Chinchilla Adoption - Advice?

[LMMS]

Hi all,

Wondering if any of you might be able to assist me with the following. My heart is saying one thing while my head is saying another...

I have the opportunity to adopt a chinchilla. I would, of course, love to do this. I've worked with chinchillas in the past and know that they're great creatures with awesome personality. Also, I'm well aware of their needs. The best part is that the little guy and I already know each other, we get along, etc... My issue is that I don't know if my home would be 'good' for him... I have an old cat who can be very territorial; I don't have central air; and if, by some miracle, I get into school, I may have move to hither and yon. So, I'm wondering if any of you have ever had (or fostered) a chinchilla; and what you thoughts were on this. And please don't let his adorable little face sway you. I'm simply seeking to do 'right' by the little fella and don't want to end up putting him into a position where he would be miserable.

Thank you in advance for any and all thoughts on this!

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[ANY2003]

get two, so you can make mittens.



JUST KIDDING! Relax everybody. I don't know how hot it gets where you are, but be careful. I had chinchillas in high school, and they are very susceptible to heat stroke. This is horrible and I feel SO BAD (10 years later), but one day the air conditioning wasn't on and the sun came through the window at just the wrong angle and was directed on their cage...I came home to a pen full of dead chinchillas. Heat stroke. I was 16 and stupid and left the blinds open. But if you don't have central air, this is really something you should think about.

 

[OH Bunny Girl]

I think you should go for it!

I adopted my chinchilla from a friend who didn't realize that chinchillas aren't low-key pets. I've had him for 7 years and moved with him twice. On the second move I just put his whole cage into my backseat and he did pretty well. And I was actually pretty nervous when I got a puppy, but all the puppy wants to do is eat the chinchilla poop that lands outside the cage. And I've never had central air, only window units and never had a problem. Although, he is much happier in warmer weather than in icky snowy weather.

 

[Emiloo4]

Just be aware that they are very loud at night! 😴

 

[jmo1012]

i have a pig and while they're definitely not the same, she's been through all of those situations (trade cat for puppies) and done just fine.

for temps: she just adapts her sleeping habits based on warm or cold. in the summer when its a solid 82-84 degrees in my room, she stretches out outside her hut. in the winter when its freezing, she snuggles up inside it with fluffy bedding.

dogs: dogs think she's awesome, she really couldnt care less. lance used to wish she'd play chase (we got him a puppy to fill that void 😉 ) but other than that, their favorite part about her is the "snacks" she provides. she's generally housed where they're not around her all day, but if she was in the center of things, i bet they'd get bored with her after a couple days and ignore her

moving: while she's not a fan of the car, the pig definitely doesn't care about the change of scenery. she spent semesters at school and breaks at home (all 8 of them). the only thing she seems to notice is that the house is noisier than the apartment and one cannot count on hours of luxuriously interrupted naps 😉

if you like chinchilla and chinchilla likes you and you're prepared to meet their lifestyle needs, i don't see why not adopt. i highly doubt he'll be miserable with someone who loves him 🙂

 

[ANY2003]

A couple more things about chinchillas. You should definitely get a wheel for your chinchilla - these are great for exercise and stimulation. However, they are, for the most part, nocturnal. That means they are very loud at night. ESPECIALLY on that wheel. I suggest putting it in another room besides the bedroom. Also another word about heat stroke - chinchillas can't tolerate warm and humid weather. If it gets above 75-80 degrees, they will start to show signs of heat stroke. So if you don't have air conditioning, you need to be very VERY careful. Leave some fans on, always close the blinds, put a cooling stone in the cage. I can't stress this enough. Their environment should never get above 75 degrees.
They do make great pets!

 

[LMMS]

Hey all,

I tried to post a thank you earlier today but my internet connection has been going in and out all damn day. Grrr....

Thanks for ALL the thoughts! I do indeed possess window air units (bought a second one for the cat two years ago). However, knowing their susceptibility to heat stroke (saw a tragedy at one of the places I worked) I didn't know if it would be 'enough'. But, it seems to be OK. Also, I'm fully well aware of their crazy nocturnal habits... When working with them, I've had overnights and have gone to check out the 'party' because their living quarters are always such a hot mess first thing in the morning. Those guys can really get busy!! If I do this, I should buy him a lamp shade for his head!!

I'll be sure to keep everyone posted. I still have to give this some thought and ensure that I have a proper place to put the caging... I intend upon getting a LARGE unit with shelving for exercise if I do this. But this has been very helpful - so THANKS!!!!

 

[GreennWhite]

Sent you a PM!

 

[LMMS]

Hey GreennWhite - Thank you SOOOO much! I'll be getting back to you shortly.