congrats on making dean's list! i remember when i decided to get myself a chinchilla out of a whim (and it was the best decision ever) in the summer of my junior year. bit of a chore keeping him cool in california. i kept it well at about 65-75 degrees on the ac, and for someone living in a student apartment--it can get marginally expensive. they are pretty low maintennance pets though, if you can afford the a/c and the startup costs with the extra money, then everything is pretty ok from there...besides the extra treat now and then. (plus food, bedding, chewables, dust which for me totals about...about 50-100$ a month. not too shabby. better than a dog!)
as for major do's/don'ts:
let's start with DON'Ts because they're so much fun:
>use exercise balls, correct!
>forget about the heat!! it really depends on the chinchilla's tolerance and when you live, but 70 degrees fahrenheit is indisputably the range at which most chin experts would agree should be a warning zone to crank up the a/c (FANS DON'T WORK. only central cooling systems that don't just circulate the same air)
>use too much plastic (or just be wary of it). i use some but i discourage mine from chewing with a lot of chew toys
>don't buy superpet **** because most of the time it is ****...
>neglect the poor little guy! gentle, kind human contact everyday. mine is still getting used to me and i've had him for several months. but day by day, i can see progress and our bond getting stronger and his recognition getting better
>overindulge on treats. (yes. raisins are sometimes used...no they aren't the best. too much sugar. NO NUTS!)
>get him/her wet. it's just not the best thing...for obvious reasons
>put the cage in a place with too much stimuli or light. or not enough ventilation. just...make good judgments on whatever place you decide would be best.
ok for the super fun stuff of the do's!!!:
>spend time with the little qt everyday!!! or as much as you can. it's crucial for the bonding process for the chinchilla to know you and routinely get used to your visits and presence
>encourage outside playtime, in a CHIN-PROOFED environment. make sure there are no plugs and wires to chew on. corners of walls are padded and no nooks or crannies he/she can squirm through and get lodged in. bedrooms are not the best places. bathrooms are ok...if they are free from toxic and ammonia based cleaning residue. and be sure to close the freaking toilet seat. but that should be so obvious, right. i use the empty hallway in my apt and just block off the openings. it's empty of furniture and things to get into
>purchase dried rose hips as treats! very inexpensive at health stores by the scoop. they are way healthy and my chin loves them to pieces
>fill the cage with diversions and fun things. safe, non-plastic things. and be careful of bad woods...like cedar. chew toys, hanged things, hammocks, tubes and stuff
>fill it with unlimited essentials: timothy hay, a good choice in pellets (i have been very happy with oxbow. slightly expensive but i only have one chinchilla so why not splurge) and filtered water.
i think that about covers it. have fun with your new chinchilla and good luck with your studies!
