Hello from South Florida.

[Ande]

Yesterday evening I was given a chin. I've never owned one, but always wanted one but not this way. A dear friend of my fiance's took her own life Monday evening and left behind her chin, Chilly as well as family and friends.

I've lurked around the site and immediately knew that I should get Chilly a new cage. She is 2 years old. She eats nutriphase gold chinchilla formula, kaytee hay and bathes in Pet Scensations vanilla bean smell.

So wise chinchilla care givers please please inform what I should change and what I should do to have Chilly's trust.

 

[Stakie]

Be patient with the chin, that's first off. Getting a new cage is always nice, you can find many nice one's here on CnH. I would suggest food such as Ozbow or Mazuri. [I use Mazuri] If the Kaytee hay is timothy, then that should be fine but change the dust right away! Nothing with scents are good for them! KAYTEE dust bath is usually what you can find at a petstore for them. However a lot of people here sell dust for a lot cheaper, along with food and treats. Go ahead and look in supplies for sale, you'll find lots of nice items for your new pet.

Sorry for your loss though, and hope everything works out for you.

 

[Chinniechantel]

Welcome and hello Ande. Where are you in south Fl? I can lead you in the right direction of good feed stores, where you can get better prices than petstores and better products. Other items can be found here, this site is great for finding chin safe stuff that is actually safe. You will find that petstores sell tons of unsafe things specifically for chinchillas.

 

[Silverrose]

Welcome fellow Floridian! Sorry to hear about your friend. Good for you for taking in an orphaned pet. I agree, search the classifieds here and you will find some great things for your new chinnie. Also, read through FAQs and learn as much as you can. Already, you will want to change the food and dust. Good luck to you!

 

[Ande]

Welcome and hello Ande. Where are you in south Fl? I can lead you in the right direction of good feed stores, where you can get better prices than petstores and better products. Other items can be found here, this site is great for finding chin safe stuff that is actually safe. You will find that petstores sell tons of unsafe things specifically for chinchillas.

I am in kendall/Miami area. My friend though lived in Lake worth and I will be heading up there in the weekend to visit her mom and other friends... I have no problem traveling if it's for a good cause.
I just feel so bad that she's in a wide wired cage. The flooring is all wired I know that her feet must be really hurting because she has one replaceable wooden shelf that she sits on a lot. Dust I will change immediately and I'd love to know which websites are the best to buy foods and other things if necessary.

 

[alli713]

Welcome to CnH!

 

[tunes]

I am very sorry for the loss of your friend. That must have been devestating.

Welcome to CnH though. I hope we can help you to learn all about your new friend. Check the classifieds section for sellers of wood, toys, houses, etc. I know Chantel is in Florida and sells lots of the things you'll need.

 

[Chinniechantel]

I also have a used cage I can take pictures of, it is very large and would be great for a chin, or even 2 or 3 ;-) It is a quality cage or something very similar, 3 stories. PM me if interested.

 

[Essentia]

Welcome! Yay for more Floridians.

 

[Rickman]

Welcome! Just hook-up with Chantel and she'll set everything straight for the both of you! Just be careful, as she's not your typical "Chin Lady" - you'll see!

 

[Essentia]

She looked typical to me. All the chins and chin stuff everywhere says otherwise to the typicalness.

 

[Jenn]

Welcome Ande! I'm sorry you have acquired your new chin in such a tragic way, but I think you will soon find that chins are totally addicting and you'll wonder why you never had one sooner! Good luck. Please ask away if you have questions or concerns. One thing to have on hand as well for your chin are apple sticks and chew toys to keep her teeth in check.

 

[Melissa]

Welcome to CnH. Im very sorry for your loss. I hope your new addition will bring you a lot of happiness!

 

[SunshineChins]

Welcome to Chins and Hedgies, my deepest symphonies for your loss. I am in Florida as well :wave5: its nice to see another Floridian on the boards.

 

[Ande]

Thank you guys so much for the welcomes!

 

[Laurie]

Ande Welcome!
Chantel is an awesome chinchilla lady! You might just become addicted and have to have more than one chinchilla.

I'm sorry for the lose of your friend--I hope she knows Chilly is now being taken care of and loved.