Brian123
Well-known member
I'm looking into getting a chinchillas as my first real pet. As a child, I was allergic to both dogs and cats, and I never had any small pets. As of today, dogs seem to be okay with my allergies, but sadly cats are still a problem.
Pet Experience:
In recent years I've had experience with pets finally thanks to roommates. My previous roommate adopted an English Springer Spaniel, who was adorable and goofy, lovable. Having her around seemed to be a huge stress reliever. My current roommate is into lizards, having several geckos such as crested, leopard, gargoyle. They don't do much of anything, but when I had to care for them, (food, water, etc), I did find it oddly relaxing, like it took my mind off things. So I found it kind of theraputic to care for small animals. Though, his new lizard, a B&W Tegu that's growing fast is on a whole different level of commitment and training. Being around all these pets have helped me understand the kind of responsiblity required before rushing into anything.
So I've been going into pet stores more lately with my roommate as he buys his supplies. The cute furry animals there were tempting after having experience helping care small animals, though, chinchillas were almost never there.
Learning about Chinchillas:
About 2 weeks ago one Petco actually had two. I had no idea what kind of pets they were, as I only heard about their soft fur, which sound like more a popular fad. I quickly learned they are more than just their fur. It was surprising to learn they can be social and seek attention from humans, can create a bond, tame enough to let loose in a safe room for exercise and playtime, and just fun to watch, and long life. Other perks were no odors and realitively simple diet requirements and care, but very specific food and care conditions to avoid issues.
The local store Chinchillas:
The more I learned, the more I felt sorry for the two chinchillas at the pet store. They're in a 360 tank with glass sides, inch sized holes on metal top. As prey animals, you'd find the two huddled in the very center next to the support pillar with being approachable from all sides. One level only, so adults always tower over them and little kids can hit the glass. Which happened, a kid hit the glass where the chinchilla was, scarying it to the other side and kept repeating, employee did nothing. Their spin saucer and house are plastic. You could see holes chewed in the house. The short hair one was very skiddish, the longer hair one was more chill, but was shedding some (possibly normal). They've been their for around 4 months. I felt sorry for the guys, but it was clear I should seek a breeder.
Adopting 2 Chinchillas:
So, after researching, I'm looking to get 2 chinchillas after reading they are best in pairs. I've contacted the closest breeder, Sumiko of Chinchilla Chateau, who has some available, but most around 8 months to 1 year old, with more kits available after this summer. Sumiko has been very helpful so far and pointed me to this site.
Successful Pairing (same gender):
I've learned for the most succesful pairing, it's good to start with 2 kits, possibly from same litter, or a kit and an adult. Two adults is possible with the right techniques and a bit of luck. Though, no matter what, female and female, male and male, it can go south anytime. As a beginner, I just don't know how risky it is to adopt two older chinchillas (8 months to 1 year old) that may never not bond.
Current Chinchilla Choices (don't try saying 3 times fast):
The two I'm most interested in are a white mosaic female, 1 year old, and an extra dark standard gray female, 8 months old. The 1 year old white mosaic has had experience being housed with a 1 year old beige female, also available. It might be best to pair those two, but I take this as a sign the 1 year white mosaic may have success with the 8 month old extra dark. As for male choices, there is a recessive white male, 1 year old, that could be paired with a 2 month old beige, which would have a higher success. Or maybe I should get only a 1 year old I prefer, to start, then later adopt a kit.
So much to think over, any advice is welcome.
Anyway, that's a good start and first post. I'll write more details and questions as they come, such as planned location for cage, food, play area, etc.
Again, any advice is appreciated.Maybe a starting question:
From your experience adopting your first chinchilla or two, what's the most important thing you learned from it that you would share with another potential chin owner?
Oh, Cages:
Oh, I'm looking into getting the Ferret Nation 182 double cage and customizing it with Bass Equipment. But I'd probably need two small cages side by side to slowly introduce two chinchillas, and save the Ferret Nation for neutral ground.
Thanks,
Brian
Pet Experience:
In recent years I've had experience with pets finally thanks to roommates. My previous roommate adopted an English Springer Spaniel, who was adorable and goofy, lovable. Having her around seemed to be a huge stress reliever. My current roommate is into lizards, having several geckos such as crested, leopard, gargoyle. They don't do much of anything, but when I had to care for them, (food, water, etc), I did find it oddly relaxing, like it took my mind off things. So I found it kind of theraputic to care for small animals. Though, his new lizard, a B&W Tegu that's growing fast is on a whole different level of commitment and training. Being around all these pets have helped me understand the kind of responsiblity required before rushing into anything.
So I've been going into pet stores more lately with my roommate as he buys his supplies. The cute furry animals there were tempting after having experience helping care small animals, though, chinchillas were almost never there.
Learning about Chinchillas:
About 2 weeks ago one Petco actually had two. I had no idea what kind of pets they were, as I only heard about their soft fur, which sound like more a popular fad. I quickly learned they are more than just their fur. It was surprising to learn they can be social and seek attention from humans, can create a bond, tame enough to let loose in a safe room for exercise and playtime, and just fun to watch, and long life. Other perks were no odors and realitively simple diet requirements and care, but very specific food and care conditions to avoid issues.
The local store Chinchillas:
The more I learned, the more I felt sorry for the two chinchillas at the pet store. They're in a 360 tank with glass sides, inch sized holes on metal top. As prey animals, you'd find the two huddled in the very center next to the support pillar with being approachable from all sides. One level only, so adults always tower over them and little kids can hit the glass. Which happened, a kid hit the glass where the chinchilla was, scarying it to the other side and kept repeating, employee did nothing. Their spin saucer and house are plastic. You could see holes chewed in the house. The short hair one was very skiddish, the longer hair one was more chill, but was shedding some (possibly normal). They've been their for around 4 months. I felt sorry for the guys, but it was clear I should seek a breeder.
Adopting 2 Chinchillas:
So, after researching, I'm looking to get 2 chinchillas after reading they are best in pairs. I've contacted the closest breeder, Sumiko of Chinchilla Chateau, who has some available, but most around 8 months to 1 year old, with more kits available after this summer. Sumiko has been very helpful so far and pointed me to this site.
Successful Pairing (same gender):
I've learned for the most succesful pairing, it's good to start with 2 kits, possibly from same litter, or a kit and an adult. Two adults is possible with the right techniques and a bit of luck. Though, no matter what, female and female, male and male, it can go south anytime. As a beginner, I just don't know how risky it is to adopt two older chinchillas (8 months to 1 year old) that may never not bond.
Current Chinchilla Choices (don't try saying 3 times fast):
The two I'm most interested in are a white mosaic female, 1 year old, and an extra dark standard gray female, 8 months old. The 1 year old white mosaic has had experience being housed with a 1 year old beige female, also available. It might be best to pair those two, but I take this as a sign the 1 year white mosaic may have success with the 8 month old extra dark. As for male choices, there is a recessive white male, 1 year old, that could be paired with a 2 month old beige, which would have a higher success. Or maybe I should get only a 1 year old I prefer, to start, then later adopt a kit.
So much to think over, any advice is welcome.
Anyway, that's a good start and first post. I'll write more details and questions as they come, such as planned location for cage, food, play area, etc.
Again, any advice is appreciated.Maybe a starting question:
From your experience adopting your first chinchilla or two, what's the most important thing you learned from it that you would share with another potential chin owner?
Oh, Cages:
Oh, I'm looking into getting the Ferret Nation 182 double cage and customizing it with Bass Equipment. But I'd probably need two small cages side by side to slowly introduce two chinchillas, and save the Ferret Nation for neutral ground.
Thanks,
Brian
I hope you post pictures soon and if you have any other questions, please let us know!
