28 replies to this topic

[saige]

I've been asking a lot about other animal care recently and I've been really interested. We are going to move soon and I'm not getting another pet soon but maybe in August   My parents do know that I want a whole zoo of pets but they said they will allow one more pet like, cat, mice, another hamster, (maybe chinchilla), and a rabbit. I've asked about most of these pets but I got interested in Chinchillas recently. 

 

1.) I do know that they are a herd animal and they need to be in pairs or more. (is it okay if you keep one? or is pairs necessary or..??)

 

2.) If I do get a cage, I'm looking to buy this one: https://www.amazon.com/Prevue-Hendryx-485-Products-Hammertone/dp/B000QFMYWQ/ref=sr_1_6?dchild=1&keywords=chinchilla+cage&qid=1612452713&sr=8-6  (is this cage a good cage)

 

3.) Is taming easy? (I know it does depend on the personality but just asking)

 

4.) Is you&me Chinchilla bath dust safe?

 

5.) How much food do they eat per day?

 

6.) I heard they only eat pellets and hay?

 

7.) Which hay is good for them?

 

8.) Which pellets do you recommend?

 

9.) I heard that mice, if they are aggressive at first, they will keep on being aggressive and not change attitudes? Does that go with chinchillas too? 

 

10.) How long of a play time should they have?

 

11.) Do they like human interaction? (though I might not get one that doesn't, is there some that do like interaction? Because if I do get chinchillas, I would be asking whoever I'm getting it from to let me hold them)

 

12.) Do they need wheels? Some people do have them in their cages while others don't and I don't know if it's mandatory or not. 

 

13.) Do they have affection? (yes, I do know that it depends but, do some??)

 

14.) Do they have a big odor? (I do know they don't smell, but is it like a hamster's odor or is it more than that or less?)

 

15.) I didn't want to leave it off as 14 questions so ehe

Edited by CoconutTheDwarf, 04 February 2021 - 11:45 PM.

[a little furry thing]

oops nope nvm

Edited by a little furry thing, 04 February 2021 - 11:43 PM.

[PeanutTheDwarf]

I've been asking a lot about other animal care recently and I've been really interested. We are going to move soon and I'm not getting another pet soon but maybe in August   My parents do know that I want a whole zoo of pets but they said they will allow one more pet like, cat, mice, another hamster, (maybe chinchilla), and a rabbit. I've asked about most of these pets but I got interested in Chinchillas recently. 

 

1.) I do know that they are a herd animal and they need to be in pairs or more. (is it okay if you keep one? or is pairs necessary or..??) Since they are nocturnal pairs are best. Bonding takes a LONG time so I would recommend getting an already bonded pair. 

 

2.) If I do get a cage, I'm looking to buy this one: https://www.amazon.com/Prevue-Hendryx-485-Products-Hammertone/dp/B000QFMYWQ/ref=sr_1_6?dchild=1&keywords=chinchilla+cage&qid=1612452713&sr=8-6  (is this cage a good cage) I think it's good but add more hammocks close to the level things incase they jump. Also add a place with granite tile if you live in a hot area because they need to cool off. 

 

3.) Is taming easy? (I know it does depend on the personality but just asking) My friend's chin was a little skittish and other chins I have met loved people. So I think it just takes time. 

 

4.) Is you&me Chinchilla bath dust safe? I think so but I am not 100%

 

5.) How much food do they eat per day? They should have unlimited hay and pellets twice a day once full grown. 

 

6.) I heard they only eat pellets and hay? They can have some vegetables but that's pretty much it. 

 

7.) Which hay is good for them? Timothy hay is best. 

 

8.) Which pellets do you recommend? I don't have an answer sorry. 

 

9.) I heard that mice, if they are aggressive at first, they will keep on being aggressive and not change attitudes? Does that go with chinchillas too? It depends on the chin, if you have an aggressive chin you have an aggressive chin, but if you are patient you can form a bond with them. 

 

10.) How long of a play time should they have? A couple hours everyday. Maybe let them play in a chin proofed room or bathtub. 

 

11.) Do they like human interaction? (though I might not get one that doesn't, is there some that do like interaction? Because if I do get chinchillas, I would be asking whoever I'm getting it from to let me hold them) It depends on the chin. Most likely yes..but some do not. So just meet with one first. 

 

12.) Do they need wheels? Some people do have them in their cages while others don't and I don't know if it's mandatory or not. Yes they should have wheels. 15 inch I believe...maybe 20 inch....

 

13.) Do they have affection? (yes, I do know that it depends but, do some??) Like I said it depends but usually if they like you they will show affection. 

 

14.) Do they have a big odor? (I do know they don't smell, but is it like a hamster's odor or is it more than that or less?) It's pretty mild. They do "throw" their poop out of their cage though....

 

15.) I didn't want to leave it off as 14 questions so ehe lol

Edited by PeanutTheDwarf, 04 February 2021 - 11:58 PM.

[daisy~]

I looked into chinchillas just long enough to realise they're not for me! This is what I found out:

 

They eat hay and pellets but shouldn't have fruit or veg. 

 

They are not really cuddly despite their looks and are skittish. They are often slow to tame, but as they can live for 20 years, you have plenty of time to build up a bond. They need careful handling due to having very fragile bones. Due to their fragility, unbroken height can be dangerous. Naturally, they live on rocky outcrops, so while they need some height, they are not truly climbing animals and a cage should be long rather than excessively tall.

 

They are extremely sensitive to their environment. They overheat really easily and can die if the temperature is much above 23C/73.5F so air conditioning in the room they are kept in is essential. You also have to limit their exercise when they are young so they don't overheat.

 

Many people use wheels but I don't think they're essential. They shouldn't be given to young chinchillas as they can overheat.

[ajuniceuhamsters]

 

I've been asking a lot about other animal care recently and I've been really interested. We are going to move soon and I'm not getting another pet soon but maybe in August   My parents do know that I want a whole zoo of pets but they said they will allow one more pet like, cat, mice, another hamster, (maybe chinchilla), and a rabbit. I've asked about most of these pets but I got interested in Chinchillas recently. 

 

1.) I do know that they are a herd animal and they need to be in pairs or more. (is it okay if you keep one? or is pairs necessary or..??) Since they are nocturnal pairs are best. Bonding takes a LONG time so I would recommend getting an already bonded pair. 

 

2.) If I do get a cage, I'm looking to buy this one: https://www.amazon.com/Prevue-Hendryx-485-Products-Hammertone/dp/B000QFMYWQ/ref=sr_1_6?dchild=1&keywords=chinchilla+cage&qid=1612452713&sr=8-6  (is this cage a good cage) I think it's good but add more hammocks close to the level things incase they jump. Also add a place with granite tile if you live in a hot area because they need to cool off. 

 

3.) Is taming easy? (I know it does depend on the personality but just asking) My friend's chin was a little skittish and other chins I have met loved people. So I think it just takes time. 

 

4.) Is you&me Chinchilla bath dust safe? I think so but I am not 100%

 

5.) How much food do they eat per day? They should have unlimited hay and pellets twice a day once full grown. 

 

6.) I heard they only eat pellets and hay? They can have some vegetables but that's pretty much it. 

 

7.) Which hay is good for them? Timothy hay is best. 

 

8.) Which pellets do you recommend? I don't have an answer sorry. 

 

9.) I heard that mice, if they are aggressive at first, they will keep on being aggressive and not change attitudes? Does that go with chinchillas too? It depends on the chin, if you have an aggressive chin you have an aggressive chin, but if you are patient you can form a bond with them. 

 

10.) How long of a play time should they have? A couple hours everyday. Maybe let them play in a chin proofed room or bathtub. 

 

11.) Do they like human interaction? (though I might not get one that doesn't, is there some that do like interaction? Because if I do get chinchillas, I would be asking whoever I'm getting it from to let me hold them) It depends on the chin. Most likely yes..but some do not. So just meet with one first. 

 

12.) Do they need wheels? Some people do have them in their cages while others don't and I don't know if it's mandatory or not. Yes they should have wheels. 15 inch I believe...maybe 20 inch....

 

13.) Do they have affection? (yes, I do know that it depends but, do some??) Like I said it depends but usually if they like you they will show affection. 

 

14.) Do they have a big odor? (I do know they don't smell, but is it like a hamster's odor or is it more than that or less?) It's pretty mild. They do "throw" their poop out of their cage though....

 

15.) I didn't want to leave it off as 14 questions so ehe lol

 

agreed! this is is a great answer

[saige]

 

I've been asking a lot about other animal care recently and I've been really interested. We are going to move soon and I'm not getting another pet soon but maybe in August   My parents do know that I want a whole zoo of pets but they said they will allow one more pet like, cat, mice, another hamster, (maybe chinchilla), and a rabbit. I've asked about most of these pets but I got interested in Chinchillas recently. 

 

1.) I do know that they are a herd animal and they need to be in pairs or more. (is it okay if you keep one? or is pairs necessary or..??) Since they are nocturnal pairs are best. Bonding takes a LONG time so I would recommend getting an already bonded pair. 

 

2.) If I do get a cage, I'm looking to buy this one: https://www.amazon.com/Prevue-Hendryx-485-Products-Hammertone/dp/B000QFMYWQ/ref=sr_1_6?dchild=1&keywords=chinchilla+cage&qid=1612452713&sr=8-6  (is this cage a good cage) I think it's good but add more hammocks close to the level things incase they jump. Also add a place with granite tile if you live in a hot area because they need to cool off. 

 

3.) Is taming easy? (I know it does depend on the personality but just asking) My friend's chin was a little skittish and other chins I have met loved people. So I think it just takes time. 

 

4.) Is you&me Chinchilla bath dust safe? I think so but I am not 100%

 

5.) How much food do they eat per day? They should have unlimited hay and pellets twice a day once full grown. 

 

6.) I heard they only eat pellets and hay? They can have some vegetables but that's pretty much it. 

 

7.) Which hay is good for them? Timothy hay is best. 

 

8.) Which pellets do you recommend? I don't have an answer sorry. 

 

9.) I heard that mice, if they are aggressive at first, they will keep on being aggressive and not change attitudes? Does that go with chinchillas too? It depends on the chin, if you have an aggressive chin you have an aggressive chin, but if you are patient you can form a bond with them. 

 

10.) How long of a play time should they have? A couple hours everyday. Maybe let them play in a chin proofed room or bathtub. 

 

11.) Do they like human interaction? (though I might not get one that doesn't, is there some that do like interaction? Because if I do get chinchillas, I would be asking whoever I'm getting it from to let me hold them) It depends on the chin. Most likely yes..but some do not. So just meet with one first. 

 

12.) Do they need wheels? Some people do have them in their cages while others don't and I don't know if it's mandatory or not. Yes they should have wheels. 15 inch I believe...maybe 20 inch....

 

13.) Do they have affection? (yes, I do know that it depends but, do some??) Like I said it depends but usually if they like you they will show affection. 

 

14.) Do they have a big odor? (I do know they don't smell, but is it like a hamster's odor or is it more than that or less?) It's pretty mild. They do "throw" their poop out of their cage though....

 

15.) I didn't want to leave it off as 14 questions so ehe lol

 

 

 

I looked into chinchillas just long enough to realise they're not for me! This is what I found out:

 

They eat hay and pellets but shouldn't have fruit or veg. 

 

They are not really cuddly despite their looks and are skittish. They are often slow to tame, but as they can live for 20 years, you have plenty of time to build up a bond. They need careful handling due to having very fragile bones. Due to their fragility, unbroken height can be dangerous. Naturally, they live on rocky outcrops, so while they need some height, they are not truly climbing animals and a cage should be long rather than excessively tall.

 

They are extremely sensitive to their environment. They overheat really easily and can die if the temperature is much above 23C/73.5F so air conditioning in the room they are kept in is essential. You also have to limit their exercise when they are young so they don't overheat.

 

Many people use wheels but I don't think they're essential. They shouldn't be given to young chinchillas as they can overheat.

 

Hm, thanks for all your help! Maybe chinchillas aren’t right for me...? I’m still obsessed with them and I still have to think about them..thanks though!! <3

[milkyway]

Hm, yeah, I've heard they have pretty dry personalities lol. Super cute though.

[~Bumble~]

I agree w/ ^^, maybe a chinchilla isn't the BEST pet for you...cats are amazing tho! Maybe a kitten is what you need

 

Although, since you have hamsters, you will have to keep the cat out of close proximity with your hamsters (close the doors to the room the hamsters are in, set up a baby gate, etc.) 

Edited by ~Bumble~, 05 February 2021 - 02:37 AM.

[saige]

I agree w/ ^^, maybe a chinchilla isn't the BEST pet for you...cats are amazing tho! Maybe a kitten is what you need

 

Although, since you have hamsters, you will have to keep the cat out of close proximity with your hamsters (close the doors to the room the hamsters are in, set up a baby gate, etc.) 

I do agree with that, I do feel like a kitten is the BEST for me in every case but I honestly do prefer more exotic pets? I feel like cats are to... common.. 

though if we do get a cat, we have to get it after the hamsters..pass so yeah..

I'm debating on a chinchilla, a rabbit, and a cat

I don't know-

I'm going to be COMPLETELY honest and say, I feel like it would be like this for me: cat > rabbit > chinchilla

Chinchilla may be out of my list just because my dad says they are ugly and that I would want a more cuddly pet but at the same time a very floofy pet? WHAT'S SO UGLY ABOUT A LIVING FLOOFBALL?!?!

Anyways, a cat vs rabbit

Which one...cat would definitely be the right one for me

But I would prefer rabbits more..

But if I get a rabbit, I might want a cat too..

but if I get a cat.. I might want a rabbit too...

I think I just might have to be a petting zoo keeper.

 

I honestly feel like rabbits will be more work, I DON'T KNOW

I mean I guess I have much MUCH more time before I get a pet... but I don't know..

 

 

no offense to cats though, I love them too :3

Edited by CoconutTheDwarf, 05 February 2021 - 03:06 AM.

[milkyway]

I do agree with that, I do feel like a kitten is the BEST for me in every case but I honestly do prefer more exotic pets? I feel like cats are to... common.. 

though if we do get a cat, we have to get it after the hamsters..pass so yeah..

I'm debating on a chinchilla, a rabbit, and a cat

I don't know-

I'm going to be COMPLETELY honest and say, I feel like it would be like this for me: cat > rabbit > chinchilla

Chinchilla may be out of my list just because my dad says they are ugly and that I would want a more cuddly pet but at the same time a very floofy pet? WHAT'S SO UGLY ABOUT A LIVING FLOOFBALL?!?!

Anyways, a cat vs rabbit

Which one...cat would definitely be the right one for me

But I would prefer rabbits more..

But if I get a rabbit, I might want a cat too..

but if I get a cat.. I might want a rabbit too...

I think I just might have to be a petting zoo keeper.

 

I honestly feel like rabbits will be more work, I DON'T KNOW

I mean I guess I have much MUCH more time before I get a pet... but I don't know..

 

 

no offense to cats though, I love them too :3

 

Mice are great too )) they're way less work than even hamsters and are quite interactive and sweet! I'd also get a lid for your hamsters' enclosures if you were to get a kitten! I've heard good things about bunnies too. Chinchillas can be kind of boring and are very sensitive and a lot of work lol

[saige]

Mice are great too )) they're way less work than even hamsters and are quite interactive and sweet! I'd also get a lid for your hamsters' enclosures if you were to get a kitten! I've heard good things about bunnies too. Chinchillas can be kind of boring and are very sensitive and a lot of work lol

I'm putting mice in a replacement of chinchillas

just because they seem like a lot of work from articles and this topic ;-;

they are cute floofballs but too much for me i guess

I'm not sure where to get a lid though, i can't make a homemade one because it's a tank..

[ajuniceuhamsters]

I do agree with that, I do feel like a kitten is the BEST for me in every case but I honestly do prefer more exotic pets? I feel like cats are to... common.. 

though if we do get a cat, we have to get it after the hamsters..pass so yeah..

I'm debating on a chinchilla, a rabbit, and a cat

I don't know-

I'm going to be COMPLETELY honest and say, I feel like it would be like this for me: cat > rabbit > chinchilla

Chinchilla may be out of my list just because my dad says they are ugly and that I would want a more cuddly pet but at the same time a very floofy pet? WHAT'S SO UGLY ABOUT A LIVING FLOOFBALL?!?!

Anyways, a cat vs rabbit

Which one...cat would definitely be the right one for me

But I would prefer rabbits more..

But if I get a rabbit, I might want a cat too..

but if I get a cat.. I might want a rabbit too...

I think I just might have to be a petting zoo keeper.

 

I honestly feel like rabbits will be more work, I DON'T KNOW

I mean I guess I have much MUCH more time before I get a pet... but I don't know..

 

 

no offense to cats though, I love them too :3

if you are getting a rabbit, keep in mind that they should either be in bonded pairs or more, especially if you can't spend more than 6 hours with them a day.

Rabbits are also a lot more work than a dog, cat, mouse, and about the same amount of work as a hamster. They also need A LOT of space.

 

If you have any rabbit questions PM me! I know quite a bit on their care if i do say so myself

[Alis]

In your situation, I would just take a step back and research each animal a bit more. ( Financial wise, space wise, etc. ) Remember that you don’t have to rush to get another pet. Maybe you should put the thought that you will be getting a pet soon and you have to decide quickly, but rather put on the mindset of researching for future pets that you may get once you move out.

 

You want a cuddly pet, right? Mostly cats / dogs are like that, but you want more of an exotic animal? I’m not too sure if chinchillas and rabbits would be cuddly because there are many exceptions. Maybe eve research for a few other animal options?

Edited by Alis, 05 February 2021 - 03:29 AM.

[lil BIG dwarf]

I'm putting mice in a replacement of chinchillas

just because they seem like a lot of work from articles and this topic ;-;

they are cute floofballs but too much for me i guess

I'm not sure where to get a lid though, i can't make a homemade one because it's a tank..

 

YOU CANNN make a homemade lid tank!

 

Just get proper sized wood planks, connect with screws or wood glue, and staple on meshhh!

 

Also, if you want a cuddly pet, I would look away from rodents/prey animals. They tend to be energetic, like mice, not very ĺoving´ like a chinchilla, or a mix of tolerant to complete hate, like hamsters wide range.

[milkyway]

I'm putting mice in a replacement of chinchillas

just because they seem like a lot of work from articles and this topic ;-;

they are cute floofballs but too much for me i guess

I'm not sure where to get a lid though, i can't make a homemade one because it's a tank..

You should put together a pro con list!

 

Kitten -

Pros: Cuddly, you can hug it, share responsibility with family

Cons: High prey drive, kittens tend to get into trouble, not exotic

 

Rabbits -

Pros: Exotic, fluffy and big, mischievous

Cons: Poop everywhere (though you can litter train), some can be more aloof, require a TONNN of attention

 

Mice -

Pros: Easy to care for, interested in humans, easy to trick train, females don't require much attention

Cons: Bucks are smelly, females are less affectionate than a buck, you can't hug them and not all like cuddling, can't control poop/pee