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Author Topic: Is the chinchilla right for me?  (Read 2794 times)

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Juli95

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Is the chinchilla right for me?
« on: May 11, 2010, 02:45:34 PM »
Hi I'm new here and the main reason I joined was to learn about chinchillas because I'm thinking of getting one. The question is if they're right for me. Are they expensive? Whats the highest and lowest temperature they can live in? Since I'm about to be a sophomore, I have a couple years until I go to college. Are chinchillas allowed to live in dorms? Thanks for helping(:
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flynhawaiian

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Re: Is the chinchilla right for me?
« Reply #1 on: May 11, 2010, 04:35:49 PM »
Well first off, chinchillas live for about 15 years, and they need a larger cage probably about a 30x24x30 is about right.  Your also going to need a wheel, and they are nocturnal.  Honestly, I think you need a buddy for them because they seem to love having the company.

As far as living in a dorm, if your dorm room was anything like mine in college your probably not going to have enough room for them and might want to consider waiting for about 2 years till you are living in a larger place.  Your going to have to check with your dorm handbook or housing administrative to see if caged animals are allowed.

Still I would bet that you should wait about two years.  I think chinchillas are the most interrogate animals out there.  They have little hands and are able to pick things up.  They are little people, it's just so interesting.

Hopefully this helps
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cadillactaste

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Re: Is the chinchilla right for me?
« Reply #2 on: May 11, 2010, 04:51:32 PM »
First off...I want to commend you for doing your homework! And I agree I don't think a dorm would be a quiet place for a chin. And it would be stressed...that is "if" your allowed to have it in there. Plus...you'll have your hands pretty full once in college.

Though...I agree that doesn't mean you can't plan for later down the road to get one. I have been researching the Australian Shepherd's...joined a forum...and I must warn you...once you find out more about what you already love...it's tempting to go out and get one.

Luckily I've a husband who can say "no" to me. We've two bulldogs and two dogs are plenty for us. Due to we have the 2 chins...2 ornate wood turtles and a Ball Python. We're not hurting for critters around here. But...I love the breed...and our next pup WILL BE an aussie. But it's rather tempting to be selfish and want one now. But we vacation with our dogs...and only two will fit comfortably in our cargo area of the Jeep. With the two children in the back seat.

I do commend you though...Unless you have someone willing to care for these while your away like a parent...Which I do have a friend who's mom is going to watch their pet. I would really say it's best to hold off on one at this time.


They CAN NOT be in an overly warm room...they will over heat and have a heat stroke! That is also important...to keep them cool.
Edit:Though a younger sibbling maybe able to give them more one on one time than a parent...
« Last Edit: May 11, 2010, 05:49:07 PM by cadillactaste »
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Re: Is the chinchilla right for me?
« Reply #3 on: May 12, 2010, 07:46:45 AM »
Everyone else has done a wonderful job answering the dorm question so I will leave that one alone.  :)  They can handle temps from the low 50s to the very low 70s.  They can be expensive at first with the cost to purchase the animal plus a nice cage and all of the accessories.  Monthly care after that is minimal as long as your chinchilla is healthy.  Vet visits can be very costly and difficult since most vets won't see chinchillas....

PS  Welcome to the forums.  :)
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 Lowcountry Chinchillas  
 Walterboro, South Carolina

Juli95

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Re: Is the chinchilla right for me?
« Reply #4 on: May 12, 2010, 01:00:23 PM »
thanks!(: see the main problem is the dorm. like it could probably get over heated easily. so i think i may hold off on a chinchilla for awhile. again thank you all for answering(:
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jmdebb

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Re: Is the chinchilla right for me?
« Reply #5 on: May 12, 2010, 04:16:29 PM »
hi and good luck...

i just wanted to say i have some info on my site that might help you.. it's not the chin bible so to speak but i touch on all the basic very importants...

check it out, and if you still have more questions,,, ask away..

i just want to point one thing out.. if you find out that a chin is do-able for you.. you might want to check around and see if there are any specialist in your area before you get one.. there might come a time when you need a vet and not one that can just do a minor once over...my link is below if you want some chin info

j
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Juli95

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Re: Is the chinchilla right for me?
« Reply #6 on: May 12, 2010, 05:11:45 PM »
see I used to have a hedgehog and we have some vets around here that specialize in exotics so thats covered(:
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