Chinchillas and heat.

[bobothechin]

Hello,
I've had my chinchilla Borris (Bobo) for two weeks now, and he is getting really comfortable with me and my boyfriend. I've noticed a few things, however, and wanted some more information. Behind our couch is a windowsill, and Bobo climbs onto it and sits there for a very long time. Which is fine because I know he likes little perches and hiding spots, but what concerns me is that it's basically an oven back there. I am very aware of chinchillas and heat stroke, so I am wondering why he is doing that when there are other places to hide.. Does he not realise how hot it is back there? We have A/C and he will hang out by the vents, but mostly just crams behind the couch. I know he's not stuck because he can get out so easily! I've blocked it off though, because I am very worried about him overheating. Any idea why he goes into the hottest spot he can find?

 

[kerri101]

window sills are sometimes a high vantage point...chins like to be higher up and mine seems to look around in the sill ...the sill may be his way of looking out and a perch for him
....I only let my chin in the sill at night because I know with the windows and sun coming through its not a good combo with the heat being higher even if I have the AC on...and as for cramming yes there are spots my chin will cram to "poop" lol.....how hot is it in ur place? chin should be ok in low spots heat rises cool AC will always be felt closer to the floor?

 

[jess32247]

He probably wants to be at the highest point. I always joke when my chin goes into one of her favorite spots that she's a Queen looking down at her human peasant (you should see how she watches me!). What's the usual temp with the AC on? Does his ears turn bright red when he sits on the window ledge?

 

[bobothechin]

Our sills are very low and behind the couch! I don't think he gets much vantage out of that :S his ears are black, too so I can't tell too much. I always relocate him except as you said, at night when it's cool back there. Our air conditioning makes it about 19 degrees depending. The vents are on the ground and he likes them, too.