Which to get?

[Spro12]

I'm completely new to this and might not even get one though a chinchilla is first on my list. I know like hamsters I was told to get a male because they're nicer. Is this same for chinchillas or are females nicer or does it matter?

Thanks!!

 

[tunes]

Don't look at the sex. Go find a chinchilla you bond with, and the sex is secondary. Each sex has their pros and cons, but what it comes down to pet wise, is who you like.

Regarding where to get a chin, if you go to a hobbyists home, you'll generally find that their chins are handled much more than at a pet store, and you'll get a better idea of their personalities while you visit.

 

[ABBY W.]

I agree with Tunes. I have had both males and females who were very sweet, and also some who were not so sweet. Chins have their own individual personalities, just like we do.

 

[Siylvat]

Well...I have all boys so I can't really tell you how one gender is over the other. Though within my boys I have a wide variety of personalities.

I do know that there are ups and downs to both though. For example: girls can spray. Boys you need to do hair ring checks.

Just find a chin (or two) that you like for their personality. But if you get two stick to the same gender. It is just way easier that way.

 

[rach_leigh]

I agree with Tunes, too. I have a male and female and both are total opposites. I would choose the chin that fits you. Good luck! Chins are amazing animals and I am a fairly new owner, 4 months and I am glad I decided to become a chin-mom!

 

[Laurie]

I have males and females and they are all nice! My snuggliest chin is a girl. I agree with tunes, don't get a sex get a chin you feel comfortable with.
A breeder's home or hobbyist home will definitely handle chins more than a pet store. AND they will be able to sex your chin for you correctly!

 

[AZChins]

The gender of a chin means nothing. Personality is a highly individual thing. I have females that are amazingly perfect and sweet and males that are darling and very well behaved. It all comes down to that ONE special chin. Or, TWO special chins. (Or 250 special chins...don't be like me.)

 

[Brittney]

I don't have any females, just 2 males, and I can tell you, my males have very different personalities from each other. One loves to be held and scratched and pet and cuddled, and the other is very distant. He will come up to you and check you out, but god forbid you try to pet him or get him out of the cage, it's barking and kacking away he goes.

Just go look at chins and find one you just can't part with. Then you've got your chinnie

 

[mishellyshel]

i agree with everyone else! i have only males and they are all comepletely different and one of my males even sprays!!
i think it is very smart of you to do the research first before getting a pet.
just remember the the average chinchilla lifespan is 10 - 15 years.
hamsters are only 2 - 3 years. so depending where you are in your life and what you want to do, may determine what kind of pet you get.

 

[nicky]

If I were you I'd start out with a male, only because it can be a little bit easier to introduce another male later on if you deceide to get another. But as far as personality goes, the sex doesn't really matter. Both my males and females are all really friendly. Just make sure you're ready to commit to them. They're awesome pets, but a little higher maintenance than hamsters or rabbits.

 

[AndreaMD02]

I had a female hamster and she was the love of my life...oh how i miss her soo much =(

personalities cud possibly be on a spectrum...where males tend to be nicer than females...but there will be lots mean males and there will be lots nice females. (btw i'm not saying this is true at all, i really dont know. its just a theory. cud go either way)
so all in all you'd have to judge them as they are, not what sex it is.

 

[Spro12]

i agree with everyone else! i have only males and they are all comepletely different and one of my males even sprays!!
i think it is very smart of you to do the research first before getting a pet.
just remember the the average chinchilla lifespan is 10 - 15 years.
hamsters are only 2 - 3 years. so depending where you are in your life and what you want to do, may determine what kind of pet you get.

Wow, ok thanks for the info about the life span that was my major question that I was just about to post another thread. And yes I understand I will not let the evil pet store ppl talk me into getting a certain gender. There are no breeders anywhere near me that I know of.

 

[nicky]

Where are you located? I'm sure there's probably someone near you. If you're going to get one I'd say you should probably go with a breeder. Not only are they handled more frequently but your more likely to purchase a sick chin from a pet store. Another thing to look into before getting one is a local exotic vet. Alot of vets don't see chins, so I'd check that out too.