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Post by Cherpi on Mar 30, 2011 22:46:34 GMT
Hey all, first post in the Chinchilla forum, just a few questions;
Can you keep them on their own Do they have any special dietry needs (like degus and no sugar) If they can be on their own, can one go in a cage made for a few degus? Are Chinchillas really friendly or are they loners xD
Thanks x:)
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Post by nickymills30 on Mar 31, 2011 6:00:34 GMT
Chins should be kept in pairs, like goo's, they don't do well being on their own.
There are a few chin feeds, on the markets, but, like my goo's i do prefer the pellets. They can be prown to dental problems, if they don;t have enough things to chew, i.e wood, and hay.
And a lot of chins, look lovely and cuddly, but not many are. Don't get me wrong, all mine are friendly, but only 2 of them, and i have 10, at the mo, seem to enjoy, being held.
There are other sites around, that have loads of info on, and if you are thinking of getting some, just do loads of research. xxxxxxxxx
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Post by iamlina on Mar 31, 2011 9:48:05 GMT
My two are rescues, they are beside each other but have there own cage. They both have behavioural problems, hence why they are on their own, but are lovely. One loves tickles but the other pushes you away. Neither bite. as nickymills30 said, I definitely wouldn't have a single chinchilla,unless, like us, they need to be separate. I give mine pellets, plenty of hay, and the occasional shredded wheat =] nom nom.
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Post by Cherpi on Mar 31, 2011 15:57:39 GMT
I'm looking into making my own degu cage and so will have a spare cage so I want to get a chin (or I guess two now)
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Post by nickymills30 on Mar 31, 2011 20:21:12 GMT
the cage, you are talking about, is it the one, you have posted pics on here? if so, i don't really think it will be suitable for chins, can you give us the measurements xx
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Post by Cherpi on Mar 31, 2011 22:55:14 GMT
50x50x80cm I think, they've taken it from the store :S.
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louwra
Burrowing Degu
Posts: 136
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Post by louwra on Apr 1, 2011 11:33:12 GMT
Chinchillas need a bigger cage. A cage like you mention would be okay-ish ONLY if you have them out often for free running and play time
The bigger the cage the better, with lots of shelves, tunnels, sleep boxes, ledges etc. They love to hop from ledge to ledge, run through tunnels
Chinnies are very active animals, when they are awake lol, so needs lots of entertainment in their cage. A bath with special sand is a must, at least every day for 5 to 10 minutes, this is so they keep their coat in good condition, Never bath them with water!
They needs lots of good quality hay, just like degus, as well as chinchilla pellets, they like a raisin as a treat once or twice a week, no more as this is too sweet.
Chins have the same issues with their teeth as degus, malocclusion, where the teeth keep growing, is common and need to be treated by the vet, bear in mind you need an exotic vet, one that is used to dealing with chinchillas and vet visits are not cheap!
Chinnies are lovely to have, but as with all pets, they are a commitment, they can live anywhere between 8 and 20 years, so not something you should take on without having a good think and be honest and ask yourself can you commit to that length of time!
Always have 2, they need their own company, a lonely chinchilla is just that very lonely, chinnies sleep together, eat together, play together
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louwra
Burrowing Degu
Posts: 136
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Post by louwra on Apr 7, 2011 11:25:52 GMT
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