Cold

[ljiayi]

Can chins get too cold from the surrounding temperature? Especially for chins that are sick? And if so, what're the usual symptoms of them feeling too cold?

 

[Jenn]

Chins usually don't get too cold. Because of their heavy fur, they do best in temps in the 60's, without any draft or air blowing on them directly. I think they are ok in 50's range too. Usually chins tolerate colder temps than we do. They ideally don't want to be in temps above 70, or the lower 70's. Chins are more likely to suffer and die in warm/hot temps than colder temps.

 

[chinsNdobermans]

In old chinchilla rancher guides I've read, the temperature was maintained somewhere around 40 degrees. So I don't think a chinchilla in your home is going to get too cold. I keep mine around 62.

 

[ljiayi]

My chin is acclimatised to the weather in Singapore
which averages at 30 degree Celsius. I keep my room at a temperature of 24 to 30 degree Celsius.

 

[Jenn]

Is that 80's-90's F? If so, that is way too warm for a chin. 24 degrees Celcius is as high as I would go as that is mid 70's and on the warm side. Their fur is so dense, and they can't sweat or cool themselves down, and heatstroke can happen, causing lethargy and death. Their temps need to be kept as cool as possible, with an air conditioner in warmer climates.

 

[ljiayi]

It's an average of 77 degree Fahrenheit. Local breeder here has adapted the chins to such temperatures.

 

[AZChins]

If they're acclimated to the temperature, 77 isn't too bad as long as it isn't too humid....the humidity is what causes serious issues once the temperature is over about 70 to 72°F.

As far as sick chins go and temperature, it would be best to not have them in a significantly cool room. When we have a chin that isn't feeling well or has had surgery I like to keep them in a room that isn't any cooler than about 75 for a day or two. (I worry about this mostly in the wintertime when the chin rooms are in the low 60s...in the summer it isn't as much of a concern.)