Looking for the Straight Scoop

[L.Myshrall]

I think I have found the best forum for my question...

I have been researching these little guys because I am (a) interested in one as a pet and (b) want to offer the best possible products for them on my website.

I'll be honest, I am not new to pets. I have all kinds from fish to feathers, but these guys look a little daunting to care for... diet considerations... temperature... dust baths... yikes.

So I want to go straight to the people who actually own them and care for them for my advice...

What are the basic must haves to care for these little guys? I'm not looking for brand name suggestions, just more what you look for when you choose food, etc., so I can make good buying choices for myself.

Best, Linda

ps. enjoying the pictures of your Hedgies!

 

[LYChinchillas]

Hi Linda! Glad to hear you're doing your research first!

Yeah, the learning curve for chins can be pretty steep if you've never owned one before, but there are a few basics to consider. I have a post here on the basics here, perhaps it can help you. http://lychinchillas.com/2015/01/14/chinchilla-basics-101/

Cheers!

 

[L.Myshrall]

Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!

That was exactly the information I was looking for!

Best,

Linda

 

[keiren]

hey. i just took a dive after a lot of reading through here im still learning but luckily my 2 girls are incredably patient and love to interact with me so learning with them is fun. we baught a room temprature and humidity thermomiter as heat is really dangerous to the chins. did a little reserch and baught the best plain pellet we could get, a bag of roships, and some bluecloud dust for there bath. after that they need alot of love and care there really smart and they like to be with you. keep them well stocked on good timothy hay its there main food. get a good book and learn about there calls(angry ,happy etc, signs of illness because they will hide it from you. in just enjoy them.

they are wonderful pets not the most cuddly way to energetic for that but they do love to interact with you.

 

[Cass C]

I would say that you should get a good pellet food with NO treats added, preferably alfalfa based. Hay of some sort is also required, but remember to get a different kind than their pellet is based of, cubes or stands will both serve this purpose. If you must give treats follow the no sugar rule. Things like rose hips and plain old fashioned oatmeal are good cheap treats. All the (safe) wood they could ever chew. Blue Cloud dust is a must, but you can choose the style of bath you want from the petstore bath house to glass candy jars it is all personal preference. When choosing a cage get the largest one you can afford, and put in tons of levels/hiding spots/perches. Avoid plastic levels and accessories like the plague, as that is a risk there is no reason to take. Safe bedding or fleece is also a must, since you don't want to always be cleaning a bare bottom pan, which gets messy with chinchilla pee quickly. Since they cannot get wet absobant bedding is almost always a good idea, with the exception of a few special needs chinchillas. Lastly but most importantly you must have an air conditioner it is non-negotiable.

Optional: A marble or granite slab for staying cool. Chinchilla playpen if you do not have a chin safe playroom.

 

[tunes]

Linda,

The best advice I can give you is to go through the FAQs and start reading. This forum has a ton of information that can help you prepare for pet ownership. We're your one stop shop.