need some advice

[leni]

Hi guys, I have a bit of a situation. I've been looking for a male chin for a possible cagemate for zim, but then I realized I would prefer to have them separate so there wouldn't be a chance for possible fights. There really areent any places here in Dallas to get chins except Petsmart, and I wanted a chin that I could see the environment he grew up in.

I did find a breeder several hours away, then I happened upon some chinchilla kits for sale nearby and I called the person to get more information. Turns out she has a 3 month old kit and some even younger. She said she got her first chin from her stepdaughter who almost killed it by leaving it in a deathball unattended. She talked about baby proofing the cages for kits and making sure they had plenty of space to jump and play in their cages and she sounded like she knew what she was talking about,. Then I asked her about food.

She feeds them Kaytee Chinchillla because she says it has a good 'variety' and they won't get 'bored' with it like regular pellets. For treats she gives them raisins and froot loops. I could just feel myself cringe. She has agreed for me to go in person and see them tomorrow and see what they're living like. She sounded like a nice person, just misinformed, and I feel bad for those little guys. She told me she was working two jobs AND breeding chins and that she didn't have much time to spend with them anymore and I guess I'm torn now. Do I get the chin from the breeder where I know he's getting proper food and know the history or save the one that's being fed crappy food and may not have much info on history? I'm such a softie I know. I know I can't save them all I just wanted to tell someone that would understand. I know I'm still learning a lot here from you guys and I think I take good care of my guys because of it. Just not sure what to do.

 

[ticklechin]

Go for the history and proper care, malo is a ugly thing and the more you know about where the chin came from the better. Its no guaratee but its better than some back yard breeder who will just get encouraged to make more poor quality chins because of a sale. May sound cold, but after having as many malo chins as I have had I am a bit jaded.

 

[leni]

I figured that would be the best route. Sometimes you just need people to reinforce it for you, even though it seems cold, you're totally right. In the end i'd be happier knowing the history. I want my little guys to be as healthy as possible.

 

[leni]

I guess now the real question is.... what to name him? I'm getting my new cage and fleece items the next couple of weeks to deck it out and I can't wait! My husband thinks I'm a dork for being so excited about decorating a cage hahaha. I so want to take pictures!:thumbsup:

 

[Laurie]

I do totally know how you feel, when someone asked if I would take Leonard my first thought was no as I did not want boys or to have to deal with hair ring checks. I called the owner and after talking to her for awhile I learned how much her daughter loved him and cared for him, but at the same time they were feeding him popcorn and mini marshmallows as a treat. Instead of saying, I'm sorry but I can't take him, I said--what time can I pick him up on Saturday?

Leonard came to me at 5 years of age--I have had him for 3 years and he is the best free thing I ever got in my life.

I have no idea though what will be in store for me regarding his health-I only knew I needed him to be with me because mini marshmallows (delicious though as they are) are a no no for chins--as well as popcorn!

 

[leni]

It does make me sad, but she told me she has sixteen chinchillas and she has trouble keeping up with whose babies are whose and she just seemed a bit scatterbrained and I know if I go even if I get him I would feel bad for all the ones she has and I can't save them all, and like ticklechin said it would just encourage her to breed more. Wish people weren't like that

 

[Sandi]

I agree with Dawn (ticklechin). I also believe it would only encourage the breeder that is close to you as she is charging you money for this chin. As great as Leonard, Laurie's chin is, he was "free" and they needed Laurie to take him and weren't looking for money.

 

[ticklechin]

If the chin was a rescue like Laurie said and needed a home and had a past bad life health and nutrition wise I would say get him, love him and give him the best life and take what comes, that is part of having rescues. Buying a chin from a breeder is a different story and you have different expectations when you pay for a chin, and people like the breeder the OP is talking about should not be given money for their chins.