Hi I'm new!

[Anna2]

A few months ago a friend of mine opened an animal rescue. A women dropped off 3 chinchillas(mom dad baby) in a cage only big enough for one. The cage did have a wheel and some wood ledges but the were urine soaked and at least a year old. My friend told me he would sell me the baby and a cage for $50s since his ferrets were escaping trying to attack them. I jumped on the deal. But when I brought Tinker home she was very sad and lonely. So now I own the whole family lol. They are all very happy and healthy. The mom,Lilo, does have a temper because she was never handled by her 1st owner. But the dad and the baby are EXTREMELY friendly. I fell in love as soon as I saw them. I plan on breeding, or adopting rescues, when I am fully educated.I've been looking for chinchilla rescue groups in Indy and haven't found any?So if you know of one let me know. I can provide a safe loving home for unwanted chinchillas.

 

[lauralynne]

Hello and welcome. You've come to a great place to get good information regarding chinchillas.

That being said, SLOW DOWN.

The members here care very much about the welfare of chinchillas, so here are a few tips...

First thing is first - make sure the mother & father you have now are seperated. You do NOT want to breed chins when you have NO idea what their genetic background is. There are no ifs, ands, or buts on that. Chances are, if they weren't seperated, the mom is already pregnant again, so you really need to be researching and getting her in a kit-safe cage.

There is a lot of learning to do before even thinking about breeding. It's can be very complicated, disgusting, and heartbreaking. If you want to see the bad side of breeding, see this thread: http://www.chins-n-hedgies.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=117
Do NOT think you're invincible. It WILL happen to you at some point if that is the road you choose. Many people think it's all rainbows and butterflies. Are you able to rush a chin to a vet that needs an emergency c-section (which can cost $500-$1000 easily)? Are you able to handfeed kits every two hours around the clock if mom isn't feeding or something happens to her? If breeding is the route you ultimately decide to pursue, attend some MCBA and/or ECBC shows, find a breeder that will mentor you, and be ready to learn and take advice.

What makes you interested in breeding? If it is not to better the species, put the thought out of your head. You will not make money from doing it, and if you have a big heart, there are plenty of chins looking for homes already.

So, take a step back, get acquainted with the forum, do a TON of research, and go from there.

ETA - From your post it sounds like the baby is a girl...is that right? If so, dad needs to be seperated anyway so he doesn't breed her. Animals don't care about insest.

 

[eroomlorac]

:welcomewagon:

 

[Kalandra]

Hi Anna,

Welcome to Cnh! It sounds like you are really new to chinchillas. You may want to wait for a while before deciding if you want to get more involved in chinchilla rescue or chinchilla breeding. Spend lots of time on this forum, reading about general ownership, rescue and breeding and let that information help you decide if rescue or breeding is right for you. You may find that as you read more about it, that you just want to be an owner. Rescue and breeding both can be heart breaking and certainly are not for everyone.

Again welcome and please post some images... we need images

 

[Anna2]

Everyone has to start somewhere. I have already researched the risks of interbreeding and complications while giving birth. I understand how expensive and time consuming breeding chinchillas could be. I do not plan on being a backyard breeder. For now I am happy being an owner not a breeder.But I do want to be a breeder when I am ready. I do not plan on jumping into anything.

On another note I am looking to adopt another chinchilla. I need a male to put in the cage with my other male. His old owner always kept him with my female so now he's lonely.He likes to snuggle.

 

[Anna2]

How do I post pics??

 

[RDZCRanch]

Welcome to CnH! There is a lot to learn about chinchillas and this is a great place for it!

Yes, everyone starts somewhere but it's where you start that counts! I'm glad you've found this forum because we can help you start out the right way. If breeding is what you are serious about, definitely find a mentor(my mentor is 3 hours away from me) and just spend a lot of time learning from them. As mentioned above, you're also going to want to attend shows. Attending shows is important so that you can learn how to tell quality in your chinchillas and also they can teach you how to look for outward signs of illness(I learned how to see dehydration in chinchillas at a show).

Hope to see you around and don't be afraid to ask questions!

 

[Anna2]

Are there any chin rescues in Indiana???? I can't find one anywhere. I'm getting another chin and would rather rescue one then buy one.

 

[Sandi]

Hello Anna, welcome to a great forum. It's great that you want to rescue but PLEASE do not breed your rescues. I'm not saying that this is the case with every rescue but having purchased one at a pet store and then having to put it down due to a genetic disease (malo) is so heartbreaking.

 

[Anna2]

I don't plan on breeding anytime soon none the less a rescue chin.

 

[VolunteerChin22]

Welcome! Check the classifieds on here if anyone is looking to rehome any rescues near you...Too bad you didn't jump on a little sooner, there was a big chin show in Auburn IN a couple of weeks ago and you probably could have gotten a chin or railroaded a rescue to ya. This is a great place to learn about chins.

Before you get another chin to keep your male company, read up on quarantine and introduction tips. It will make things much easier when you do find him a companion. There are also pictures at the beginning of the breeding and babies section if you need help sexing the baby.

There is also a search function on the main page if you would like to search for specific information about weaning, introductions, etc.

 

[warmice]

Welcome! :FR:

 

[saphire]

Hello Anna, Welcome to CnH

 

[Jenn]

Hi Anna! We're happy to have you here! There is so much great info here from a lot of great people!