| Things to know about your pet chinchilla |
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| So, you think you want to get a chinchilla (or two)? Let's go over some of the most important areas and topics that will affect you decision. Most chin owners have experience with other pets and small animals, like hamsters, rabbits, guinea pigs, dogs, cats, cage birds and larger live stock/farm animals. We already know they are cute animals and so very soft and fuzzy. And you may also know that chins were brought out of South America to be farmed for their pelts which were prized by people of many lands. * Chins can live 10-20 years and will depend on you, their caregiver, for everything. Are you prepared to provide this type of home? * Chinchilla need regular dust baths and hay products in the diet. Is there anyone in you home that may have allergy issues? * These animals need protection from high heat and humidity. What are is the climate like in your area? What controls are in your home or may need to be added? * Pets or breeders? both? This is something you will want to consider, and if breeding is in your future then you will want to start out with 2 cages for 2 chins, and one might as well be "baby safe". A youngster or mature chinchilla? Like many pet animals, chinchillas are often obtained at young ages. I feel chins as pets should not be placed before 3 months of age. They need to be with mom and dad (or other chins) to socialize and develop. It is not my recomendation, but some chins are placed in homes as early as 6 weeks. Sometimes an older animal maybe an option. Unfortunately, due to their long life span, chins may experience several owners in their life time. These chins can be very sweet and can form great bonds with their keeper. In my experience, true rescues are rare, but often great pets need to be re-homed for various reasons. Good adult chins may be found that are great for pets. Plenty of one-on-one interaction will encourage a timid / single chin to come out and see what is going on around them. These are an animal that is naturally curious and outgoing. Chins should have attention from their humans 3 - 4 times a day at regular intervals. If you do not have time to give a single chin this type of attention, then you may consider two chins or another type of pet all together. |
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| What to think about when buying a pet chinchilla Pro's and Con's |