Traveling with your Chin...

[michelleideeaz1]

I've read tons of posts on here and I'm still confused about taking Chinnies with you to visit someone. Some posts say that they are highly stressed by traveling and the shock could kill them and others say they take them visiting with them rather frequently. Does this vary by chin temperament or what? Any insight helpful

 

[ticklechin]

I have had 19 chins, everything from ranchies to abused rescues, all traveled daily and none stressed out and or died, they all did well and actually like to travel.

 

[AZChins]

If you do it correctly, you can take chins with you in the car frequently. It's really about making the chins comfortable. That means putting them in a carrier that allows for them to feel safe and not scared. You don't just hold them and take them in the car...that could be disastrous.

There may be times when taking a chin for a car ride could be too stressful, but at those times taking a chin out for playtime may cause the same stress. Very sick chins or chins that are in a new environment could stress out greatly. Also, chins that are very old, very young or chins that are not at all used to being around people can have problems - usually an enclosed carrier with a place to hide will help greatly even with these chins.

If you have have a healthy, normal chinchilla, traveling with it isn't a huge deal. Use your best judgement when it comes to taking chins places and observe their comfort level. Be very careful when it come to new places...and don't take chins outside without them being secured in a carrier.

 

[becky12883]

I take my three with when we go visit family. It's a four hour car ride, and they are always fine in their carriers for that long. They usually aren't too happy when they realize they're going into the smaller cages at my mom's, but they get over it. We were just there all last week, got home sunday night, and they are back to their normal selves today.

 

[michelleideeaz1]

Thanks all!!!!! I appreciate it.

 

[ChinChild]

Both of my chins have endured a few 2+ hour car rides & they slept the majority of the time. My older chin concerned me as he tends to be more skittish & HATES when we break his normal routine, yet he took it in stride and didn't fuss a bit. As long as your chins are healthy & happy at home, I wouldn't expect them to be traumatized by the occasional trip as long as you're vigilant & make it as comfortable as possible. I use a small, enclosed carrier so it's nice and dark for them (they love sleeping in their tubes, so tight spaces are preferable in my case) and they've never had a problem