The Shuttle Bay:

Selecting a Chinchilla as a pet!

What is a chinchilla?

This is a very common question. Many people have never heard of them or have never actually seen one. In this section you'll find information on what a chinchilla is and getting one as a pet.

Chinchillas at a glance:

Chinchillas are small rodents native to the mountains of South America. Their closest relatives are the degu, guinea pig, and a few other South American rodents. They have extremely soft fur and were once hunted to the brink of extinction to feed the fur trade. They are now protected in the wild and are commonly raised in captivity for their fur and more recently, for their companionship. They come in a variety of colors including: standard (gray), white, beige, and black velvet. At first glance they are shy and nervous, but once they have settled in they are extremly inquisitive and affectionate towards their owners (though each has its own way of expressing affection!). Each chinchilla has a unique personality and is very intelligent. Chinchillas are easy to care for and can live to be 20+ years old, but 12-15 years is the average lifespan. If given proper care and plenty of attention they make excellent pets.

Why choose a chinchilla?

Many people have asked me why chinchillas make good pets. It is very hard to explain why they make good pets to someone who has never owned one; it is like trying to describe how something tastes to someone who has never tried it;) When I first saw a chinchilla I thought they were cute, but not cute enough to spend $100 on. As it turned out, I eventually got one and I was hooked! Chinchillas are very addicting creatures, once you get one you can't stop! Resistence is futile!

Some chinnie facts:

• Chinchillas are nocturnal (active at night)
• They are usually very healthy if properly cared for
• Unlike many other rodents they don't have a strong smell
• They are easy to care for
• They are very addicting!

Is a chinchilla right for me?:

Before getting a chinchilla or any other pet it is important to do your homework. Make sure you know exactly what you are getting into; learn about both the pros and the cons of owning a certain creature before diving head first into ownership. Pet ownership is a lifetime commitment (the lifetime of the animal); it is very rewarding but you are also responsible for the life and happiness of an animal. So think carefully and do your homework and you can enjoy years of companionship with your pet.
Chinchillas make great pets, but tere are a few things to consider before buying one. They are nocturnal (active at night) so while you are trying to sleep they'll be running around and chewing on things. Is there a place to keep your chins away from sleeping people or can you sleep through any racket that they'll make? Besides for being somewhat noisy at night, chinchillas really won't cause many problems if they are cared for properly.

Before getting a chinchilla:

Chinchillas, like all other pets, require time, energy, and money to keep happy and healthy. Deciding to get a chinchilla (or any other pet) is a big decision that should be made by all who will be affected by the animal. Besides for the initial investment in a chinchilla, a cage, and other equipment your chinchilla will need daily care and attention. Before getting any animal you need to consider if you will have the time and energy required to be a pet owner. If, after considering all the costs and benefits of pet ownership, you decide to get a chinchilla there are a few things you should do before bringing one home.

Things to do before bringing your chin home:

• Learn all you can about chinchillas and their care: read books, visit websites, and talk to breeders.
• Get the cage and other supplies set up and ready before you bring your chin home.
• Shop around: visist breeders and pet shops and see what is available in your area in the way of prices and chin selection.
• Once you have found a reliable source it is time to pick out your chin.

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Space Dock: Choosing a Chinchilla

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