Chinchillas are of the rodent family although they don't seem like it. If you've never had a chinchilla before you may want to consider one as a pet.
Also known as "chins" they have incredible velvety fir, and they resemble a chubby squirrel with Mickey mouse type ears. They are nocturnal, although they do get up and play alot during the day. Chins are very smart and playful, and I'm told can be trained. They are also very clean, so their cage area doesn't tend to stink as many other types of caged animals can.
Our first chins we got were a proven breeding pair and although we really loved them, they just never really bonded to us, most likely because they were older adults already by then. Chins have 1-3 kits per litter and a pregnancy is 111 days, which is a very long gestation for an animal that size.
Kits are born fully formed "rearing to go" so to speak. They are fully furred, eyes open and running around within minutes of birth. They can even eat adult food nearly from the first day, although they prefer to nurse.
Chinchillas eat prepared chinchilla food that comes in a pellet form. They also need 1 raisin a day (which they LOVE!). Every few days it's a good idea to give them a dust bath. You can purchase "chinchilla dust" at a pet store. You put it in a bowl and they dive in, roll and kick up a fuss, and is a pure delight to watch. Company always loves to watch "Ittle bittle" take her bath.
We kept one of the babies from this pair, and she was the best pet we ever owned. We handled her from day one and she bonded to us very well. She was playful, sweet, never bit and had a cute little quiet bark. Tons of personality as well!
Chins are a more playful active type pet, versus a sit down lap animal. I would recommend getting a baby if you decide to get a chinchilla. They usually run about $100. in the US for a pet, but that price can vary a lot.
Chins are great as pets also because they don't have nails or claws, but little soft pads on their feet so you don't get scratched. They usually are not good animals for small children however as a young child can accidentally hurt them easily.
They have a life span of about 10-15 years. They do need to live indoors, or a climate type controlled setting. Chins come in a variety of colors but the standard gray color is the most common, and the other, more rare colors will cost more usually. Because of their long life span, be sure you're ready for that commitment before getting one however.
When we were looking for good homes for the babies most people who came to look had never seen a chin before and really knew nothing about them. The ones who did know had one thing is common; they had either previously owned a chin or knew someone close who did. That really says something about chins as pets.
About the Author:
By Rachel Ray - Trying to help others use their creativity by recharging and having some fun with life. Many times home life can be simply too difficult and tension filled.
No comments:
Post a Comment