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..??) Yes, chinchillas must be kept in pairs unless they have behavioral issues, cage aggression, or is suggested by the breeder. Still, giving bonding a try is encouraged, but there won't be any immediate, positive results and you may have to keep them separated for quite some time.
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) This cage is alright, however you need to remove or cover the plastic pans with fleece covers to prevent chewing (plastic can be fatal to chinchillas if ingested and tears up their insides). I'd recommend the MidWest Deluxe Critter Nation Model 162 https://www.amazon.com/MidWest-Critter-162-leak-Proof-Measures/dp/B001NJ0DAY/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=critter+nation&qid=1619657144&sr=8-1 as it is the best cage available and is very roomy, plus it has horizontal bars which is ideal for mounting ledges, food bowls, and water bottles (never give your chin a water bowl or let it get wet) and again, the plastic does need to be covered with fleece (I would recommend taking out all accessories except for the 2 large pans as the ladders and smaller ones are unnecessary and make the space cramped)
3.) Is taming easy? (I know it does depend on the personality but just asking) Taming can take some time, similar to hamsters. You need to give your chin AT LEAST one week to adjust to their cage and living environment, then slowly introduce yourself by feeding treats (no more than 1-2 a day). Take your time, and go slow. Never, ever lift up your chin's hide while they are in it, and DO NOT interact with them if they bark at you, wave their tail (typically a warning, unless you know otherwise) or attempt to lunge. Sit in a playpen or small, enclosed room with them for 15-60 minutes a day, letting them come to you and not trying to grab them or pet them. After they feel comfortable with your presence, give chin/ear scratches, pet if you'd like but most of the time chins don't care for petting or get annoyed.
4.) Is you&me Chinchilla bath dust safe? I wouldn't risk it. Even the slightest ingredient alteration can cause respiratory issues, patchy fur, etc. Blue Cloud Dust is the optimal choice for all chinchillas. Also, only give them a dust bath 1-3 times each week and never get them wet!!
5.) How much food do they eat per day? Approximately 1-2 tablespoons per day, some chinchillas are great at eating at their own will (unlimited supply, full bowl 24/7) but you need to monitor their intake.
6.) I heard they only eat pellets and hay? Yes, chinchillas have a fairly simple diet. They can also have treats such as goji berries, barley oats, rosehips, and bee pollen, make sure to stay away from any processed (typically store-bought) treats and anything containing high amounts of sugar. Etsy has a great selection.
7.) Which hay is good for them? Chinchillas always need an unlimited amount of regular timothy hay, or if you have allergies or can't find timothy, Orchard grass. Botanical and alfalfa hay is used for baby or malnourished chinchillas and should never be an adult chinchilla's main source of hay, however can be used as a rare treat.
8.) Which pellets do you recommend? Oxbow Essentials Chinchilla food. Oxbow is really high-quality compared to other brands like Kaytee, and Mazuri Chinchilla diet is a close second with Supreme Petfoods Selective Chinchilla diet in third. I don't recommend any other brands but these, if you can't find any of them order them online, and never get the ones with colorful bits and fruit in them as they are literal junk and high in sugar, just get plain old pellets. Also, Oxbow hay as well as toys are great too (don't give them any sisal (rope) or paper/tissue items, colorful items are ok)
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? No, definitely not. Even if a chinchilla has gone through years of abuse, they will slowly warm up to you. Patience is key.
10.) How long of a play time should they have? About 1-2 hours a day, always supervised as they are very mischievous and love to get into things they aren't supposed to.
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) Well, it's very mixed. Some chins are born sweet and love being handled while most tolerate it, then there are the ones who hate it. Ask the breeder or whoever if they like to be handled or not.
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. Wheels are an important staple in a chinchilla's cage as they are crepuscular and are active at night, so they want to run around while you sleep. They are very expensive though $50+ dollars, but the best wheel (a ChinSpin) retails at about $100.
13.) Do they have affection? (yes, I do know that it depends but, do some??) Of course! Most chinchillas absolutely adore chin rubs and ear scratches. They turn their head to the side and close their eyes, it's so cute! They also may squeak when they're in their cage because they want attention and will lean on the bars.
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?) Never had a hamster so idk, chinchillas are very sanitary and any excess oils get washed off in their dust bath, however they do need their cage swept every 1-2 days and fleece washed every week. They can be litter trained as well which makes cleaning a lot easier. Also, use gentle cleaners like Method Antibac (purple one I think) and don't use cleaners with strong chemical odors.
15.) I didn't want to leave it off as 14 questions so ehe teehee If you wanna learn more, please PM me! I'm happy to answer any questions. Byeeee