Leaving Chinchilla for 1 month

[musketlove]

Hello

I am an archaeology graduate student, which necessitates me leaving the country for fieldwork in the summer. I have to go for about 5 weeks, leaving soon! My boyfriend lives with me, and will stay home to take care of my chinchilla, but I am worried about the potential behavioral affects. My boyfriend plays with him about 1 time a week when I clean his cage, otherwise I play with him 4-5 nights a week for about 30 minutes. I'm super close with him and pet and play with him all the time. My boyfriend interacts with him as well, but not so much.

I'm not worried about the chinchilla's interactions with the boyfriend-- they are totally used to each other. I'm worried about the potential impact it could have on our relationship. Is there anything I can do preemptively? And this is going to sound crazy, but should I have my boyfriend show my chinchilla the computer when we are skyping? I've been really careful since I've gotten him to establish a good bond-- the first night he managed to escape his cage and was terrified of me for a good week, but that was about 2 months ago and we're fine now. He is about 6 months old.

Any suggestions would be great!

 

[Basket_of_Chinchillas]

I wouldn't be too worried about it. I was away from my chin for a year while I was doing school abroad and when I came back he remembered me just fine Just remember to take things at your chins pace when you get back and I'm sure you won't have anything to worry about.

One thing I would consider is investing in a good wheel for your chin if you don't already have one, since he won't really be getting much exercise while you're gone. You might also consider having some emergency vet fund money set aside in case anything happens while you're gone and brief your partner on the how to identify possible illness in a chin.

Enjoy your fieldwork!

 

[becky12883]

I say yes to showing him the computer while you're skyping. My boys love to skype with my family and they like to see themselves on the computer screen. Chins have a really good memory though, so he will likely still remember you when you get back. I also agree with the things said above about a vet fund and possibly a wheel.

 

[Zoaea]

The biggest thing that would harm his recognition of you is smell. I'm sure after 5 weeks in a different country (foods/spices you eat can affect your odor) and field work he might not recognize you're smell. I would make sure to use your normal shampoo/body wash when you get home and use clothes that stayed home before you go greet your chinny.

I don't really think it would be an issue, I just know my chinnies sometimes hate the smell of a new soap or if I go somewhere that puts strong odors on my clothes. I just don't want you to worry about him if he freaks out at a new smell on you when you get home. Chins have a very good memory and 5 weeks is nothing! =) He will remember your look, smell and voice.