Hey there!

[jamnzb]

I live in St. Louis Missouri. Though I love animals, I am allergic to just about everything with fur. I began researching both hedgies and chins a few months ago and imagine my excitement finding CnH, )
I was unable to find a hedgie breeder in the St. Louis area and with the cap on utilities in my apartment next year I am unsure that I would be able to heat up a hedgie.
I am, however, confident that i can cool down a Chinchilla.
What I really need is some expert advice on what I need to do to make sure the Chin (or Hedgie) I end up with will have the best life I can give him/her. I really want to do this right. Even maybe visit a breeder with some chins to interact with them.

 

[lauralynne]

Hello and Welcome!

Here is a general place you can start reading: http://www.chins-n-hedgies.com/forums/showthread.php?t=857

 

[Mt. Zion Chins]

I would be worried about your allergies though. If you are that allergic you are probably allergic to hay and dust also. Make sure you can handle the hay and dust before getting a chin. Do a lot of research before deciding - it is a big decision that will affect the life of a chin.

 

[Jenn]

Hi and welcome, and I sure hope a chin or hedgie will fit into your life without upsetting your allergies! What a bummer to be allergic to our furred friends!

 

[BenD188]

I'm sure one of the breeders I told you about would let you come and check them out. You could ask to give them hay and have one of them dust bath to see if you react at all. Just an idea?

 

[jess32247]

I don't have bad allergies, I can get through just about through anything allergie wise. But, when it comes to hay and dust, I get flare ups pretty often. I would hate to see what it does to someone with bad allergies!

 

[jamnzb]

Yeah, I am currently contacting breeders to get some exposure to chinchillas and hay/dust. I'm allergic to dust mites. I hope the type of dust used for chin baths won't bother me, but it's something I need to look into. Thanks!
Hopefully someday I will be posting here about my new furry friend!