So, are chinchillas good pets?

Question

Are they?

They are...nocturnal...? Is that right? But if you have them up during the day they get used to it? They need dust baths? Does their fur get all dusty and iky or is it soft after a dust bath?

Do they bite?

Do they smell? (be honest...)

What do they eat besides chinchilla food mixes...like do they eat fruits and veggies and if so whats their favourite?

How much do they cost?

I live in Canada and it's legal to own one, but illegal to sell them at pet stores. But pet stores can still sell chinchilla food, cages, toys, dust, etc...

In the hamster balls, but like the hug ones made for bunnies and chinchillas, will they work for chinchillas or is it bad? Like one said "for hamsters, guinea pigs, and small critters" and hamsters can run in it, but it's not safe for guinea pigs and guinea pigs won't even run in it but it says they can anyways...

Can chinchillas do tricks?...like what?

Is there any where in Detroit (I live right across from Detroit) in pet stores I can by a chinchilla? Do they sell them in Detroit? Do customs let you bring them across the border???

Any extra info on chinchillas would be great, thanks!

PS. I have guinea pigs right now and their like the perfect pets ever...but chinchillas are soooooo cute! Which would you say is better- chinchilla or guinea pig?...and why?

Answer 1

one bite my finger...  but if you want one good luck

Answer 2

Yes, they are nocturnal. No, it's not wise to have them up during the day all the time, and I doubt they will get used to it. Yes, they need dust baths. They will be dusty after the bath, but after running around a bit the dust will shake off and they will become softer than before. They nibble more than anything. It's they're way of finding out what is what. If they bite, it's a sign to leave them alone, since it's their way of saying "Back off and get away from me, I'm scared". They do not smell. However, if you do not clean their cage enough, it will begin to smell. They like small pieces of apple and carrot, and rose hips. However, raisins contain WAY too much sugar, and should only be given in the most restricted quantities. My chinchillas love dried apples more than anything else. They go bonkers when they hear the bag. Chinchillas usually cost around $150 at a pet store. However I highly suggest not buying one from a pet store. One, because you have no idea of the animals age or genetics. Two, because these animals often come from mills, and you'd only be supporting the horrors that go on there. Three, because there are so many unwanted chinchillas out there that desperately need homes. Adoption for a single animal usually costs around $60 or $65. You can adopt an already bonded pair for around $130.

You can let your chinchilla run in the giant hamster balls. Though, I've come to find that they p**p all over in there and it will fall out through the holes. It gets rather nasty all together and I stopped using mine. They also have a hard time navigating in it, and run into walls and other objects.

Chinchillas are not trainable in any form. So no, they can not do tricks. Though, my boys know their names and will run to the side of the cage when called.

As I mentioned, please don't buy from a pet store. Please try looking for a shelter here. http://www.petfinder.com//index.html I also have no idea about your customs question, sorry.

It depends on what you want from a pet. Some people prefer guinea pigs because they are diurnal and love to be held. Some people prefer chinchillas because they're beautiful and worth all the hard work they take. Please do not buy a chinchilla just because its "cute", this is why so many of them end up in shelters.

Yes, chinchillas are rodents.

Chinchillas are well known as being hypo-allergenic pets because they don't really have dander. The best way to find out if you mom is allergic is to let her hold one. They don't really "l**k" themselves. If you've ever seen a hamster or a squirrel groom, it's more like that.

Other information you may want to know...

Chinchillas can live anywhere from 10 to 20 years old. You may want to take this into consideration if you're going to go to college. What if you tire of your pet down the road, what will you do with it? This is also why so many need homes. They also need a constant temperature around 70 degrees, as anything over 80 is likely to kill them. Constant temperature change can kill them as well. They need fresh water, food, and timothy hay daily.  Since they are rodents their teeth grow continuously, so they will need to keep their teeth worn down. They will chew on EVERYTHING. They also need nightly runs in a chinchilla proof room.

Any more questions?

Answer 3

I just recently got two chinchillas.

They are amazing pets.

They are nocturnal but they sometimes play in the day also.

They need dust baths but the dust does not make a mess nor will it make their coats icky. The coats will still be soft.

They do bite to get to know you better but not hard enough to make you bleed. If they do bite too hard, take your hand back.

They do not stink.

They like raisins.

They should not be given wet fruits or citrus fruits.

Cost can be $60+

If you want to get it from Detroit, easiest way for you to cross the border is to sneak it in. Legally, there is a lot of paperwork involved.

Do not put them into a ball.

My biggest challenge of keeping these pets is keeping the room temperature low.

They overheat easily. Keeping them in temperatures around 65 is best. My room was about 80+ farenheit yesterday. At these temperatures, they can easily die. Luckily, I was still able to keep them cool and they are still fine.