Chinchillas

[Whisk_Luva]

Ok so if we dont get a dog my parents say we can get another pet. (Though my mum will not decide on the dog thing until about June 20th) So the thing is finding a pet that my family like. My mum doesnt like cats, rabbits, mice or rats- so that rules them all out!

So that leaves a second hamster or a chinchilla (as much as we love our guinea pigs we cant have anymore! Our garden has basically no grass left! ).

So I have done some basic research on Chinchillas- and I must say how gorgeous they are!!! They seem good pets- a very long life span though come to think of it..........

But anyway ANY advice on Chinchillas will be a great help

Thanks

Ellie

[CathyBogart]

Let me ask you something - what are you looking for in a pet?

I love chinchillas.....BUT

They are not usually an animal that likes to snuggle or even be handled overly much. There are always exceptions, of course, but most chinchillas like to bounce around and pause occasionally for a brief pet/ear rub. They DO get to be very fond of their people, but most of them never get to be cuddly pets.

This is one of the top reasons they are surrendered to the rescue near me.

If you know this (which you probably did since you've done your homework ) and don't mind a more independent pet, then go for it! There are a LOT of chins available through rescues so keep an eye on petfinder.

The hardest thing for me when I foster them is keeping my place cool enough for them to be comfortable. I try to never let my place get above 78 when I have chillas, and that can get expensive.

If you do get one, I'd recommend that when you take it for its initial vet visit you request a fecal smear to test for giardia, which is one of the most common chinchilla ailments. Oh, and post a lot of pictures for us! :P

[Whisk_Luva]

Ok! I am not looking to sqeeze it or anything- I heard they dont like that- but I heard they like to climb on there owners.

I live in England- the temp isnt usually to high but it is meant to be this summer but then we are getting air conditioning (we hope!)

And if we do get one of course you will never be short on pictures

Thank you for you help.

Ellie

[Hellow]

I have no personal experience, but i am told they behave similarly to hampsters.

[Whisk_Luva]

Sorry must just tell you.. it is spelt Hamster



They are not similar to hamsters. Not really- apart from they live in a cage. Thats the only similar thing I can find about them to be honest--- chinchillas dont like being handled- hamsters do. Chinchillas cant live in warm temps etc.

[Hellow]

Well, thats what i was told. And, sorry about my spelling on Hamster

[Jacquetee]

I just accidentally saw this sight, but as I read the post I thought maybe I should tell what I know about Chinchillas.
They make wonderful pets, no smell..beautiful creatures, little aliens...but...they are expensive to have...the cost of a cage alone should be about $200 or it will be too small. Many wood toys..a hammock..jumping wooden shelves. The bigger the cage the better. The usual size is about 30"x18"x4' that is feet high. I owned a chin, I loved her..but she was lonely..and I gave her to a rescue and she now lives cuddled with another chin. They have to live in no higher temperature that 75 degrees...you have to know that each hair folicle has 60 hairs growing out of one..they get over heated easily and die. They need a chin chiller..that is a marble square they can sit on if they over heat. They can only eat certain food and it is better to buy it on line rather than a petstore, as they usually do not have the quality a chin needs. Their teeth grow during their whole life, so you have to buy wood that is specally treated..never cedar anything the oil in cedar will kill the chin. They chew wood...so if they are out the baseboards will be chewed..they need much attention. They do get lonely, but they do not like to be held, they are NOT cuddly. They need out time and watched like you would a child, so they do not get themselves in trouble, like chewing a cord, or squeezing into a tight place that they can't get out from. I read where one person said she will pay to "ship" a chin!!! They do NOT "ship" a chin..if anyone would...well I cant imagine anyone doing that. So if you can't afford to buy a chin...chances are you can't afford to have one..as I said they are expensive. Dust baths..toys..all the things they need and the specail food. They cannot eat any sugar..they can have one raisin a day for a treat, or a cherrios..not the sugar kind. They really are not meant for small children. I hear this sweet 11 year old wanting a chin..but I think she needs to read everything she can beofre she persues this adventure, it could end up not good for the chin. They have only been domesticated for 80 years as opposed to dogs that have been for thousands of years..so they are not real tame...they need allot of work and time...and patience..more of that than anything else, they scare easily and one loud nose, or yelling can damage their personality permenately. Just do all the homework required and know that a chinchilla is a wonderful pet for that person who has the money and time to put into that kind of pet. There is nothing like a Chinchilla..but make sure you know what you are doing first. Plus finding a vet that takes care of chin's can be hard, and expensive..more than a regular vet.
The best place to learn about Chinchilla is a site called "Lucky's Wonder Of Chinchillas"..there are people there that can answer everything you need to know, and they are very nice..they will help you with anything you need.
Jacque

[tikeyas_mom]

I would like to reccomend a website..

http://www.chins-n-quills.com/forums/

I was a member when I had my two Chinchills girls, Aurora and Luna... It is a really imformative site.. I would highly reccomend it .

[Genny]

I don't know a whole lot about them....but I've heard they are kinda delicate. There is a pet store I went to once that wouldn't sell theirs to anyone with younger kids because they can get hurt so easily.

Thye are so soft though. My mom has always wanted one but never got one. They are pretty pricey but I'm sure they make great pets from what every one has said.

Good Luck if you get one