Does anyone own a chinchilla on here?

[Nabiki]

@Nabiki what does your setup look like?

I have two three story cages for them with large wheels. The first picture was one of my babies that were born from my original pair. The second one is the cage where I opened it and the cat jumped in to get their food. They're on the lower floor.

 

[Pekin duck mom]

Actually dried fruit is not good for chins.
Rare treat at best. They can develop diabetes very easily.

I know very little about chinchillas but this goes for all small pets- pet stores do not know best. All they care about is the money, so keep in mind that they are just trying to get you to spend as much money as possible on your pets, even if that means it makes them sick so you have to take them to their vet. And most (if not all) of the cages they sell and way to small.

@Nabiki
You have chinchillas right?

Yes. My oldest is 13 now.

DO YOUR RESEARCH. Chinchillas are delicate. Do not go overboard on treats, that can kill them. I give mine one raisin a day, and the rest is timothy hay or alfalfa pellets.

They chew. If you don't have a metal cage, they will chew through it. Give them apple branches or something similar to chew on.

They are nocturnal. They will run and be active all night, and so you want to play with them in the very early morning or at night. Let them sleep during the day.

Is there anything that doesn't kill them? Your chinchillas lived! How do I avoid death?

 

[Nabiki]

Is there anything that doesn't kill them? Your chinchillas lived! How do I avoid death?

Feed them one diet. Don't change it. Keep treats to an absolute minimum. Keep them at temperatures under 80 degrees Farenheit. Keep them clean, let them sleep during the day.

Seriously, they're delicate pets. When I had to take one in to the vet when she was five, the vet was surprised that I'd kept her alive that long. Now that she's 13, she's getting old, but might still last another 5-7 years with proper care.

If you're not sure about them, don't get one.

Chinchillas aren't a beginner pet.

 

[Ratchnick]

I agree! Share please!

A family member had a chinchilla years ago, she blocked off the kitchen and let it run around which it loved. Especaly when it snuck behind the fridge. Well "Alphie" decides she likes it back there and does not want to come out. Well ok i guess we can pull the fridge out and get her. Turns out there was a small hole lead under the cabinets. It was a long night getting her out.

 

[Pekin duck mom]

Feed them one diet. Don't change it. Keep treats to an absolute minimum. Keep them at temperatures under 80 degrees Farenheit. Keep them clean, let them sleep during the day.

Seriously, they're delicate pets. When I had to take one in to the vet when she was five, the vet was surprised that I'd kept her alive that long. Now that she's 13, she's getting old, but might still last another 5-7 years with proper care.

If you're not sure about them, don't get one.

Chinchillas aren't a beginner pet.

Oh i know they aren't for beginners. I am a very experienced animal person. I've had just about every other kind of animal besides a reptile or a chinchilla. I am not doubting getting one, just trying to make sure and give it the best care possible!

 

[Pekin duck mom]

Oh i know they aren't for beginners. I am a very experienced animal person. I've had just about every other kind of animal besides a reptile or a chinchilla. I am not doubting getting one, just trying to make sure and give it the best care possible!

I'm getting mine at 8 weeks old. Is that too young? How old were yours when you got them?

 

[Aunt Angus]

I had no idea they were so high maintenance. They are fascinating little animals.

 

[Pekin duck mom]

Words of encouragement? I need to know how they ARE good pets! I know it's not easy caring for them and im not in any way expecting that! It's just..... stressful...don't want something to happen to her I've had a rough year already.

 

[Quatie]

If you are not aware yet, chinchillas cannot get wet or else they can freeze to death. That is why they have dust baths to clean.

They are very fast, and hard to catch because of their silky fur. Also they can shed chunks of it to escape.

I want to say they are also very social, and you should have two.

I never had them as pets. I helped care for them in a small wild life center.

 

[Pekin duck mom]

If you are not aware yet, chinchillas cannot get wet or else they can freeze to death. That is why they have dust baths to clean.

They are very fast, and hard to catch because of their silky fur. Also they can shed chunks of it to escape.

I want to say they are also very social, and you should have two.

I never had them as pets. I helped care for them in a small wild life center.

I know they can't get wet. And yes, I'm aware of fur blowing too I may get another if all goes well with her but 1 is all I can afford at the moment...and my cage is only big enough for 1 baby (it's a guinea pig cage.) Do they die easily? I'm asking by your experience...