Do Chinchillas make good pets?

They make excellent pets, though they're shy and easily frightened. Most live 8 to 10 years; some can live to 18..and they need lots of love..attention,,and caring for..here are some things you need to now hun.. STEP 1: Have your new chinchilla examined by a veterinarian who specializes in small or exotic animals, and continue to bring her in for regular check-ups as recommended. STEP 2: Feed your chinchilla commercially prepared rabbit pellets mixed with alfalfa and grass hay. STEP 3: Give dried fruits as treats, but in moderation. These supplements should make up only 10 percent of the entire food intake. STEP 4: Supply a water bottle, and change the water daily. STEP 5: Provide a wire mesh cage, with or without a solid floor, of at least 3 by 3 by 3 feet'more than adequate for one chinchilla during playtime. STEP 6: Be sure the cage is located in a cool, dry, and draft-free area, preferably in a temperature range of 60 to 70 degrees F. Keep your chinchilla's cage indoors to provide better temperature control. STEP 7: Allow your chinchilla supervised evening romps outside her cage. Use a leash designed for small animals like rabbits and chinchillas if you take her outside. STEP 8: Provide your pet with a dust bath twice a week by mixing nine parts silver sand with one part fuller's earth, or buy a specially prepared chinchilla dust-bath mixture. STEP 9: When holding a chinchilla, grasp her at the base of the tail with one hand and support the body with your other forearm. Hold her gently, close to your body. Rough handling can cause hair loss. Note that chinchillas may urinate when annoyed or nervous. STEP 10: Provide chew toys for her such as wooden blocks and other items designed for chinchillas. And please..THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT!! Care for your chinchilla conscientiously. Poor nutrition, boredom and hot temperatures can lead to serious medical problems. Some chinchillas can develop health problems due to an over-growth of molars. Regular veterinary checkups are essential. I hope i was some help,.take care!

Chins are very fragile, and would not be appropriate to people who cannot give them the time and attention they need. Trixie nips a bit, but mainly when she is a bit angry with me. Like if I go to try and hold her. The nips do not hurt at all. When you buy one, remember they can live a long life, 10+ years. So be ready to commit. I would not recommend a chinchilla to a house with small children, and I would not give responsibility for one to a child under 12.

i think that they are great pets. i have 4 kids and she is so good with them. she has never bit anyone. she has tried in the past to nip but she doesnt hurt. she is quiet, doesnt smell like ferrets do and she doesnt do too much. i recommend chinchillas as pets to anyone.

Chinchillas make wonderful pets! Keep in mind that it's not uncommon for them to live up to 20 years old though. They are nothing like hamsters and guinea pigs because they are much more intelligent and the way you need to take care of them are a lot different as well. Normally a chinchilla doesn't bite unless they are extremely frightened. You have to get them used to you and your scent before you just go in and pick them up. Trust is key. They need to take dust baths to keep their fur clean. Don't use water because it can create fungus due to their thick soft fur. If you let them run around in your room, make sure it's chinproof. They'll go straight for wall sockets and cords and begin to chew so you need to watch out for that. Chinchillas love attention, but they are nocturnal so they need to sleep peacefully during the day. Don't give them too many treats because it can harm them.