Is a chinchilla the right pet for you?
A frequently asked question pet owners have after seeing cute YouTube, TickTock, or Instagram videos and photos is if chinchillas are good pets. The answer to this is always yes and no. It entirely depends on you, your family, and what your looking for in a companion animal.
Are you looking for an animal that is more interactive and can run around your home with little supervision?
If the answer is "yes" then a chinchilla is NOT the right pet for your home. Chinchillas are rodents and can and WILL chew and destroy anything they can get their mouths on. They will chew and destroy exposed wire, baseboards, furniture, carpet, and even your walls. Providing a safe space for a chinchilla to "play" with their owner requires a special set up that is costly to put together, and takes time to put up and break down every day or requires a take over of a bathroom that needs proofed and modified heavily for safety.
Are you looking for an animal that likes to be held and likes to sit and cuddle?
If the answer is "yes" then a chinchilla may not be the right pet for your home. Chinchillas are prey animals, so they are naturally averse to being "trapped" and held. They are, however, social creatures and with time and patience can become easy to handle even if they aren't the best snugglers. If you have time and patience to work with your chinchilla to create a bond and trust and learn proper handling techniques, then a chinchilla may be the right pet for you. We handle all of our chinchillas here at RDZC Ranch with no problems and this comes from years of experience and the use of proper handling.
Are you looking for an animal that is more interactive and can run around your home with little supervision?
If the answer is "yes" then a chinchilla is NOT the right pet for your home. Chinchillas are rodents and can and WILL chew and destroy anything they can get their mouths on. They will chew and destroy exposed wire, baseboards, furniture, carpet, and even your walls. Providing a safe space for a chinchilla to "play" with their owner requires a special set up that is costly to put together, and takes time to put up and break down every day or requires a take over of a bathroom that needs proofed and modified heavily for safety.
Are you looking for an animal that likes to be held and likes to sit and cuddle?
If the answer is "yes" then a chinchilla may not be the right pet for your home. Chinchillas are prey animals, so they are naturally averse to being "trapped" and held. They are, however, social creatures and with time and patience can become easy to handle even if they aren't the best snugglers. If you have time and patience to work with your chinchilla to create a bond and trust and learn proper handling techniques, then a chinchilla may be the right pet for you. We handle all of our chinchillas here at RDZC Ranch with no problems and this comes from years of experience and the use of proper handling.
Are you looking for an animal that can travel easily or can be left alone or under light supervision for a few days?
Chinchillas require specific care and temperature controls. People who take week long or more vacations regularly in the summer months need to consider a good plan for someone reliable that can either house sit or regularly check on your chinchilla to monitor temperatures. Chinchillas can be trained to travel well, however, they are also sensitive digestively and without extra precautions they can easily develop bloat and/or GI stasis from the stress of traveling.
Chinchillas require specific care and temperature controls. People who take week long or more vacations regularly in the summer months need to consider a good plan for someone reliable that can either house sit or regularly check on your chinchilla to monitor temperatures. Chinchillas can be trained to travel well, however, they are also sensitive digestively and without extra precautions they can easily develop bloat and/or GI stasis from the stress of traveling.
Have you done your research?
Have you researched this pet and are confident you can provide a safe and loving long term home? If so, we are happy to help partner you with your new family member!
If the answer is no or you would like to browse more reputable resources, please visit https://www.sunshinechinchillas.com/bringing-home-your-new-chin to review safe and unsafe items. There is also a section on Sunshine Chinchillas' website that goes over commonly asked questions.
If the answer is no or you would like to browse more reputable resources, please visit https://www.sunshinechinchillas.com/bringing-home-your-new-chin to review safe and unsafe items. There is also a section on Sunshine Chinchillas' website that goes over commonly asked questions.
