Chinchilla Questions:)))?

You should know all this before even thinking about getting a chinchilla.

The gender doesn't matter so much. There is not a HUGE difference between them other than females can be moodier. The main difference is whether you want an animal that has the potential to accurately spray pee when upset or threatened (female), or if you want to check for hair rings (google it) around the penis and remove them as needed (male).

Chinchillas need quiet and sleep during the day, and they will want to come out and play quite late at night when you might want to sleep. You have to be sure you have that kind of attention to give. They also can live 20+ years, so you need to be sure you can provide for them for that long. They are exotic, and require an exotic vet. No other vet will do, and if there is no exotic vet in your area, then please don't get the animal. A regular vet doesn't know enough about chinchillas to help you, and will only give bad information. The cage you need will cost around $200-240. They need a HUGE multi level cage. Ferret Nation and Critter Nation double level cages are the best and will last for life. I highly recommend them. They are easy to clean and the proper size. They MUST have a huge cage. Letting them out often is NOT enough. A small cage can lead to mental disorders, and possibly lead to an aggressive and depressed animal.

Yes they need dust baths. Never inside the cage, though. Only outside the cage at playtime. Get a large rubbermade container with a snap lid (mine is 11L and it's perfect...a bit bigger than shoebox size). A good thick layer of dust in the bottom (specialized volcanic dust for chinchillas only), and they will be happy. Chinchillas will kick it around because they are messy animals. Learn to clean because you will need to do it a lot.

They have delicate digestion. NEVER feed chinchillas nuts or seeds. They don't have gallbladders, and the fat could cause liver damage. Don't give fresh fruits and vegetables. The moisture content and sugar levels can cause diarrhea, diabetes and bloat. They can die from all of these. Dried fruit should be given maybe once a month, for example raisin or dried papays (aids in hairballs). A tiny bit once a month max. Too much sugar for them. Look for mazuri or oxbow pellets. 2 tablespoons a day If you can't find them, look for a plain dark green compressed pellet with absolutely nothing else mixed in. Don't buy brands like Charlie or Kaytee. They are filled with junk that is bad for your animal. You will also need a big supply of timothy hay.They can have all the hay they want, but not alfalfa hay. Too much protein and can make them fat. This is treat hay. Treat food that is healthy is plain cheerios, unfrosted shredded wheat, or dried rose hips. They also need things to chew and play with, so look for chinchilla toys and baked apple or pear wood from organic sources. If you have or know someone with an organic tree, you can learn to make that yourself.

There is a ton of info you need before getting a chinchilla. I suggest you sign up here http://luckychinchilla.proboards.com/index.cgif and ask questions and read their care sheet on chinchillas.