Chin's room

[samzhao23]

Hi guys,

I am debating where to put the chin cage once I receive it. I live in the basement in a townhouse with a few roommates. I have my own small living area and then the bedroom. The living area does not receive any sunlight (no windows) and the bedroom does receive some light.

I plan to put it in the living area so the chin doesn't disturb my sleep at night. However, since the Chin is an nocturnal animal, even during daylight, the room will be dark. Is this going to have any effect on his sleeping schedule?

Any recommendations are greatly appreciated,

Thanks!

 

[Silverrose]

I don't see why it would affect his sleep schedule. But I also would not leave a chin in complete darkness. They still need some sort of light source in order to see. I would at least leave him a night light, or even better, a tv on so that there is light and some background noise.

 

[Stackie]

I use natural daylight bulbs for my chins that are in a room with no windows. I have it timed so it is on for 12 hours and off for 12 hours. At night I plug in a small night light. I also keep the radio on.

 

[threewingedfury]

Wow Stace, have you been to my chin room and copied my method?

 

[Stackie]

Wow Stace, have you been to my chin room and copied my method?

I guess great minds think alike

 

[samzhao23]

The reason I was wondering if it will affect his sleep schedule was because since it's so dark during the day (no window) the chin might mistake it for night and be active. So when I get off from work and turn on the lights, it might think it's day time and go to sleep.

But I will probably use a light source when I am away at work, so it knows it's daylight. I have a few night lights, I can definitely use that, seems like a great idea for night time. I assume the radio is just for background noise? I have a computer in the room so I will probably just play some music through the speakers.

 

[saphire]

I myself use natural daylight bulbs for 12-14 hrs. I believe that is the way to go. Actually many breeders use daylight bulbs for their chinchilla area.

 

[Ash]

Honestly, chins are up when they want to be up, regardless of what time of day it is. Some days, my chins are active at 2 AM and some days they're asleep at that time. It's whenever they want.

 

[mishellyshel]

also i noticed that having the light on and blaring bright really doesnt affect their ability to sleep! i have been covering my one chins cage during dinner time cause i feel like it is so bright..........but there he is just sitting up and sleeping or lounging in his hammock resting peacefully as if the 1000 wattage of light doesnt even phase him! i guess if it really bothered him he could go into his house.

 

[Stackie]

I don't use the lights so much as for them to figure out their sleep schedule. I don't want my chins sitting down in a dark room all day when I'm not there. I try to give them sunlight when possible- sitting down in a dark room all the time can not be healthy. So when I can't open the door and let the sun shine through from the other room (when I'm not home I keep it shut so the cats don't get in), the daylight bulbs provide their lighting.