New Chinchilla mom

[Mary1990]

I bought my son a chinchilla (now named Zoey) for Christmas last year, and a friend for her (Sophie) a couple months after. They are both sweethearts, but a little shy. Last week it was realized that my son wasn't taking proper care for them at his dads house, so they came to live with me.

Already this forum has helped me. The pet store told us that Fresh fruits and vegetables are supposed to be given x number of times a week.

Also I was trying to find out if Fans were ok to keep a chinchilla cool. I have since moved the fans so they are moving air in the room with them not pointing at them, and my girls seem much happier. I will be acquiring an AC Unit within 2 weeks. Luckily 91 is a record high in Washington this time of year.

I work a Mid Style shift, so I arrive at home right around when these girls are active so I can let them out and run around without having them change their schedule

 

[tunes]

Welcome to CnH.

Definitely get that air conditioner. Ideally chins should be under 70 degrees and my barn sits at 60. You will find they are more active and much more comfortable at the lower temps.

They should hand out pamphlets at the pet store that say "We have no idea what we are talking about. If we tell you to do it, rest assured, it's wrong."

 

[MyzarandGemma]

They should hand out pamphlets at the pet store that say "We have no idea what we are talking about. If we tell you to do it, rest assured, it's wrong."

Ha ha ha. Oh Tunes...

Anyway, welcome welcome welcome! I hope you find everything you need here are more! Mostly though, I hope you post pics of your ladies soon!

 

[Jenn]

Hi there and welcome! It sounds like you are already doing great with the chins. We are very happy to help with any questions you may have!

 

[lauralynne]

Hello & Welcome!

 

[3CsMommy]

Welcome aboard. I don't mean to sound pedantic, but you're *certain* they're both the same sex, right? Their parts look nearly identical, not just "close"? I ask b/c my first chin was the product of a surprise litter by missexed pet store chinchillas, and it happens A LOT. It's better to be safe than surprised when 4 little gray furballs suddenly start poppedcorning around the cage.

 

[Mary1990]

Welcome aboard. I don't mean to sound pedantic, but you're *certain* they're both the same sex, right? Their parts look nearly identical, not just "close"? I ask b/c my first chin was the product of a surprise litter by missexed pet store chinchillas, and it happens A LOT. It's better to be safe than surprised when 4 little gray furballs suddenly start poppedcorning around the cage.

I got them from Petsmart and they actually separate sex by store so I'm fairly sure. Is there a good way to figure out?

 

[Chinmama]

Welcome to the forum!

If you look at their "lady parts" there should be almost no space between the cone and the anus if they are female. I think it is easier to tell with adults than with kits. Here is a link with good pictures, just scroll down and you'll see the description and pics: http://www.rdzcranch.webs.com/BreedingChinchillasPage.html.

 

[Sandi]

Hello :wave3: and welcome to CnH!

 

[landrk11]

Welcome.

It's amazing how we as parents end up with our children's "pets". I was in the same boat but it was my adult son that bought a chin and never firmed up his living arrangement for her. Lola came as an overnight guest and has been with me since the day he bought her.....over a year ago.

The best advice I can give you is get a book on Chinchillas. I know exactly what you are going through right now and the book was very helpful. It gave me a better understanding of the care and requirements for keeping a chin happy, healthy and safe. There are so many things like chin proofing for out of cage time, plastic hazzards, etc that are good to learn about. Chins can bite through an electric cord in a single bite. Having a better understanding of chin habits and behavior made it easier to care for our little one.

I know I can't picture life without my little fuzzbutt! They are wonderful little creatures with really big personalities.

Congratulations and best wishes.

 

[Jenn]

I got them from Petsmart and they actually separate sex by store so I'm fairly sure. Is there a good way to figure out?

Unfortunately, pet stores often mistake the sex of the animals they sell. Just because they believe they are both female, doesn't mean they are. If you are able to get a good photo of the genitalia of each chin, people here can easily verify for you if they are indeed both female. Hoping they are!

 

[Mary1990]

Just let the Girls out to play without being confined in the play pen cage I got. The absolutely loved it. Both are now falling asleep after the first chance they really got to stretch their legs.
Thank you to Everyone on this Forum for being so Helpful, Even if you don't know it.