Many people feel they only have the time and space for one chinchila, while many enthusiasts feel that chins should only be kept in pairs, even same sex pairs, rather then alone.
There is something to be said about having one chin at first, and getting it tamed down, then adding another - but that is covered more here.
This is about the single chin. The chin that has lived alone and will not, for one reason or another, share it's living space or home with another chinchilla. Some people have likened the single chin to keeping a large parrot or other bird, but not needing as much constant attention. Sometimes this chin is one that has lived the first part of his live alone and just wont accept other chins, or the owner has just chosen not to add a second. Many of those issues can be remedied by following the guides on enrichment.
Basic diet, care and equipment is the very same, but there is more to it then that for the single chinchilla. The owner, and other human keepers, need to follow a fairly routine schedule of visiting and interacting with the chin at the same time each day, doing the same things, saying the same things. While this is important for the single animals welfare, it is not a bad idea for 2 or more chins living together. It is most important that the single chin does not feel isolated from other living things, and this has to be the human or humans in her life.
Some single chins may find a small stuffed toy to cuddle with in the cage a comfort. Just make sure the cloth and stuffing are non toxic incase the chin decides to chew. Like you would be for a baby make sure the fake eyes and nose are well attached and will not cause and problems. Regular inspection is required.
Your single chin may enjoy hearing other chin voices.
Sometimes the single chin will form an attachment to another household pet, like a dog, cat or bird. THis is not a bad thing, but never leave a chin alone with the other pet. Animals can be unpredictable.
With a bit of effort on the humans behalf, a single chin my well live out is very long life in a very happy mode and become even more attached to the humans providing its daily care and visits.
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