actually pluck it out. They are prone to ringworm but if you go to your local nursery they have a plant fungal thingy you can add to their dust bath. I would have to look it up as I do not recall what it is called. I have never had any problems with ring worm though thank goodness as it is contagious to humans. And NO it is not a worm lol.


They cannot have sugar because they cannot process sugar well and it could lead to diabetes.


So again, chins can make very good pets as long as you do your homework first.