Found a Chinchilla

[Grant]

I found a listing for a chinchilla, cage, and other supplies on the local craigslist for $125. He looks pretty healthy to me from the pictures and the cage looks great.

Tons of ledges and spots to climb and rest, but there is no wheel. Obviously, I plan on getting him a chinchilla-safe wheel, but will not having a wheel for a portion of his life cause any long-term health problems?

Here is a link to the ad.
http://atlanta.craigslist.org/for/1166753006.html

And do you think there will be any behavioral problems with such a big transition three years into his life?

 

[Sasha]

Nope, not having a wheel will not affect their health. Personally, none of my chins have wheels. They get enough exercise by their 2 level FN's and playtimes.


I think behavioral problems will depend on how he was treated at his former house. As for the move, he will probably getstressed out so watch out for diahhrea and such. And let him settle into his new home before interacting with him and letting him out for playtime. Some people also suggest acidophilus to help with the transition (it's good bacteria for their GI systems). Also, are you aware of 30 day quarantine?

 

[Grant]

Is it still a good idea to have a wheel then if I give him plenty of consistent out of cage time and that large cage? Because that would save some space in his cage and money (I'm not trying to skimp, but it is always good to save some money).

 

[Sasha]

You do not need a wheel. If you give him playtime out of the cage, and he has a pretty decent sized cage, then there really is no need for a wheel.

 

[Tillygizmo]

I am super excited for you and no they dont NEED wheels

 

[oxchincerelyxo]

Like said, they don't NEED wheele, all the spoiling goodies are up to you.

Just keep in mind, that with situations like this, you don't know what type of chinchilla he will be. He might be nice and sweet and cute, or he may be mean and hate being picked up and petted etc. Any time you have limited knowledge about an animal be sure that you are willing to love what ever you are given.

 

[Jenn]

I got my chin from CL and she was about 3 at the time. She has adjusted really well. I do have a chin spin for it. She may not need it but she is on it daily and really enjoys running on it. So whether or not you choose to get a wheel or a chin spin is totally up to you.

 

[EveningChin]

If you have the time skip the wheel and have playtime everyday. Use the money to start a savings for a bigger cage later, or incase of vet bills. I'm getting a wheels for my girls this summer, but thats because I have a ton of extra cash. If its a smallish cage I'd maximize his jumpin around room with more ledges and just go for playtime. Good Luck with your new chin!

 

[Chinniechantel]

Great job rescueing a chin! I would remove the ramps in that cage, they are just more in the way then they are good and they can cause broken legs or feet. You never know what kind of animal you are getting when you buy or adopt one, and are mostly just in for the ride. I think it is great. Good luck, can't wait to see pictures of your new little man!

 

[6Dusters]

I have one seperated pair from CL. Nice animals. Mr. Wilson was really friendly. The lady said Ava was not very friendly. Well I wouldn't be friendly either having to be pregnant all the time!! She gave me a suprise birth shortly after being here. She is quite happy being single as well. Ava is very friendly and is always there for her smooch. She doesn't like to be picked up. But that's fine with me. Enjoy your new addition. Might take a while for them to warm up to you. Each one is sooooooooo different.

 

[Grant]

Thanks for the support and advice everyone!

I'm not 100% sure I can get the chinchilla (my mom has to approve it), but I probably will. :dance3:

 

[AZChins]

If you do end up adopting the chinnie, just make sure to give him lots of time to adjust. The vast majority of the time chinchillas turn out to be just wonderful even if they are skittish in the beginning or have any behavioral problems.

I don't like wheels. There's many reasons why...but I won't bore you with that. Not having a wheel isn't going to cause any problems at all. That's not even a worry.

Congrats on the new chin...if your mom approves it! I've noticed that a lot of times the parents of teenagers, who are wanting chinchillas, end up falling head over heals in love with the chinchilla, too. I'm sure that your mom would end up doing the same. Chinchillas are just too cute for people to not want them.

Just make sure that you want to have a pet that could live for another decade. They're fun and easy to care for, but they are still a pet that requires care and attention. Don't get too mad at me for saying this....In the next few years your life is going to change so dramatically! You need to carefully consider this to make sure that the chinchilla will fit into your life a year from now or five years from now. (Sorry to sound like your mom!)

 

[Grant]

Just make sure that you want to have a pet that could live for another decade. They're fun and easy to care for, but they are still a pet that requires care and attention. Don't get too mad at me for saying this....In the next few years your life is going to change so dramatically! You need to carefully consider this to make sure that the chinchilla will fit into your life a year from now or five years from now. (Sorry to sound like your mom!)

I realize the chinchilla will live another nine to twelve years - most of my reptiles are going to live another fifteen to twenty years - so I'm definitely going to have arrangements for all of my animals (whether it is living with me at college, at home with my parents, or with another RELIABLE person). But, I have a good five and a half years (I'm only fourteen, going into ninth grade next year) with the chinchilla at my house. Don't think I'm taking this as a "disposable" pet, I just need to have plans for the future, even if they aren't my first choice.

 

[AZChins]

I didn't think that! You sound extremely responsible. I just had to go into mom mode for some reason. i think I'm just getting old!

 

[Scribbles<3]

congratulations

 

[CodyOdiOdi]

Mine doesn't have a Wheel and he is fine. He gets lots of outside of cage time though, but they should too.

 

[ABBY W.]

I'm getting a wheels for my girls this summer, but thats because I have a ton of extra cash.

If you run out of ways to spend that money, you could send some my way
We just had two vet bills in the past week, I could use it! LOL

As far as a wheel goes, as said above, you don't NEED a wheel. I do recommend it just because they seem to love them so much. My flying saucer wheels get used every night for hours. A well-occupied chin is a happy chin!