Kelley Posted December 11, 2009 Share Posted December 11, 2009 My son is thinking that he would like to adopt a Chinchilla. What are your experiences? We do know that they take dust baths, and are nocturnal in nature. I appreciate any info. Thanks, Kelley Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mommaduck Posted December 11, 2009 Share Posted December 11, 2009 Chinchillas are wonderful. They can be very social (in an enclosed room of course). They can be temperature sensitive though. Here's Pedro Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Starr Posted December 11, 2009 Share Posted December 11, 2009 We had friends with quite an elaborate set up for their chinchillas. I can't remember why the wife didn't like them. Do they chew? Smell? There was something. I would do some research if you get to keep it for 20 years. :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
specialmama Posted December 11, 2009 Share Posted December 11, 2009 I used to be a nanny to a little boy who had one. My experience: they stink. His cage seemed clean, I never saw huge piles of poop, but I still found it stunk. But, gosh, they are so cute! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lionfamily1999 Posted December 11, 2009 Share Posted December 11, 2009 Ducky! What a beautiful little fur ball! I've never had one, but I've held them at the pet store and they're so soft and cuddly! I think space was the issue for us. I believe they need quite a bit of room to roam, but I could be wrong ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelley Posted December 11, 2009 Author Share Posted December 11, 2009 I heard that they do best in a 6'x6'x3' cage, with stuff for them to do... Mamaduck, Pedro is so cute!!!! I heard that they do like to chew, so you do not want plastic type items in their cage for that causes health issues. I also heard about their issues with heat. We live in Northern Michigan, so that is definately not an issue. Kelley Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cera Posted December 11, 2009 Share Posted December 11, 2009 A family member owned a pet store when I was younger and sold them. I don't remember them stinking but I know they were sensitive. I used to put them on a leash and harness and take them out, they would snuggle happily into a coat pocket. If you are looking for a small, caged pet they have to be better than the alternatives (we have a rabbit which was not a good choice. It really, really stinks). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peachskittles Posted December 12, 2009 Share Posted December 12, 2009 Alright it's been awhile but I'll try to put down what I remember... No plastic cages...They like to chew...Diet is a high quality pellet (I used http://www.oxbowanimalhealth.com/products/type/detail?object=1535 but not sure if they changed their formula in the past 5 years), fresh hay everyday and water...That's pretty easy...Dust baths every few days was what I did with mine...Ummm, they are extremely friendly if they are bought young...My sister got an older one that wasn't ever loved on and it was evil...It's best to buy from a breeder or rancher...You never know the genetics of your local pet store chinchillas... Alright this has a bit of information on care for chinchillas...I haven't had any lil pets in the past 5 years so I don't have any of my old links that could be of use... http://www.mutationchinchillas.com/ I remember that for ramps and stuff in the cage for them to be solid so the chinchilla's feet won't get harmed...I used carefresh bedding (or I believe that is what it was called)...I think they are amazing lil critters and would LOVE another one but it just isn't the right time... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.