Roommate Allergic

[cmfinney]

Hi,
I have been contemplating adopting a chinchilla from a local rescue for a couple of months and really want to adopt but I just found out my roommate is allergic to a lot of different animals. I know chins are non-allergic but is it worth the risk? I have been wanting to adopt for a while and was really excited to adopt but since finding out about my roommates allergies and am reconsidering. If I got the chin then he would stay in my room most likely with the door closed during the day. Any advice would be appreciated about allergies and people experiences.

 

[kerri101]

It may not be the chin that your roomate would be allergic to ....but the dust and the hay that can trigger allergies which chins need at all times ( hay ) and dusting a few times a week.or even the shavings ( you could use fleece)....I am allergic to all things myself but control my allergies with meds ( I have cats too) ............now in my experience being exposed to something that causes allergies for a short times does not mean it wont bother them in the long run just a few thoughts...depending on the allergy there are ways to live with things you are allergic to without being sick all the time it depends on the person and the situation

 

[jess32247]

The thing your roommate would have most problem with is the hay and dust, and possibley the bedding you use. Chins need a unlimited supply of hay 24/7 and dust baths a few times a week. I don't think that would work out well for your roommate.

 

[PetoftheDay]

If you keep the chinnie in your room, the hay and dust will stay there, and as long as you are diligent about keeping stuff clean, I doubt it would be an issue. But your roommate should not handle the chin right after he/she has had a good dust bath! And you should keep your door closed when dust baths are happening, as most people with animal allergies also have dust mite allergies!

 

[Godofgods]

It would depend on the level of allergies he has. And theirs no real way to tell without being around them.

For me personally, iv always had seasonal allergies. After getting injured i developed 'smoke allergies'. (An unofficial allergy that makes you extremely vulnerable, even to stuff your not technically allergic to) Its at the point now where ill get MASSIVE reactions even to hypo-allergenic tissues. (get for ppl with allergies >< )

Point being, I have 5 chins now, and do just fine with them as long as I'm not careless. Don't try to breath in anything when giving them hay. Particles come out of the bag that can be an irritant. And when it comes time for a sand bath, i do it at night before going to bed. Gives more time to clear the air while I'm not around.

Their is also extra things you can do to help, such as dust masks. Come in handy for feeding hay or cleaning cage. And air filters. They come in handy generally, but especially after a sand bath to help clear it all outa the air.

But their is no real way to predict whether or not he would have problems with them. Maybe you can convince him to spend a day at the chin shelter you were talking about. It would allow him to be around them to test himself out some, without risking bringing one home.