New Chin Owner

[Bonkers]

His name is Bonkers, we somewhat rescued him from an owner that was feeding him garbage and not really taking care of him. We have had him for 5 days now and he is 2 years old. He has been progressively warming up to us each day, we're excited that he isn't too screwed up from his last two years.

The cage came with him, plastic shelving but he hasn't had a chewing problem since he's been here. Planning to replace with a FN cage. The previous owner was also using cedar bedding and feeding him some crappy mixed food and corn that was all moldy. Our favorite thing so far is his wall bounce off the entertainment center when running his laps around the cage, it never gets old.

Some things we have done to improve his well being are cold switching to Oxbow pellets and Oxbow timothy hay. We play with him for minimum one hour a day and I have added a few pieces of wood to chew on. We will definitely be working on replacing all the plastic in the cage and getting him a few more things to entertain him.

Any recommendations off what I have said are always welcome!

 

[tunes]

If you want to save yourself some money, that's not a horrible cage. There are drawbacks. You would have to lift the cage to change the bedding, unless you plan to use shavings which you could just vacuum and then wipe down the bottom with white vinegar and water. If you use a liner, that wouldn't work as easily. You will find too if you add bunches of wood shelves, that cage will sturdy right up. I know it's right before Christmas and people usually are a bit short this time of year, so it's just a thought if you need to pinch some pennies.

He's a cutie. Congratulations on your new chin and welcome to the forum.

 

[Bonkers]

Are those pictures coming out too big on a monitor? On my phone right now so hard to tell.

 

[Kalandra]

They are quite large, yes. No advice from me, but just wanted to say congratulations and what a cutie you have.

 

[LoveBug]

yes the pictures are big.
as tunes said that cage will work.
just swap out the plastic shelves for wood ones.
and swap out the plastic items on the bottom, for wood ones or fleece accessories.
and Bonkers is a cutie!
love that last picture.

 

[Bonkers]

I will try and shrink the pics as soon as I get home. and Yes he is cute, he's so much fun to watch and play with.

 

[Shopaholic0514]

Aww, he's such a cutie. I'm sure his life is gonna get better now that he's in good hands.

 

[Jenn]

Bonkers is a cutie! I'm so happy you could take him and give him the opportunity for a much better life!

 

[AZChins]

That cage isn't too bad at all. It's the older style where the cage goes all the way down to the bottom of the pan so there is much much less of a chance of the chin chewing a hole and getting out. That cage is a little bit of a pain to clean up because the pans don't slide out and can require picking up the entire cage out of the pan.

The shelves aren't great in plastic, but if the chin isn't chewing at them at all, it isn't so bad to keep temporarily. You could replace the shelves with wood. I'd definitely make sure that the shelves overlap so that there's no place for the chin to fall down from the top and get hurt. Instead of ramps you could put in some wooden ledges if the shelves are farther apart.

He's a cute chinnie! Congratulations.

 

[Godofgods]

Cute chin you got their' Glad you were able to get him away form that last owner.

Just a random peice of info; That cage, much like the FN, was desigened to be a ferret cage as well. Thats why their is so much plastic. It was made by All Living Things. And that cage version is no longer on the market. They replaced it with a similar version. (More squarish) Tho last i checked, they do still have some spare parts they sell for it. Tho i cant find their site atm.

 

[Bonkers]

I resized the pictures but can't edit post, maybe because my posts have to be approved by moderator still?

 

[lauralynne]

You can only edit your post for 10 minutes after posting it.

 

[Bonkers]

well that sucks, guess the large pictures are staying.

 

[Kalandra]

PM me the links and I'll edit the post.

 

[Leowyldemi]

for being fed the wrong stuff for 2 years he is beautiful,look how shiny his fur is!i like how it's sparkling like snow

 

[anita3d]

Bonkers is so cute!!!!! I am glad he has a good home now!

 

[VolunteerChin22]

I think the cage is fine unless you really want to get a FN, just needs better layout of shelves for better functionality and safety. Look through the housing thread and you will get some ideas.

 

[GrayChillas]

So glad you could rescue him from his previous situation. He's a cute chinnie

 

[rainey]

Aw what a cute, i like his name too. congrats!

 

[Bonkers]

hmm might have to place an order with AZ Chins here pretty soon.......better get Bonkers a stocking lol.