Pam and Chi Chi

[mcinnesp]

Hi there,

My name is Pam and I am a new Chinchilla owner. His name is Chi Chi - I know, not very original, but that's what his name was before, he answers to it, so I don't want to change it.

I rescued Chi Chi from the Humane Society about six weeks ago. I had read up on Chinchillas before getting him, but didn't know what to really expect, since his previous owner deserted him and that guy's roommates were the ones who took him to the Humane Society.

He was very shy and withdrawn at the Humane Society when I went to see him, but I figured that was because he was in cage with very little shelter, it was noisy and very light.

When I got him home, we set up his new cage. He barked several times during this process, but settled in quite nicely once he was inside.

Since, Chi Chi has been very outgoing and affectionate. He is also very curious about my dog (Australian Shepherd/German Shepherd X) and my two rabbits.

Which brings the question...what are your thoughts about introducing Chi Chi to my rabbits?

 

[tunes]

Hi Pam and welcome.

Never let your chin be introduced to your rabbit, nor should they ever share the same space for play or living. Almost all rabbits carry pasturella, whether they show symptoms or not. While pasturella is most times easily treatable in a bun, it is deadly for a chin. Keep separate species separate, including your dog.

Aside from that issue, a chin's skeleton is pretty delicate, and a good kick with a bun's hind feet could do serious damage, as chould being stepped on by your dog. Your dog may be the most gentle animal on earth, but if he jumps because the doorbell rings or a dog barks outside, and steps on your chin, that's that.

 

[Jenn]

Hi Pam and welcome!

 

[Dragonflye]

Welcome!

 

[Tennyson]

Welcome Pam Make sure to check out the housing threads here to learn more about cage setup and safety And we'd love to see pics of your new boy!

 

[monarch]

Welcome mcinnesp! I was a new owner too and this site helped me out so much! Someone suggested to me once to use the search function at the top o the page if I had any questions, and it helped a lot! You'll get used to your chin in no time


Hi tunes - I love reading all your posts on this website! How did you learn so much about chinchillas? Simply from breeding, or are you a veterinarian also?

 

[saphire]

hello and Welcome you will enjoy this forum

 

[Laurie]

Hello and Welcome--definitely keep chins and bunnies separated as Peggy said--way too much can happen!

 

[mcinnesp]

Thank you everyone for your welcomes and for all that info.

My rabbits and Chin do have separate play areas. I let the Motley and Christian (velveteen and Lop) out in the living room; Chi Chi is let out in my bedroom and I sit in the doorway so I can keep them separate and watch them all at the same time during their free time at night. Chi Chi seemed very curious about the rabbits, for when he sits on the back of one of the chairs he can see into the living room - but I will continue to keep them separate.

Joker (my pup) is not allowed near any of them during their free time.

I'll continue reading all the forums for all the info I can get to help keep Chi happy

 

[cindyv3737]

Welcome.

 

[Isabella Whateva]

Welcome to the forums and thanks for taking Tunes' advice.
My chin was originally named Chi Chi by a previous owner too, but we call her Pudge now )

We would absolutely love to see pictures of your chin, dog, and bunnies! In fact, we demand it )

 

[Dusty Foot Prints]

Welcome to CnH! :hithere: