... I stay away from the balls as I heard that chins can overheat in them. I would have to talked to one of the other members on here to ascertain that though. ...
When you consider the balls, be very careful and take lots of precautions.
Close all doors and windows and block off all staircases.
Chinchillas can learn to guide and increase the speed of the balls. Balls have been known to 'pop' open and release your chin when they hit an immovable object. This is the very reason I quit using one. One of my little ones discovered how he could escape when running it into the dining room table leg.
Balls can get stuck under chairs and other furniture (even if they can not go all the way under it).
Balls comming to a stop or getting stuck near an air vent can cause a ball, especially in winter, to become super heated quickly.
Never, never, never every take your chin outside in a ball ... they can get over heated by the sun ... and ... if it were to pop open, your chin would probably become a nice, but fuzzy, snack for a neighborhood animal.
Keep in mind that time in the ball is time you must keep a
close and constant eye on your chin.
Nothing smaller than the JUMBO size is acceptable. Anything smaller, will effect the growth/curve of the spine, same goes with the wheels used for exercise.
When playing in the ball, your chin is confined and the ball will hold in heat. Overheating is definately a concern.
The room must be cool and play time in the ball short.
It has very little ventilation to bring in fresh air and allows body heat and fumes to accumulate inside of it.
If playing in it, and nature calls, it will throw urine back on them while they are in the ball playing.
Their poo/feces can get stuck to their feet and fur while playing inside the ball.
The ball should be washed and dried between each use.
Never consider a ball to be a chin-setter for you ... watch them at all times while they are inside the ball!
Jo Ann