| Why have chinchillas as pets? |
| First, I want to set forth some cautions: >Chins are addictive, those of us that get "just" one will often end up with another.... or several more. >These animals are not for everyone, do your home work! >Most first time chin keepers have had other small animal pet (gerbils, rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, mice, rats, etc...). The experience of these animals may prepare one for keeping chins that may live 15 or more years. >Someone that has kept (or keeps) horses will find the many of the items they feed the large hooved animals also keep their chinchillas happy. >Dust baths are essential to the health and coat of the chinchilla. If you can not tolerate the dust (for one reason or another), it maybe wise to find another small pet that suits your needs. >A chinchilla must chew... it does not matter what, so make sure to keep inventory on your antique wooden furniture in relationship to your pet! >Chins are very intelligent, in some situations. Your chin(s) will learn to respond to his name and rewards to food. The animals will also remember unpleasant things, particularly being frightened. If they assosciate these events with a person or event, then they will avoid the them in the future. Many people liken the chinchillas personality to that of squirrels, but I think chins are smarter! Chins can not be trained except with possitive reinforcement, punishment does nothing, other then to teach them that certain people will be cruel to them. Rewards teach them what good behaviour will reap rewards |
| Now, all the good things: A pet Chinchilla well become very friendly and out going, learning and loving your daily routine. Some accept other pets too. Chins live 12-15 years but, with very good care, could be with you for as long as 20-30 years! Chins are relatively easy keepers and inexpensive to feed and care for... high temp and humidity need to be monitored. (I know, said twice, but important!) Chins will learn very soon that your presences in the room is a very good thing. Some learn to wait in turn for their daily attention and treats. They demand attention and command comedy endlessly. Your pet will not attack visitors or bite the mail man! No promises on that shedding issue. I have yet to hear of a hairless chin, and hope I never do! With a little regular cleaning, chins are virtually odorless. Though chinchillas are becoming more popular, not that many people in the general public are familiar with these cuties! Many people have heard of chins, but want to meet one in person and feel the fur! Chins can be trained/encouraged to do very simple tricks or behaviours. Some enjoy being held and stroked more then others, while some will learn to perch on your shoulder. More and more, the old "pelt rancher" show system for chins has been intergrated with the pet keepers. Pet people wish to show and breed chinchillas only as live animals. New chapters of the MCBA are forming all the time. It only follows that more shows and event will be in the increase. |
| First, I want to set forth some cautions: >Chins are addictive. Those of us that get "just" one will often end up with another.... or several more. >These animals are not for everyone, do your home work! There are as many opinions as there are keepers. You really need to find some that you understand and can work with on these matters. >Most first time chin keepers have had other small animal pet (gerbils, rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, mice, rats, etc...). The experience of these animals may prepare one for keeping chins that may live 15 or more years. > Many pet chins are fed WAY too many treats and snacks. Diet needs to be rather plain and at regular times. Well balanced diet will prevent many health issues. >Someone that has kept (or keeps) horses will find the many of the items they feed the large hooved animals also keep their chinchillas happy. > High heat and/or humidity can be fatal for chinchillas. >Dust baths are essential to the health and coat of the chinchilla. If you can not tolerate the dust (for one reason or another), it maybe wise to find another small pet that suits your needs. >A chinchilla must chew... it does not matter what is chewed as far as the animal is concerned..., so make sure to keep inventory on your antique wooden furniture in relationship to your pet! Best woods are kiln dried pine, willow, balsam, apple - but not hard woods. > While chins are technically almost hypo-allergenic, the hay, dust and bedding may cause problems for some humans >Chins are very intelligent, in some situations. Your chin(s) will learn to respond to his name and rewards to food. The animals will also remember unpleasant things, particularly being frightened. If they assosciate these events with a person or event, then they will avoid the them in the future. > >Many people liken the chinchillas personality to that of squirrels, but I think chins are smarter! >Chins can only be trained with possitive reinforcement, punishment does nothing, other then to teach them that certain people will be cruel to them. >Treats teach them what good behaviours will reap rewards. Treats do not always need to be food rewards. |
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