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Author Topic: Leaving your Chin....  (Read 1137 times)

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Kippo

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Leaving your Chin....
« on: May 23, 2013, 10:12:45 PM »

Hi Everyone,

I have been the proud owner of my chinchilla for 7 years. I love her so much, and yet as I consider my future career aspirations, I feel incredibly anxiety and guilt about the thought of leaving her.

I am applying for graduate programs outside of the country as I did not get into my choices here. If I get in, I will be separated from her for 1 year. The field I am entering is not large, and so I will probably have to relocate, and likely somewhere far away from where I (and my chin) currently are.

I can't explain to her what will happen, or why, and I am immensely nervous about the stress it will cause her. I live with my family, and they do spend a little time with her, but nowhere near as much as I do (she lives in my room, I give her playtime, take care of her, etc.). I am terrified that she will feel as though I abandoned her, and that even with my family around to look after her, it will take a toll on her health.

Does anyone have experience or advice for dealing with these types of situations? Do chins do alright if separated from their owners for long periods of times? I just want to do what is best for her...

Thank you
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chinclub

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Re: Leaving your Chin....
« Reply #1 on: May 25, 2013, 08:43:56 AM »

She will be fine.  Ask your family who will be her main caretaker while you are away.  Let that person become more involved in her care while you are still here.  That will give your chinchilla time to bond with the other person as well.  Then, when you leave, the chinchilla will still be with a person she knows and trusts.  If the new person will be keeping a different schedule of feed times and play times go ahead and work toward that schedule as well before you go.
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mojito

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Re: Leaving your Chin....
« Reply #2 on: May 25, 2013, 10:06:31 AM »

When I leave for more than a few days (last year I was gone for two weeks), I would Skype my sister to see them too and they seemed to love hearing my voice and seeing my face! (It could have been just me tho haha). And I let my sister take over more and more so that they would be used to her by then and they were fine!
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