After rescuing two rabbits from a local humane society, both of whom were older in age and didn't live nearly as long as we hoped (1 and 2 years respectively) we tried to get our daughter a bunny from a breeder this past spring hoping she'd have more time with a critter she pours her absolute heart and soul into loving. When that guy passed on unexpectedly at the age of just 4 months old we consulted with our vet who thankfully confirmed bunny passed on due to a congenital abnormality. We reviewed EVERYTHING we did, there was nothing we were doing wrong or could have done differently, it was just one heck of a string of bad luck.
Her heart was beyond broken and although she loves rabbits dearly we suggested she move on to another variety of pet.
My daughter diligently researched several different options and chinchillas peaked her interest. We were more than a bit concerned about set up costs and cost to acquire one, and the fact that we live rurally was kind of a hindrance too. Exotic vets are hard to come by within a nearly two hour radius of where we live. She started talking birds then and that prospect made me even more nervous than getting another rabbit. Although some smaller varieties can be a bit hardier from what I've read those can be just as hit and miss, the main concern was with her bedroom being downstairs where it's a bit cooler year round.
We felt stuck as to how to proceed, but in no rush either.
Fast forward to today, I was browsing Craigslist and ran across an ad of someone very local needing to rehome their chinchilla. He was only a year old, healthy, and very well socialized to kids and even their family dog. I contacted them and they agreed to let him go to our family for just $80. Included cage, food, shavings, houses, wheels, tunnels, dust bath supplies, harness etc etc etc. From the sounds of it they were most concerned he'd go to a good home and I appreciated that.
I did a quick bit of research on the links she had saved and I have a couple of questions:
1. I read on the master FAQ list that distilled or purified water is needed. Is this true? If so I'm curious as to why? Living rurally we have well water (tested annually) although we also have I guess a form of purified water that comes out of the fridge door. Is that ok? Or does it have to be store bought type stuff? I don't mind either way, I just want to be sure what the deal with that is. I certainly don't want to give him the wrong kind and have it harm him in any way.
2. The cage he came with is very tall. Almost as tall as I am. There are plastic trays that fit in as ledges as well as some tunnels and it doesn't seem as if he's ever chewed on them. Regardless, Master FAQ list said anything plastic is typically a no-no. Is this an across the board thing or can it be specific just to individuals who chew plastic? Are they ok to leave or should I try to figure something else out just to be on the safe side? He also has a little hidey house and a dust bath container which are plastic. Neither chewed on but if anyone else has other recommendations as to what to replace them with? He definitely likes the house, he's been in there since I got him home with the exception of a little exploring. The one thing that has been chewed on a bit is a fabric hammock deal, is that ok to leave in with him?
Much thanks if you managed to read through all of that and if you are able to be of any help!
Obviously we are going to be inclined to be overly cautious. We're hoping he and my daughter have many many MANY happy healthy years together and are willing to do whatever it takes to ensure that happens for both of them.
Her heart was beyond broken and although she loves rabbits dearly we suggested she move on to another variety of pet.
My daughter diligently researched several different options and chinchillas peaked her interest. We were more than a bit concerned about set up costs and cost to acquire one, and the fact that we live rurally was kind of a hindrance too. Exotic vets are hard to come by within a nearly two hour radius of where we live. She started talking birds then and that prospect made me even more nervous than getting another rabbit. Although some smaller varieties can be a bit hardier from what I've read those can be just as hit and miss, the main concern was with her bedroom being downstairs where it's a bit cooler year round.
We felt stuck as to how to proceed, but in no rush either.
Fast forward to today, I was browsing Craigslist and ran across an ad of someone very local needing to rehome their chinchilla. He was only a year old, healthy, and very well socialized to kids and even their family dog. I contacted them and they agreed to let him go to our family for just $80. Included cage, food, shavings, houses, wheels, tunnels, dust bath supplies, harness etc etc etc. From the sounds of it they were most concerned he'd go to a good home and I appreciated that.
I did a quick bit of research on the links she had saved and I have a couple of questions:
1. I read on the master FAQ list that distilled or purified water is needed. Is this true? If so I'm curious as to why? Living rurally we have well water (tested annually) although we also have I guess a form of purified water that comes out of the fridge door. Is that ok? Or does it have to be store bought type stuff? I don't mind either way, I just want to be sure what the deal with that is. I certainly don't want to give him the wrong kind and have it harm him in any way.
2. The cage he came with is very tall. Almost as tall as I am. There are plastic trays that fit in as ledges as well as some tunnels and it doesn't seem as if he's ever chewed on them. Regardless, Master FAQ list said anything plastic is typically a no-no. Is this an across the board thing or can it be specific just to individuals who chew plastic? Are they ok to leave or should I try to figure something else out just to be on the safe side? He also has a little hidey house and a dust bath container which are plastic. Neither chewed on but if anyone else has other recommendations as to what to replace them with? He definitely likes the house, he's been in there since I got him home with the exception of a little exploring. The one thing that has been chewed on a bit is a fabric hammock deal, is that ok to leave in with him?
Much thanks if you managed to read through all of that and if you are able to be of any help!
Obviously we are going to be inclined to be overly cautious. We're hoping he and my daughter have many many MANY happy healthy years together and are willing to do whatever it takes to ensure that happens for both of them.
). As tunes mentioned reverse osmosis or purified water is best. Purchasing a few jugs/gallons at a time at the store can last you a long time for 1 chin. One thing that did stick out in the list that the previous owners had was a "harness", chins should never wear harnesses, some of heir bones are like toothpicks and a harness can cause some serious damage. Also, yes, get rid of the fabric hammock that's being chewed, one of the reasons fleece is recommonded is because it does not have those loose strings/fibers like other fabrics do when they unravel but if he does start chewing on the fleece then I would not use that either.
