Chinchilla Community Forums

Chinchillas => Q & A => Topic started by: Snickerdoodlesmom on January 17, 2013, 05:51:28 PM

Title: cold?
Post by: Snickerdoodlesmom on January 17, 2013, 05:51:28 PM
Is it possible that chinchillas get cold? I just took out a sheet and called Snickerdoodle out. He cuddled in the sheet. He usually doesn't do this, but it's really cold right now in NYC. Can they get cold?
Title: Re: cold?
Post by: GrayRodent on January 17, 2013, 06:18:56 PM
I wouldn't let them get much below 40 if they are used to room temp. I think it depends on what they are used to and older chins towards the end of their life cycle will often prefer a warmer place from what I understand. When I sit with my chin in the main part of the house I have a blanket for him to hide in if he gets frightened by something and also to catch his droppings. He often goes under it just to play around. I don't think it has much to do with warmth as much as the sensation of being surrounded by a blanket.
Title: Re: cold?
Post by: Snickerdoodlesmom on January 17, 2013, 06:20:27 PM
I'm not sure how cold it is, but about the age: he's very young! Just 1 1/2! Which leads me to ask, what happens to chinchillas as they age?
Title: Re: cold?
Post by: chinclub on January 18, 2013, 08:24:00 AM
I have some that are in their late teens and early 20s.  We let the chinchilla room get down to 50 in the winter.  They do just fine. :)
Title: Re: cold?
Post by: Snickerdoodlesmom on February 04, 2013, 07:56:25 PM
Do any physical things happen?
Title: Re: cold?
Post by: chinclub on February 05, 2013, 06:44:07 AM
To chins that get older?  Many look the same right till the end.  Others will get lazy with their grooming and will start to develop oilier looking hair on the face and hair tangles on their lower backs.