Chin possible rehome.

[Suzanneor]

I found someone selling their two Chins on craigslist. We are going to see them tomorrow. What do I need to look for. What questions to ask? The only thing he told me was:

Male and Female
Not Neutered
1 year old
Male is sweeter than female.

I want to get for my three kids. We are on a budget so I can't buy from a breeder.

Please provide any advice.


Thanks:wink2:

 

[Anfsurfer]

I would not purchase those chins if they're being housed together, or you plan to house them together. If they are housed together, then the female is most likely pregnant. Are you ready for babies? If they're not housed together...disregard my comments. Even if they're not housed together, then they wouldn't be able to play together.

Or were you planning to only get one?

FYI - Breeders on here usually have pet quality chins very inexpensive.

 

[Mandy]

Are these your first chinchillas?
Have you done any research with breeding chins, and the problems that could come along with it?
I'd read through this before you even consider. (And not just the thread where people show their kits.)
http://chins-n-hedgies.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=85

I bought a pregnant female off craigslist one time. The owner said there was 'NO way' she could be pregnant. 90 days later she had two kits. There was 24/7 hand-feeding for 9 weeks, we lost one, and I blew through my entire vet fund when the mothers health went down.

Please be careful. Even if they aren't housed together now, you don't know if the owner has had them together in the last few months.

 

[addictedtochins]

Where are you located so we can tell you if there is a breeder or rescue in your area? It's not hard to find pet quality chins from them for $50, possibly an adult or some special needs etc. You do not want to get those chins, the mother is likely pregnant and you shouldn't start that way, there is a lot to learn for you yet. Chins are not the best pet for kids. Slow down....read, learn and ask questions to find out if they will be a good match for you and for them. Did you know they need air cond to keep them about 70-72 degrees? Did you know they don't want to be held and petted much if at all? Their ribs are like toothpicks and break very easily so you (kids) have to handle them carefully. Welcome to CnH! Theresa

 

[Suzanneor]

They are houses together

They are housed together because he has a picture of them both in the cage. I don't want to risk having babies. Great... I almost got excited. I really wanted to get my kids Chinchillas.

 

[Suzanneor]

Wow

I have been reading a bit. I have girls, so they are gentle to animals. My daughter just saved a lizard the other day. I am located in Orlando.

 

[Kalandra]

I'd recommend continuing to do your research. Read the FAQs and new owner questions sections of the forum. Lots of information to help you determine if chins really are the right fit for your home.

Next step, post an ad in the wanted section, or watch the for sale section of the forum. You may be very surprised at how reasonably priced breeders can be.

 

[Suzanneor]

Thanks for all the input. I have a friend who works at a vet's office and she said they are very sensitive and high Maintenance animals.

 

[momenteller]

Hi Suzanne. I just have to tell you, as someone who also initialy purchased a chinchiila for my daughter, they do not make great kids pets. They are high maitenence and not easy to handle for small hands. My daughter is wonderful with animals but because they require a large living space, I do all of the cage cleaning, daily care, etc. Also, the expense of the animal itself is nothing compared to the amount of money I have since spent on their supplies.

I don't mean to say all of this to discourage you. I love my chins and am so happy I went down that road. But if money is a concern, I don't know if it would be the best pet for your family.

 

[Suzanneor]

You guys are right. Probally not the best choice for us right now.

 

[BooBoo*TheKiddo*]

I have been reading a bit. I have girls, so they are gentle to animals. My daughter just saved a lizard the other day. I am located in Orlando.

Have you checked out this rescue? http://jaxchinchillarescue.webs.com/

 

[Vcchinchilla]

they're horrible kids pet
as i received one, it doesn't cuddle or do tricks or let me hold him etcetc etc

now that i'm older you need patience! to teach them all of these things
i don't regret receiving chinchin but i do feel really bad that i didn't take care of him like i should of

but then again i also work in a princess stores and some 8 year olds have the patience and heart, your the best judge of your children

 

[ticklechin]

If you can't afford a chinchilla that is not basically free, you can't afford exotic pet vet bills. Look for another gift for your kids, not a live one.

 

[Godofgods]

Hi Suzanne. I just have to tell you, as someone who also initialy purchased a chinchiila for my daughter, they do not make great kids pets. They are high maitenence and not easy to handle for small hands. My daughter is wonderful with animals but because they require a large living space, I do all of the cage cleaning, daily care, etc. Also, the expense of the animal itself is nothing compared to the amount of money I have since spent on their supplies.

I don't mean to say all of this to discourage you. I love my chins and am so happy I went down that road. But if money is a concern, I don't know if it would be the best pet for your family.

I'm forced to agree with this. I love all 5 of my chins, but they are not relay a good kid pet choice. If you were to ever get them, plan on doing 100% full care yourself. And supplies can relay add up in cost.

Also, male/female pair housed together, Expect baby chins. And they will be a handful normally. And if theirs a medical problem, you could be looking at a very high cost, many many sleepless nights, and possibly a dead baby. Not to mention if theirs complications to the mother.

Even if the guy says theirs no chance of a baby, don't believe him. If their together, theirs a high chance. Even if the female shows no signs of pregnancy what so ever, she could still be pregnant. Mine showed no signs at all, and i never even new she gave birth (wasn't looking because i wasn't expecting) until i found the kit under my refrigerator one day.

Chins are wonderful creatures IMO, but its a commitment. Not something to take lightly. And btw, considering they can live ~15 years... i mean it when i say its a commitment!

 

[partygirlha]

Looks like you’ve realized that chins are not the best kid pet. I’m not sure if you’ll be reading again or not but if you are back I’d recommend guinea pigs. I know people say that all the time… but they really are great animals. One warning the smell more than chins so you need to be ready to clean their cage a LOT. I don’t have kids but I do have pigs and I adore them. They are so interactive and vocal… and smart. My boys talk to me all the time. And they know the difference between me and my husband just by out walks. When they hear me walking around they talk to me from the other room… but only to me. Today I got up late and they were hungry for breakfast, my husband had opened one cage door to give them floor time and one marched himself into the dining room to ask for food, saw my husband, complained to him and then turned around and went back into his cage to wait for me to get up and feed him. They are social so you should get two or more (already together or get females).

Here’s a good site for info on pigshttp://www.guineapigcages.com/forum/forum.php