Fans?

FabiannRamona · Jun 13, 2011

Can you have a fan on chinchilla 24/7, also where her hair stop up on her ear its kind of pinky or red is she overheating? she is still pooping, drinking water and eating hay and pellet food.

tunes · Jun 13, 2011

You should not have a fan blowing on a chin directly for any amount of time. First, it doesn't cool them. All you are doing is blowing the room temperature air on them (which if it's 90 degrees would still be 90 degrees). Second, constantly blowing air on them like that could cause them to become ill.

Do you have air conditioning? If your room gets above 70 degrees and if it gets humid in your area, a fan is no substitute for an air conditioner.

Sometimes chins ears get red when they sleep on them, but yes, it can also definitely be a sign of overheating.

Andrea · Jun 13, 2011

You need to have your AC around 70...and a fan is actually not recommended for cooling chins as, well, it doesn't work! It actually makes it worse by blowing a hot draft at them which can cause illness. If you don't have AC you need to get a window or portable unit. Red ears can be a sign of overheating.

Pikaia · Jun 13, 2011

I couldn't imagine not having an A/C for my chinchillas. Tribble can't even come out for playtime on hot days because he overheats so fast. It would be horrible if he was in those conditions constantly.

mishellyshel · Jun 13, 2011

i keep my air on about 70-72. the temp in our basement where my chins reside is about 66 - 68. i run a dehimidifier seveal hours a day. i do have a rescue upstairs where is is a little warmer and i run a ceiling fan during the day but it is not directly over her.

Jenn · Jun 13, 2011

As stated, fans don't do anything but blow warm air on a chin. Pink/red ears could definitely mean a chin is overheated, especially if a chin is acting lethargic. Air conditioners are the only way to keep a chin room cool. You can buy a window unit, one that can go from room to room, or one that we installed under a window, through the wall. It's nice to be able to not have to worry about your chin overheating. And for most areas, a/c's are absolutely essential.