Hi Everyone!

[lishreese]

My name is Leesha, and I will soon be getting a new little friend, a baby chinchilla who's name will be Bella. Right now she's still too young for me to take home. I've never had one before, and I only found out they even existed about 2 years ago, so I have been doing as much research as I can to make sure that I can provide my Baby Bella with a good home. I have been finding some conflicting things though, so I was wondering if anyone on here could give me any good information for a new chin owner to know. Some of the stuff I found that was conflicting was 70 degrees vs. 75, what (if any) treats to give, and just other basic stuff like that. Also, even though my landlady gave me permission, she is still very skeptical. Any ideas on how I can help her be more comfortable with it? Anything you guys can tell me is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!
Leesha

 

[lauralynne]

Hello & Welcome!

Kudos on doing your research PRIOR to bringing your new baby home.
I've seen many landlords put at ease when they realize that chins are caged animals...there is less risk of damage to their property than what other pets can accomplish.

Here are the General FAQs regarding chins and their care.
http://www.chins-n-hedgies.com/forums/showthread.php?t=857

Many people will agree that keeping them temp below 70 is best. Ideally 60-65.

 

[Jenn]

Hi Leesha, and welcome! Congrats on your future fur baby! There is a lot to learn up front, but I personally think chins are quite easy to care for, once you know their basic needs. And they have so much personality and are incredibly fun. This forum contains so much accurate info, so going through the different sections should provide you with what you need to know, but if you have a question and can't find the answer, we are more than happy to help! Oh, and when you bring your baby home, all we require is a pic or two

 

[lishreese]

Thanks! That brings up another question. I don't think I can get my roommates to agree to set the AC that low when the weather gets warm again. I could probably get them to go as low as 75 or so. I've seen some of those stone chin-chillers online though, and while I know this isn't the best solution, would that be a good way to combat the warm weather during the hot parts of the day? Or any other suggestions?

And one other thing...since I live with roommates, I can't really take her to the bathroom for playtime, even though that would be the ideal location. We would have to have playtime in my room. I read up on chinchilla-proofing a room, and the only thing that I would have a hard time doing is getting rid of the electrical cords. Is it alright to leave them there as long as I keep a VERY good eye on her to make sure she doesn't get at them? Or is there anything I could get at the store that would be good to use to cover them up?

 

[lauralynne]

Thanks! That brings up another question. I don't think I can get my roommates to agree to set the AC that low when the weather gets warm again. I could probably get them to go as low as 75 or so. I've seen some of those stone chin-chillers online though, and while I know this isn't the best solution, would that be a good way to combat the warm weather during the hot parts of the day? Or any other suggestions?

And one other thing...since I live with roommates, I can't really take her to the bathroom for playtime, even though that would be the ideal location. We would have to have playtime in my room. I read up on chinchilla-proofing a room, and the only thing that I would have a hard time doing is getting rid of the electrical cords. Is it alright to leave them there as long as I keep a VERY good eye on her to make sure she doesn't get at them? Or is there anything I could get at the store that would be good to use to cover them up?

One of the absolute necessities of chinchilla ownership is having proper a/c. If your roomates will not allow you to set the temp lower, you'll have to arrange something. Perhaps you could pay more of the electric bill yourself, get a window a/c unit, etc. Imagine how you'd feel if you were forced to wear a big fur coat inside when your house was 75. Not comfortable!

Using a chin-chiller as a means of constant cooling won't work. They're nice to have in the cages, but even if you put a freshly frozen one in, it will not stay "cold" for too long.

You MUST cover the cords and/or put them out of reach during playtimes.

 

[Jenn]

I agree that you need to keep the temp lower for the well-being of your chin. It is one of the musts with chins. Do you have your own room that you could put a window air conditioner in or portable a/c? That way you could keep the door shut and keep the cool air in just that room.

I have 2 playpens from Petsmart that I have attached together for a large secure play area for my chin. But there are smaller playpens or tent pens that also work very well for out of cage time. I tried letting my chin run around freely, at first, and no matter how much I thought I supervised, she still found trim boards, cabinets, chair legs, and one cord on a fan to chew on. So for me, it was better off to have her in a pen.

 

[tunes]

Hello and welcome to CnH.

While 75 "might" not be deadly to a chin, it is not going to be comfortable. She will not be able to tolerate play time for very long, if at all. She will be more quiet and slower than a chin would that has a nice cool area to live in. My chin barn right now is at 53 degrees and they are going NUTS. It is a nonstop game of cage surfing and playing. I usually like to keep it at a steady 58-60 because of the kits, but we've had some really cold weather and the humidity is up a bit right now and that balances it out to feel in the higher 50's range.

Something you need to remember is that when you decide to take a caged animal into your care, that is your choice, not theirs. If you are going to do that, then you need to be able to accommodate their needs since they are stuck in a cage and totally dependent on you. If your roommates will not allow you to lower the temperature below 75 degrees, that is not the optimal condition to have a chin living in. I have to make concessions for all my different beasties. The chins have to have it cold, the birds and the beardie have to have it warm, the rats can go either way, so they get to stay in the warmer area. It makes the house a little weird at times, walking from cool to warm, but it keeps the animals comfortable, so it's all good.

Again, welcome. Those FAQ's are very helpful as is the new chin owner section. Take some time to read through those and hopefully they will answer a lot of questions for you.

 

[Michelle43]

Welcome

Something I am considering getting for the summer is a portable AC for one room. I have a whole house to keep cold and in the summer. I would rather keep one room cold for my chin and the rest of the house over 70.

I am researching something like this.
http://www.amazon.com/NewAir-Evaporative-Cooling-60-Degree-Oscillation/dp/B002AH9MDM/ref=pd_sbs_k_1

*I do not know if that one is the best, I am just posting it to show a type.

 

[monarch]

I am researching something like this.
http://www.amazon.com/NewAir-Evaporative-Cooling-60-Degree-Oscillation/dp/B002AH9MDM/ref=pd_sbs_k_1

*I do not know if that one is the best, I am just posting it to show a type.

oOOOOOooo I like this! Anyone have any experience with these types of units and chinchillas? This looks like a great buy!

 

[Millie'sMum]

Hi and welcome! I suggest instead o paying $5 for a chinchiller, just go to a granite place and ask if they have any scraps you could have (they break all the time) and this could help cut down on the cost as well.

NO RAISINS NO FRUITS NO VEGGIES If you locate the search button on this forum and just start reading and reading, most of your questions (and much more) well be provided.

Good luck with Bella and again WELCOME!

 

[Laurie]

Welcome!--definitely listen to the words of wisdom on the a/c. 75 is too high for a chin, especially when you also factor in humidity. I never allow it to go above 72 for my chins and even at 72 that's a bit much. They are very sleepy at that temperature and should not really be able to run and use a wheel at that temp as then it's just too hot. Look into a portable a/c for sure.