any chinchilla keepers here?

[BettaFishMommy]

so BFM is excited! i get to babysit a chinchilla for a week starting tomorrow.

i've kept various rodents over the years (mice, gerbils, hamsters, etc), and have kept rabbits, snake, dogs, cats, fish...... but never a chinchilla.

i know they need a daily dust bath and prefer the room a tad cooler.

does anyone have good tips for me?

 

[EmilyMarie85]

Uh-oh. Someone's got chinchilla fever

 

[BettaFishMommy]

lol, i've always liked them but never had the opportunity to own one (pet store prices are insane!).

 

[topazmoon62]

I had a male chin for years. Mine loved raisins and papaya. He also love to run in his exercises ball. If you pick it up make sure to grab the base of it's tail and scoop it up. Any other way it will get loose and they are a pain to catch. I miss mine every day. His name was Zipper. One of the coolest pets I've ever owned. Good luck.

 

[Ballyhoo]

They love having their picture taken, coincidentally we love to see pictures! Funny how that works out

 

[BettaFishMommy]

They love having their picture taken, coincidentally we love to see pictures! Funny how that works out

:rofl: i'll be sure to share some shots of my house guest! lol.

 

[BettaFishMommy]

omg, this furry lil thing is the most adorable critter. i think i may have to get one myself after Gery goes home in a week

she is just ecstatic running all over the bedroom (door closed and the room's been rodent proofed). i've had to shoo her away from walking all over the keyboard at least three times while typing this, lol. wish i could've gotten the shot of her perched on top of my head :rofl:

 

[VickiesZoo]

Too cute!!!

 

[Lady G]

AWWWW!

 

[BettaFishMommy]

you know, in all my research and reading the past day or so (wanted to make sure i was prepared for my house guest!), i've seen that it takes a while for a chin to bond with you.

well...... i don't think Gery has read the same things i have, lol! she seems to have clicked with me right away, isn't scared, loves to have her chin rubbed, and gives those lil love nibbles......... i think i'm gonna cry when she goes back home, lol.