Chinchilla Community Forums
Chinchillas => Q & A => Topic started by: Starina on May 24, 2012, 03:14:43 PM
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Hi I'm new here, So I'm sorry if this topic has been discussed or that its in the wrong section.
I've never had a Chinchilla before, And I'm going to be getting on within the next two weeks. I've ordered my cage, read all about them and I am currently buying things to go into the cage.
I've read somewhere to get 'bid' toys for them as they're stronger then other ones. But I'm a little concerned over the paint they use if it is or isn't safe for them. So I wanted to ask you lovely people if these kind of toys would be safe for them.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Happy-Building-Block-Maze-Parrot/dp/B00422KY62/ref=pd_sim_petsupplies_2
I'm looking at toys like this, and was wondering if this was OK?
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Rope-climbing-wall-27-24/dp/B003TOJ87K/ref=pd_sim_petsupplies_12
And also this, I've heard mixed things about the rope. If it's allowed or not.
Again I'm sorry if it's in the wrong section. I just don't want to get them anything that may injure/harm them.
Thank you
Starina.
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Those look more like they are for climbing than chewing. Try these:
http://www.tjschinchillasupplies.com/chinchillatoys.html
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Hi
Thank you for the link,
I'm in the UK so usually the US sites don't deliver here, or charge way too much for delivery. I'm finding it hard finding any interesting toys for them.
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OK, well if you want to stick with Amazon try these products:
http://astore.amazon.com/hugginpupgraphic?node=1&page=1
My favs are:
http://astore.amazon.com/hugginpupgraphic/detail/B000TZ3R42 Peter's Peek-A-Boo Playhouse
http://astore.amazon.com/hugginpupgraphic/detail/B0002DJEYI Super Pet Small Animal Nut Knot
http://astore.amazon.com/hugginpupgraphic/detail/B006E2SDZM Play and Chew Chinchilla Tunnels
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Hello Starina. I am not a chinchilla owner nor do I claim to be an expert. I would love to have a chinchilla and I am doing a lot of research on them for when that time comes and learn a lot here too. You'll find the community here is awesome and I'm sure you will you find that to be true.
Toys for medium to large parrots are similar to chinchilla toys. Just make sure to remove any plastic, rubber, leather or cloth as these materials can cause fatal bowel obstructions in chins. I have a parrot and some of the toys have the exact same parts as the vendors on this website. In fact I have seriously considered ordering parts to make new ones but recently have found some cheap ones at local discount stores. We allow our parrot to play with rope toys but are careful to check them frequently for fraying which can cause entanglement.
Local stores that sell parrots often sell toys for other exotic pets as well.
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Thank you very much for your answers, and thank you for the links.
I've stuck to Amazon but they don't have a great selection in the UK for toys or anything for Chinchillas. So many for rabbits and hamsters, I think they're the most common pet. As well as dogs and cats of course. Even in the pet stores here they seem to have very limited toys for the Chinchillas, that's why I ended up looking at the parrot toys.
My concern with the parrot toys is that it says they're made from
Ideal for parrots and other large birds
Formulated using Non Toxic colours and dyes
100% Natural Wood
I know it says Non Toxic lol but it just confuses me with all the stuff that Chinchillas can't have.
That being said I've ordered a few boredom breakers and things, and also have ordered everything that they need in their cage. Thank you all for the help.
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I wouldn't worry about the dyes since parrot owners are very picky too about that kind of thing. Usually it is vegetable dye which is safe though it could be food dye which is okay too. If in doubt you can always call or e-mail the manufacturer.
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Starina , im in the uk as well andd as far as toys go just be careful if you purchase anything from a pet store. It seems over here stores are selling toys that are safe for chins that really arent. Also try ebay. Theres a specific person who makes toys for chins. Sorry that i dont know the user name.
Maybe look into a portable air conditioner too depending what area of the uk youre in. Everyone thought i was crazy for buying one but luckily i did because the last 2 days here have been really hot.
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Oh...one more thing...look into charnwood chinchilla pellets. They are a high quality feed since thats another thing thats hard to find over here.
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If you haven't you should check out the product reviews on this website. There could be some useful information there about similar products. Pet stores can and do sell some dangerous things.
http://www.chinchillaclub.com/reviews/
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i just checking shipping for a medium flat rate box it wouldl cost 47 to ship to you.. it is expensive to ship to other countries...
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Thank you all for your help!
And thanks MB yeah I've seen a few toys in the pet shop and they're made of plastic. I was slightly concerned!.
It's very expensive to ship over here JMD, the prices are untrue, and the US has a lot more supplies for Chinchillas maybe they're more popular over there.
Also... MB do you have a pet enclosures for yours or do you let them run around? I've tried looking for Chinchilla pet enclosures but not been able to find anything.
Thanks again.
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i just let mine run around the dining room and up and down the stairs and upstairs bedroom but i never leave her when doing so. When we got the chon we really didnt know much about them or how much they chew everything. The skirting board and dining room chair legs have paid a grave price haha. But yes...i usually give her free range of the dining room/entrance way and upstairs main bedroom. Just be sure everything is hooveted up and you stay close. Also we have a female and they are supposedly a little more crazy.
Im not sure what you are looking to spend but the xtrail rodent cage is very nice. I bought it after a few months of keeping my chin in her original cage. The new one is very spacious with pullout trays so its easy to clean every day as opposed to the other which i cleaned once a week bevade it had to be taken apart to clean. i know that you said you already have a cage picked out but pull out trays make life so much easier.
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Oh..chewbs( i think thats what theyre called) are good too. Chew tubes made of vegetable paper...just make sure your chin isnt eating that instead of its food because it has no nutritional value. If you have anymore questions feel free to ask and ill try to help.
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Thank you MB.
The cage I have picked out has three levels and a pull out tray, So thankfully it will be easier to clean. I was considering letting them have free reign of my lounge, since my house isn't very big. And I don't really have much stuff in there, would just be able to pull out the TV into the hall. I just have a stone fireplace which I'd rather not end up in dust lol but not sure what I'm able to cover that with?
I think that's mostly why I was looking for something to let the run around in so they don't destroy my fireplace and the skirting boards lol. My poor lounge it already suffered at the hands of my child!
I so believe I have ordered some Chewbs one or two I think, not entirely sure. I don't drive lol that's why I mainly order things. I was going to get two chins but I've read that they're better on their own, which is conflicting to other things I've read. Do you have one or two? I still haven't got them yet, just waiting for my cage and other things to arrive so I can have it all put together. One other thing, the hay do I put this around the cage? Or in a dish?
And do you by any chance know of any breeders in the Macc area? I've looked around and can't find anything near me, was hoping for Petsathome as last option.
Thanks again for your help!
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I think that if you sat or laid on the ground while the chin was running around and maybe had some toys or small catdboard boxes around then the chin might be more interested in you then your skirting boards. If the fireplace is stone i wouldnt worry much about it being ruined but possibly put cardboard around that as well during playtime.
I dont drive over here either so i order most things too.
I switched to the charnwood pellets and dust so i dont have to give anymore money to the petshop my chin came from. Im not a big fan of how the animals are kept in there.
We only have one chinchilla. I would love to get two but i really cant risk that they wont get along. Youre best bet is to get two together...it is possible to introduce one later on but there is no guarentee it would work out and then you would have two chins in two seperate cages. Also, since i gave a female chin i hear they are more territorial and shes been on her own for 9 months or so plus however long she was alone in the petshop for.
Im not sure where Macc area is...i'm from america so in not very familiar with all of the uk.
You can try preloved.co.uk maybe...there are always chins from all over on there being sold by people. I dont think people realize how much time a chinchilla demands until they get one.
But after the initial period it takes for the chin to trust you you will see how great they are. Just be patient.
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Thanks again for your reply. I was planning on getting two together.
I've just got the cage up, wow that took a while. I've realised it's an all wire cage, I know some people have just put some kind of blanket down so they don't hurt their feet. Would this just be a normal blanket?
I've also ordered so that I'm not funding the pet shops tbh, Alot of my stuff is brought online. I just need to wait for all the rest of the things to come first to put in the cage and then I can go and get my new little babies!.
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Fleece seems to be the safest material for blankets and soft furnishings in a chinchilla cage. You will need to check regularly that they are not chewing it.
I find the easiest things to use are the bimble pads from www.hammockyhammocks.co.uk but these should be easy enough to make yourself if you have the time.
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I started with a wire cage and had it for a good 6 or 7 months and didnt have any problems so im not sure if the bedding is a must...althogh if you feel better using it then from what ive read fleece is the best material to use
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I've just got my Chinchilla.
She's a little girl, and the pet shop said they've had her for two weeks, she comes straight from the breeder when they're ready to leave. She's a cutie, but they only had one available so I feel a little sorry for her. I have her cage all nice but she's not really looking around or anything. She's been home now for around two hours and is just hiding in the bottom shelf, if I go near the cage she makes noises at me.
I'm a little worried because the food and water is on the top shelf, if she doesn't move soon should I move everything down for her? I don't want to scare her.
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Maybe I spoke too soon, she's now running around the cage. And is on the top shelf trying out her food, and now running around quite happily. She gets a little scared when I stand up or anything and move but hopefully she will get used to this soon.
She has been named 'Princess Peach' by my son, but hopefully I can get this shortened to Peach.
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Excellent! Leave her in the cage for a couple days before you start bringing her out. It gives her time to settle. Making noises at you is normal...she doesnt know you yet. It will probably take a while. Just give her lots of attention and she will be fine on her own. After spending alot of time with her youll start to notice all her personality quirks and things of that nature. I never thought id feel any attatchment to this type of animal since im a dog petson but the chinchilla has won me over. Enjoy her company!
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I've spoken to her alot she's still slightly jumpy when I move but I've found when I speak to her she does look at me and paw on the cage.
I'm not sure if she's drank any water, I'll have to felt the water bottles and check later. I put another water bottle at the bottom of the cage just in case. She's very happy jumping around and stuff and looks alot happier than she did in the shop which is great. She made a lil noise at me earlier when I was attaching the other water bottle but when I started talking to her she stopped.
I'm not sure if they've ever given her a sand bath or not. To be honest I'm a little surprised at the lack of help really in the pet shop. When I got my sons hamster from there it was all questions about if I've owned one before what stuff I use ect. They didn't give me any do's or dont's of her at all!. I asked how old she was and they were like um well I think she's 10 weeks since they leave breeder at 8 weeks. I thought they left breeder at 12 weeks? I may be wrong and they've had her two weeks.
I didn't like the way they picked her up in the shop to check her sex it seemed kind of rough for my liking.
But now she's hope and seems very settled into her new house.
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I wouldn't put it passed a pet store to take them at 8 weeks. Hopefully they got their wires crossed and hopefully they know how to properly take care of their chins.
It sounds like your pet is going to be a handful. Be very careful not to corner or chase it around until it accustomed to its new location and most importantly you. Otherwise taming her is going to be a prolonged exercise. Chances are your chin will be a lot more active after it gets dark and eat and drink more then. Remember that chinchillas are naturally active at dawn and dusk and sleep the rest of the time. You might want to facilitate this for the next few days to minimize stress.
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I hope they got their wires crossed too, she did say that they take them from the woman breeder when they're ready to leave, which is around 8 weeks. So maybe she just got the times wrong, and that they've had her for two weeks since she's left the breeder.
She's been running around and having a little look, and she comes to the side of the cage and puts her paws on the side of it, I'm at the opposite end of the room on the sofa. So I just talk to her from here. I've come down this morning and she was under her food bowl what looked like she was asleep but she looked at me when I walked in the living room. I hope she slept in her bed and not on the wire that would have been uncomfortable.
I've spoken to her and been sure to leave her alone as in not go in the cage, and have spoke to her from the distance I'm at. And she looks at me, She's not made any noises at me since last night, and I went next to the cage to put a small lamp on for her before I went to bed at around 1:30am. I was concerned about her not drinking because I brought her back from the petshop at 2pm and she's was awake the whole time until I went to bed, but I witnessed her drink something before I went to bed so I was happy about that.
Should I just leave her for a few days now and talk to her like I am? Or try and get closer to the cage; I don't want to scare her but I want her to trust me. I'm not sure if she's ever had a bath at the store, but I have one for her here I didn't realise that it's as big as it is, so it won't fit in the cage hatch's only on the top shelf.
It's 11am now and she's running around again and coming to the side of the cage to look at me.
I tried to upload a picture but it wouldn't let me said it was too big, but here is my new baby.
http://i.imgur.com/WY0Ee.jpg
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That's a really good picture. I think doing what you're doing is awesome. You should try to feed treats through the door and see if she'll come to you. (No more than 2 raisins a day but you can cut the raisins into smaller pieces). If she spooks when you get close then back off but try again later. If you've ever worked with animals before you know this is a balancing act. You can't be too passive either but for chins it can take a couple of weeks to get over the shock of relocation and take a couple of months to fully trust their handlers. Until she starts coming to you consistently in the cage I would hold off on the dust bath. (These are usually given for 20min every other day) She can go a few days without one. Letting her out too soon may require chasing and trapping her to get her back in which can result in aggressive behavior.
In the picture I noticed there are wire ramps and shelves in the cage. I have read several reports of chins that have been seriously injured on these. Their feet go through the bars and this can result in foot fractures. I know of one report where a chin got caught on the edge of a wire shelf hung there and died. Chins don't need ramps or ladders to get around they prefer jumping and can jump up to 6 feet high. At times they can get very rambunctious in their cage. You should consider replacing the wire shelf with a solid piece of unfinished pine. You have probably seen some examples of this in online stores and it's not hard to build one.
At night there should be a dim light just enough so they can see. They have good night vision so a regular night light should work fine.
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Thanks ::). I think it's a good picture too, she came over to me when I was putting the other water bottle on and was smelling my hand from outside the bar, so I thought I'd take the picture whilst she was interested in what I was doing.
Oh no that's awful why would they have these kind of cages then, I'll look into changes the steps and see if I can for now put the felt on there as that's what I've done with the middle floor. She doesn't seem to jump around much she's constantly up and down the stairs.
She's still asleep now just next to the grey marble thing that she was sitting on in the picture, She's moved into the hammock and sat there for a minute but moved back to that spot. It's strange she won't sleep in her bed, it's the same one she was sleeping in inside the store.
I got some raisins today to give to her I know you can only give 1-2 a day so when she wakes up later I'll see if I can put my hand in there and if she'll come to me for it. (Hopefully she'll smell it) and pop over. I had some other treats I got, and offered her one she came and sniffed it but she obviously didn't like the smell lol and stuck her nose up at me. She is very curious and inquisitive.
I was going to see about letting her out but as you said I don't want to be chasing her around or anything so I'll leave her for a while. I was hoping to be able to put the dust bath in the cage to lure her back into it after her playtime, so I may have to get a smaller bath for her.
This is my first Chinchilla, I'm used to hamsters and dogs! The occasional fish. I wish I would have been able to get a friend for her, and was actually considering going to a different store so I could get two. But she looked so sad in the store and I had to bring her home!.
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The chinchilla is much different than a hamster. I sort of likened them to hamsters before i knew about them. They have really good memories so if they were mistreating her at the pet shop it might be months before she can trust you. I dont think many pet shops have any idea of the needs of chinchillas. Everywhere ive seen them they havent had the right food and theres always platic in the cages. Its sad.
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Well she had the raisins off my hand, at first she was a little weary. I gave her one a few hours ago and another just now, I think she really likes them lol.
I put my hand in the first time and she hid and then came out grabbed it off my hand and ran away. When I just did it now she came over to my hand right away and took the raisin and ate it next to my hand once it had gone she sniffed around me then pawed at me, I think she wanted another. She keeps coming up to the side of the cage now as if she's talking to me at pawing at it near where I'm sat.
I've decided to get rid of the ramps and will get the wooden blocks so she can just jump on them. She seems so happy atm running around her cage up and down and playing with things. Much more lively then she was yesterday and looks alot happier than she did in the store if that makes sense. When I go near the cage for any reason I talk to her and she comes up near where my face is and has a smell around but she is still very jumpy if I make any sudden moves. Though I think she's come on great from yesterday.
She is still sleeping around the cage in different spots and not in her bed, is this normal?
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When you say bed do you mean the little wooden house? Im not sure if thats normal...hopefully someone else can answer that. It does sound like she is getting used to you if shes staying near your arm. My female is still jumpy at times. I think females are a bit like that from what ive read. Shes been extra feisty the last couple day...always smacking my hands away trying to play tug of war with the cable that runs into the next room. I had to cover the corner with a blanket and shes trying to move the blanket but isnt big enough haha.
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Yeah I mean the wooden house, she doesn't really sleep in it. She tends to sleep in different spots around the cage but her house. She goes in there and eats the hay has a little sit down.
She's started playing a lot more and running around. And yesterday evening she cam down to the bottom of the cage from the top where I had a raisin in my hand and stood on my hand whilst she ate in there. It took her at least 25minutes to come down as she wanted me to put it in the bars for her lol. But she came and ate it. But when she was sniffing for some more she must of smelt it and nipped my hand (Wasn't hard just a small nip that didn't even hurt) But when she did that she ran away. So i just talked to her for a bit. She comes over to me when I go near the cage and I speak to her, but I haven't made any attempt to touch her (Apart from giving her raisins as I want her to come to me for them and trust me enough to do so)
I do need to clean out the cage (It's been 4 days today since I got her, and would like to give it a clean but I'm a little scared of scaring her. I thought the cage I had, had a pull out drawer but it doesn't do you think she'll be ok if I lure her into her carry case with a treat whilst I clean it?
lols! That's so cute! I think they're adorable. I'm looking forward to when I can have her out and about in the lounge.
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Yeah that is what I what I would do. Just put a raisin in there. Sounds like she's coming along. When she comes up to your hand you can try to touch her under her chin and scratch there when you feel like it's time to do that and try to avoid contact with whiskers. Do not come from above. Keep in mind that chinchillas can chew through just about anything even blankets. Make sure she has no access to anything dangerous.
Although I've never owned a chinchilla I've owned several parrots and they seem to behave similarly. If I think something is going to startle them I make sure the cage is covered with a blanket and make things (like the vaccum cleaner or furniture we are moving around) disappear for a while. If you startle your chin by mistake it's not a big deal when its environment is otherwise consistently calm. They will get over it unless it's something really traumatic (like having to chase it around or giving it medication that it hates several times a day) but even then if you work with them they'll get over it long as you are consistent. It will just take longer.
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So she's been coming up to me and taking the raisins from my hand when I put them at the bottom of the cage. It takes a little while for her to come down. She generally sits on my hand now to eat them but if I try and move my hand she runs to the top of the cage.
I gave her a bath today. I had the cage door open and was letting her sniff my hand and she was playing around me. And then I put the bath on the second level of the cage, she absolutely loved it and was then running around her cage for a mad hour, running in and out of the bath. It was the most adorable thing I've seen in a long time.
I was planning to maybe let her out next week put the cage on the floor and open it, and then lure her back in with a bath and raisin. I think if I give her a bath (is it everyday?) And a raisin right after it she might be more willing to get back in the cage and have her bath to get the raisin.
We shall see. But so far things seem to be looking well with her.
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I let mine have a bath everyday. I just leave it on the ground for a half hour. Careful with the raisins though...they should be given very sparingly. One or two a week. Rose hips are much better for them. Maybe one every other day.
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I'm not even sure what they are? Where can I get them and what do they look like? Are you able to give them more than the raisins? She seems to really enjoy those.
She's just been out in my lounge for two hours, getting her to go back inside was slightly hard work. But I gave her a stroke behind her ears. She just wants to come back out she's pawing at the cage door.
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You can give a tablespoon of yogurt a day. I know there is some debate about raisins but I've seen some documentation from big ranchers who have done informal studies showing feeding two a day (morning and night) has been shown to cause no ill effects. However keep in mind that too many raisins or similar treats will cause soft poo. An overdose can result in diarrhea which can be fatal so you still have to be very restrictive about what you feed and how much per day. So if the poo is not hard then back off and note what caused it.
Sudden changes in diet are bad for chins so it really is best if you can find non food related rewards for your pet. It really shouldn't take more than what you are doing to get your chin accustomed to you. Offer some twigs or toys and if she is starting to enjoy a scratch on the chin or head that can also be a good treat. Also a tablespoon of plain unsweetened yogurt a day is considered to be a good dietary supplement in addition to the raisins.
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http://www.cotsherb.co.uk/botanical-herbs/herbs/rosehip-shells/prod_442.html
http://www.naturallyanimals.co.uk/naturallyanimalsshop/prod_668060-Rosehip-Shells-100g-sample-bag.html
I'm not sure which ones to get her as they both look different?
Sorry I just don't want to buy her the wrong thing.
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Those shells should be fine...i found a bag of whole rosehips at pets at home...the only difference is the shells dont have the seeds which the chinchilla will just throw on the floor anyways
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Be careful introducing new foods into a chinchilla's diet. This can cause problems that can be fatal and it can be a very expensive and time intensive experience to treat digestive upset and sometimes it can be deadly. Unlike cats and dogs they can die in a couple of days if their system shuts down because of diarrhea or constipation. Their systems are created to process a diet primarily of dried grass. With chinchillas it's best to stick with hay and pellets although they can live on hay alone and be perfectly healthy. Occasional treats are okay but they are not necessary and because your chin is likely still under some stress from relocation. It is probably best to hold off on adding or changing anything for at least a couple of weeks. A couple of raisins a day should be considered the maximum amount of treats in a day.
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Well Peach seems to be settling in great. Had her just over a week now, and she is quite friendly, still rather jumpy but lets me stroke her on the head, and under her chin. She'll come over to me when I go near the cage. She also loves playing out (Has her favorite spot to sit on my sons chair under the table. She's very easy to get back in her cage, she has her bath, and then has a raisin and goes back in. She also jumps on my knee whilst I'm sat on the sofa.
My other half purchased a flying saucer wheel for her today which she loves. She runs around on that thing for ages, didn't take her long to get the jist of it at all.
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That's awesome. Sounds like you have a great pet.
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Cool. Very glad to hear.