Space Dock:

Tips on selecting a chinchilla...

Where to buy:

Once you have decided to get a chinchilla picking one out can be challenging. Before selecting your chinchilla make sure you have read up on chinchilla care and have the cage and other equipment ready. The first step in choosing a chin is to locate a breeder or pet shop that has them. When locating a source consider the knowledge of the owner/employees and the quality of the chinchillas. By going directly to a breeder you can usually get a good selection, a good price, see where your chin came from, and ask the breeder about any particular questions you may have. Pet shops are usually less knowledgeable about chinchillas, have less of a selection, and usually a higher price, but if you can't find a breeder in your area pet shops might be your only source.

Picking out your chin:

After locating a source it is time to select your chin. Look over all of the chins carefully. Choose for personality, health, and quality first, then consider price and color. Make sure the eyes, ears, nose, and rear are free of discharge. The eyes should be bright and the fur shouldn't be matted, greasy, or patchy. Chinchillas are active at night and shy around strangers so don't be surprised if they are inactive or trying to hide. It doesn't matter whether you get a male or a female chin because they both make equally good pets.

Settling in:

Once you get your chinchilla home:

• put it in its cage
• give it some hay and fresh water, and maybe a slice of apple
• leave him alone for the next couple of days except for feeding him

It is difficult to do, but leaving the chin alone so it can get used to its new home is very important. After a day or two you can start talking softly to the chin and offering it a treat through the cage bars. It takes alot of patience and time before a chin feels at home with you and its new surroundings. Once the chin accepts a treat through the bars, open the door and offer it a treat. Let the chin sniff your arm and hands and get used to being around you. Try petting him in the cage and continue offering treats and talking to him. It can take weeks, or even months for a chin to come around so don't give up on him. Eventually he'll allow you to pick him up or he'll jump right into your lap when you open the door. Chins that have been handled since birth are much easier to "tame" than those that haven't been. With a lot of patience and a few treats you can start a rewarding relationship with your chin!

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Engineering: Caring for your chinchilla

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