New & Nuts!

[ajhesse]

New!I'm nuts!Went 2 look 4 a kitten 2 adopt at Petsmarts, which they we're all cats, so I LEFT W/A CHINCHILLA! Probably the most insane thing I've ever done! I kept my daughter home from school 2 help bond with her. She is doing awesome!We totally love her & my 5 yr old is already able 2 take her out & have play time w/her, ears up no barking! After reading this forum I bought a FN cage because she's in a hutch style cage, took out the wire bottom. Should get the FN in the next week or so I'm going to order shelves & chin spin 4 her new cage. I guess I'm wondering how 2 set up her new cage with her being about 12 weeks or so & when can I get her a new friend-I want another female. Should I just get another from Petsmart? I know that store is not the place 2 get animals, but they have young ones that will be about the same age. What do u think? Can u send me pics or post the interiors of ur cages. Also, u guys use fleece 4 hammocks & such- Wouldn't the chin get hot in fleece? Thnx- Amy- Really don't know how 2 use a forum either!

 

[momenteller]

Hi Amy. Welcome to the forum! Congrats on your new chin. Sounds like she is doing well! Does she have pics and a name? We love pics here. While its good for the chins to get out of cage playtime, some members on here suggest you don't take them out too much the first week or so to let them get used to their new home. That's great that you ordered a FN-- you're going to love it! There are lots of pics on this thread that will give you ideas on how to set up your FN. The chins seem to really enjoy the fleece; I'm sure if they get hot they head to another area of the cage. The reason fleece is used is because its difficult for them to chew through.

As far as getting another chin, I would personally wait awhile so you can really bond with this girl. Then, when you and the chin are ready, look into reputable breeders in your area. I know threewingedfury is in NC, I'm sure there are others. There are many reasons for to buy from a breeder rather than a petstore, but I think the most important is that you have better chances of knowing the genetic history of your chin, and therefore less chances of health problems down the road. The breeder can help you with a girl around the same age as your current chin. Also, be warned that there are no guarantees the two chins will get along. Luckily, if you ordered the FN 142, that cage can be divided into two cages!

 

[Dusty Foot Prints]

Welcome! As a new owner myself, my best advice is to read, read, read this forum. I have learned so much. :hallow2:

 

[Laurie]

Welcome Amy! Did you buy a single or 2 story FN? The best advice I can give is really watch her in it when she first gets in there to make sure she absolutely cannot escape the cage. At 12 weeks she is still young and could actually be tiny enough to slip through the bars. The best thing you can do is read, read, read! Don't be afraid to ask questions but you should take the time to read through the new owners threads as well as healthy and hygiene. If I were you I would stay away from chin emergencies as you don't need to be stressing yourself over anything right now.

There are usually experienced owners and sometimes breeder's in chat--if you have time to pop in come on in and introduce yourself. We talk about anything and everything in chat so if you have any specific questions please ask away.

 

[Jenn]

Hi and welcome, Amy! We're all a bit nuts here, so you'll fit right in

 

[ajhesse]

Yes, I got the double. Right now she is in a 32x24x36 cage. I put a ferret hammock, two wood ledges, the plastic ledge w/ramp that came with cage, 1 ceramic dish with hay and 1 ceramic dish with pellets, smart pet glass bottle,aspen shavings. She is having a ball and she is ready for more space! I cannot wait to get her new stuff. I think I'm going to order some fleece items from somewhere soon. Thank you for advice!! I'm so happy that there is a great forum with such great people!!

Welcome Amy! Did you buy a single or 2 story FN? The best advice I can give is really watch her in it when she first gets in there to make sure she absolutely cannot escape the cage. At 12 weeks she is still young and could actually be tiny enough to slip through the bars. The best thing you can do is read, read, read! Don't be afraid to ask questions but you should take the time to read through the new owners threads as well as healthy and hygiene. If I were you I would stay away from chin emergencies as you don't need to be stressing yourself over anything right now.

There are usually experienced owners and sometimes breeder's in chat--if you have time to pop in come on in and introduce yourself. We talk about anything and everything in chat so if you have any specific questions please ask away.

 

[tunes]

Welcome.

 

[Kalandra]

Welcome to the forum.

 

[threewingedfury]

Hi Amy! Nice to see someone else on here from NC

 

[VolunteerChin22]

Welcome!

Also - Petsmart is usually just guessing at the age of your chin - and make sure she is really a she before you go looking into another friend Petstores have been known to mis-sex chinnies. Be sure to read, read, and read up on your new friend

 

[6Dusters]

Greetings from Virginia. :hi2:

 

[ajhesse]

I found pics for sexing and she is a female. She is so wonderful!! Not scared of my Great Dane, she nearly jumps on him & loves getting his attention. He is just fascinated by her & follows her everywhere. Her friend that i'm thinking about getting was also a petsmart chin & I think they were cage mates hopefully they'll get along. Just waiting for my FN & fleece goodies.