So i was just wondering if it was ok to have a chincilla as a pet or is it considered bad??
they are ovbiously adorable and i want one!! but i dont really know much about them
are they expensive? hard to care for?
thank you x
Gabby
Favorite Answer
Hello!
I think that chinchillas are a great pet to have, but they can become pricey. The first initial month is when you will be spending the big bucks.
On average Chinchillas in the U.S. cost about 200$, But some go as low as 40 , for older ones needing to be re homed, and as high as 600$ for baby chinchillas that are used for competition.
When you buy your chinchilla make sure you have all the supplies you need. Make sure you have the cage set up with the bedding food and hay.. Maybe some toys :)
I'm planning on getting a chinchilla for my self but im doing all the hard spending on my cage...which are pricey.. and materials.
They also need a good vet so locate one before you get your chin.
Chao!
I have a few websites if you could email me,. We could chat and I most likely could answer any questions on chinchillas.
**Im a geek with that stuff LOL**
I can share some links that i thought were helpful to me as well as some that sell chinchillas!
Keep in mind the beginning when you get your chin will be the MOST expensive. After that you should only be paying 10-20$ a month tops!
Email me on whether you want a pair or just a single!
Also every day you must give your chin exercise.. wheel in their cage.. but also out side of their cage.
They need dust baths about 1-3 times a week
And make sure to have a drip water bottle made of glass! If they chew on plastic it will ruin their insides
If They get water on their coat it will cause mold, being the densest coat in the world.
Treats should not be given to them more then about 3 times a week. Their stomachs weren't made to digest sugars
You need a very bland diet for them. One with not a lot of treats.(email me for some)
Make sure you have a safe wood (email me )
and no plastic in the cage!
if you need anything else just email me ... i have plenty of sites and tips for you :)
Also make sure to get a good vet set up because not all vets will take them!
Chao!
ChinnieShop.com
Hello,
I currently have two chinchillas and have had up to seven at one time. They are by far my most favorite pet. There are many great reasons to own a chinchilla, but it does take a special kind of owner. As you mentioned they are cute and adorable, but they are not like a dog or a cat where they will continually follow you or even want to hang out with you. One thing I learned is when you take them out of the cage for playtime, if they jump on you even if it is just for a second, that means they know your there, and they like you.
As far as being expensive, I would say the initial investment is, but then after it is just the basic things. The most important chinchilla supplies that they need are the following:
Cage
Hay
Chinchilla Pellets
House
Bath house
Dust/Sand
wood to chew
water bottle
There would be the first things to look into. You would have to be careful because there are many products that say they are chinchilla safe when they really are not. Finding a good supplier is key, I would also recommend purchasing a chinchilla from a breeder in your area rather than the pet store. They do not need shots or routing routine visits to the vet, but it is a good idea to have a vet handy before you make your purchase. You must make sure that they have specific experience with chinchillas not just say they do. When they get sick it can become costly, and most insurance companies do not have chinchilla insurance. Your best bet is to just start another bank account and just throw a couple of dollars in there a month and use that for vet bills.
They also live a very long time so be prepared to make an investment into your pet's life for many years, but do not worry chinchillas bring great joy to there owners. For more information on chinchilla care you can look at these places:
http://blog.chinnieshop.com/2011/12/how-to-care-for-your-chinchilla.html
http://www.chins-n-hedgies.com/forums/
Also for a good source of chinchilla supplies you can find them here:
http://www.chinnieshop.com
?
They are adorable!
Personally, I would say they aren't the most interesting of pets, they sleep most of the day and they are quite hard to tame in comparison with rabbits (and they have sharper teeth than rabbits, so if they bite, you'll know about it!)
Yes, they are quite expensive here in the UK, but i'm not to sure about the US. (about £150 UK)
They are quite time-consuming pets, they need regular saw-dust baths, and they can be quite smelly.
Also, the cages are quite expensive to get a decent sized one big enough for two, as they do like company.
Good luck, and I hope I helped you :)
?
They are very fun pets, I have had 2 and have a pair of girls at the moment. Some are shy like the 2 I have now but my first one would clime on my shoulders and play. They a re very fun!
Anonymous
NONONO!!! chinchillas are WILD ANIMALS!!!!!!! YOU SHOULD NOT SEE A CHINCHILLA UNLESS IT'S IN A ZOO!!! NO!