Chinchillas have great appeal, like cuddly little "balls of fur". Their exceedingly soft, dense coat has more fur per square inch than any other known mammal!
Linda Clark - 2011-08-31 I raise and show chinchillas and, with attention, they do get along with other animals. I have one who sits on the back of my Seal-Point Himalayan cat and they watch TV. A cat and a rodent. Who would guess. I have one chinchilla, "Buddy" featured on YouTube "Buddy the Chinchilla Playing Dead" who is a certified therapy animal and goes to nursing homes, hospices, schools, etc. They can be wonderful pets with enough attention.
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Rhonda Elliott - 2011-09-07 Hi Linda Clark,
It's me, Rhonda Elliott, the owner of the Peace Corps chinchilla, Zoey, that you are caring for. I tried emailing you at your cascadechins email address but it didn't go through. So hopefully, I can connect with you this way. It's been about a year since I was last in the Seattle area, I really miss Zoey. I'm sorry I haven't been able to email you until now. I hope she is doing fine and treating you and your other chinchillas well. If you have taken any recent photos of her I would love to see them. I really want to see how she is doing. I miss her soooo much! I hope you are also doing well and staying healthy there. I have a little over another year here in the Philippines. I keep myself pretty busy here with work. Anyways, look forward to hearing from you. Take care!
Linda Clark - 2012-04-05 Rhonda,
I don't even know how I found this. I've only been on this website once. I have looked high and low for your e-mail and could not find it. I don't know how to soften this, but Zoey passed away a few months ago. I'll look at my calendar and let you know the date. Okay, I can now almost see the tears in your eyes. She was everyone's favorite the way she would lay unside down on her wheel. I don't know what happened. She was always very healthy and loved in my care. She was fine one day and the next I noticed she didn't come for her treat. I picked her up and held her in my arms. She was lethargic. I think she may have had a stroke (not uncommon in chins). She did not die alone, she was in my arms and I told her that her Mom (you) loved her so much. She went quickly and peacefully. I am so sorry. She was a great chin. Please e-mail me at cascadechinchillas@msn.com. My heart hurts sending you this e-mail. I will find any pictures I have of her and keep them for you or attempt to send them to you. Let me know what your e-mail is. I am so sorry!!!!! She definitely loved you.
Linda
nicci king - 2012-05-18 i love chinchillas
Caz - 2015-05-26 Awww that is such a sad story. At least the little chin was well loved and had a good life.
Zoey - 2018-02-19 Are chinchillas meant to be pets our are they captured?
Joshua Alderson McDonald - 2020-03-10 Chinchillas are bred worldwide. I don't think there any captured chinchillas being kept as pets.
Brenna - 2018-01-31 I have a chinchilla, she loves to watch TV. She has a favorite show, Bunk'ed on Disney channel, which is really cool because that is my favorite show. she has a 3 layer cage, she likes to sit on the top layer and watch the TV. its so cute
Grace - 2012-12-04 My daughter noticed her chinchilla has two red/pink bumps (about 1cm across & bulging out 1cm) on his haunch/butt that are symmetrical (closer to his tail than his genitals). They seem less prominent now than yesterday. I don't see anything like it on any of the anatomy photos. Are they something to worry about?
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Charlie Roche - 2012-12-06 I can't be sure cuz I can't see you little fella - but possibly you are talking about the fact that it is a boy and the testicles are dropping?
Ana maria castillo quintero - 2016-01-08 i wish i can get one of those chinchilla of a male.
Anonymous - 2010-01-08 So cute! I want a chinchilla so bad, but I can't decide between a chinchilla or a bunny.
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Anonymous - 2010-02-26 Take the chinchilla. Bunnies are a pain!
emma - 2010-03-04 Bunnys are good pets and are almost the same as a chinchilla, except chinchillas are way softer. I have had experience from both and if I had to chose I would pick the bunny. They like to cuddle and sleep in your arms and chinchillas don't. but it is your choice.
Cooper - 2010-04-06 Get A Chinchilla. They Are A lot Cuter And They Love To Play. Don't Let Them Near Dogs Though. They Like To Get Out Of Their Cage Every Night To Play And Bounce Around (make sure all doors are closed before letting it out or it could be a struggle to find it)
Also only let it in the living room (lounge) Chinchillas Like To Go Under The Sofa And Hop Up Onto The Sofa. Keep the cage door open so it is free to go into the cage at anytime it wants. (only keep it open when it is allowed out) :) hope i've persuaded you to get a CHINCHILLA! They are better than bunnies.
shan - 2010-07-11 Get a chin... rabbits stink bad...but beware when letting him run around they chew everything,, furniture and mostly wires! Fire hazards...like tv cords! Keep a close eye on him specially if he is hiding.
Anonymous - 2010-12-05 Get a chinchilla they are adorable!
Ramona - 2011-02-06 Get a chinchilla. They are clean and do not smell like bunnies do. They also do not procreate as bunnies do. I have had both. You can litter train bunnies and let them run through your house. But hands down I would have my chinchilla Chuppa any day:)
eleanor clark - 2013-04-26 Get both I have 2 rabbits 3 chinchillas 2 guinea pigs dog cat and budgie and the all get along fine the rabbits are in hutches in my shed and the chins and guinea pigs are in the house.
Milla - 2013-05-04 I have a bunny and if you are intrested in how soft the fur is, then I know a type of bunny (well my bunny is that type) A 'mini rex' would be perfect for you! If you look at the bunny types on this website it will say 'mini rex.' Read about it and you will find out why I told you to get one (look out for how they describe the fur, it's true what they say!)....
Lydia - 2014-05-27 TOTALLY GET THE CHINCHILLA! No questions asked, best decision you'll ever make!
Caz - 2015-05-26 Bunnies are easier to handle and enjoy cuddles. Chinchillas are much more independent and you have to let them come to you and not force affection on them. They are a lot more fun to watch though, mine run around and jump onto walls like little furry ninjas, and after a while have started climbing onto my lap and sitting between my feet. They have realised I won't hurt them. Very rewarding pets if you are prepared to put in the time and effort.
Anonymous - 2015-01-25 our chinchilla has two babies. Within three weeks one got an eye infection now the second one has it and the vet has no idea what to do any suggestions?
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Clarice Brough - 2015-01-25 They can sometimes get infections it the eyes get scratched or irritated by hay, hair, dust, or other things in their environment. An exotics veterinarian should be able to take a culture to detemine if it is a bacterial or fungal problem, and then be able to treat it appropriately. If there is a lot of discharge you can clean the eye with a warm, damp cloth. That will help but it may still need a treatment. Less common are problems with the cornea ulcers.
Amber - 2014-10-14 Ok so today I was playing with my chinchillas I have one male and one female in a cage so my famale raised up and I saw two pink like balls by her front paws I don't know what there are someone please help
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Clarice Brough - 2014-10-17 From what I've read, the skin on foot pads can simply dry out from time to time, creating a callous that's called 'bumblefoot.' They are dead skin and can be removed by gently using a nail file. But they are closely attached to the live skin so they should not be removed by scraping or rubbing, as that can cause injury and may lead to infection.
mmtakn - 2011-04-11 I bought a Chinchilla two days ago. The first night at about 11 PM, I move him out for a walk inside my room. After a while he suddenly started shaking. It seemed like he couldn't breath. Then I saw some water coming from his mouth. It was like a gel. He puked little bit. Closed his eyes slowly. Then frozen for 2-3 min. long. I thought he died. After 3 min he started jumping like nothing happened. Next day, on the same hour he repeated it again. Same events one by one. Is there anyone knows the reason, or had the same situation?
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Charlie Roche - 2011-04-12 Weird. Is there possibly something in your room that he quickly injests and then throws up? Animals can be allergic (very toxic) to some things us humans don't pay any attention to. Scented candles, Febreeze, aerosoles, perfumes etc. Big list and a chinchilla isn't a big fella.
Deidra Lashan Gunn-Knight - 2011-07-07 I know this is pretty old, but sounds like your chin had a seizure. Some have them pretty often, but any chin can have them if they hit their heads or something. If he still does that, take him to a vet--if that's not possible, let him chill out in his cage, with only hay for a few days. No play time.
Elenor Lamb - 2012-08-16 I'd agree with the seizure theory. I would take him to the vet as soon as you could just to be sure. There maybe something in his food thats too fancy or not good for him.
Primo - 2012-09-26 It can take years, Chinchillas are prey animals they don't for the most part liked to be handled, petted, cuddled or any of that. This is the reason so many people get disappointed that haven't known this before getting their chinnies. Take lots of time to talk with your chinchillasoftly, never yell, give little scritches, be patient, and most of all let them be the boss. Let them come to you , letting them be adventurous is the key in gaining their trust. Good luck.
Lydia - 2014-05-27 Either ate something poisonous, or he's overheated.
Anonymous - 2014-09-17 I agree with the seizure because I have seen a chin have a seizure it sounds like what I saw scary right
delanie - 2014-09-17 you should take it to the vet but do not say any thing to it so it does not get scared
Ella - 2012-10-04 Hi! I have a 19-year old chinchilla and because of his age I'm constantly prepared for him to die in the near future. My male chinchilla used to have a female companion, unfortunately she died this spring 20 years old. My male have this past week been acting strange, in the nights he is constantly digging so that all the bedding is put in a big pile while half of the cage (of where he've moved his bedding from) is empty. Some say that it is because they are too hot but he never lay in the empty spot, instead he's laying in the pile? He is also moving his foodbowl and throwing food out of it, although he also seem to eat much more at the same time. I need to fill the bowl more often than I used to. He has been acting this way the past 1-2 weeks now, according to my family his female companion used to behave the same way her last week before she got sick and just sat in a corner not moving nor eating, should I assume that my chinchilla will die soon because of the new behavior? :( Sure he is 19 years old so he's reaaally old, but he's had his ups and downs and has always gotten better...
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Charlie Roche - 2012-10-04 There is no way to know. He might just be having a good time. He's eating more, essentially excercising more, rearraging his habitat - possibly just having fun. Or possibly they know when the time is and they put all in order but I would look at it like he is just having fun.
Lydia - 2014-05-27 I'm sorry to hear this about your chinchilla! Have you tried taking him to a vet or chinchilla expert? Professionals can always help you. Maybe he can be treated, but if you know for sure that he's up to his last days, make sure he's happy while he's alive.
Susan - 2005-07-15 Hello. I have enjoyed looking at the pictures you have of chinchillas. Chinchillas make wonderful pets. Rabbit cages are really not suitable for chinchillas, as chinchillas need enough height to climb and jump. An appropriate chinchilla cages should have at least 2 levels (more are desirable) so that the chinchilla may jump from level to level. Store purchased cages are generally not suitable for chinchillas as they are usually too small, too short, and made of plastic. Chinchillas like to chew and will chew up plastic shelves, plastic clamps, etc ... which will not only destroy your cage, but will also make your chinchilla sick. The best thing to do is to make your own chinchilla cage; you just have to make sure that all wood used to create a cage is untreated by chemicals and pesticides. Chinchillas will also chew wood, so the majority of the cage should be constructed from wire. Wire mesh cage bottoms are not acceptable for chinchillas. A chinchilla can catch a toe or toenail in the wire bottoms and end up with a broken leg. Cage bottoms should be covered with some kind of soft bedding. Aspen shavings or CareFresh bedding are the most appropriate choices. Pine can be used, but only if it's kiln dried, so as to remove the aromatic oils. If your cage only has 2 levels, your chin will need lots of exercise; an exercise wheel is a good choice, but only if it is of solid construction. Again, an open mesh wheel can catch the toes or toenails of a chinchilla, causing broken limbs. I would encourage anyone interested in owning a chinchilla or anyone who already has a chinchilla to do more research on the proper care of these unique animals. Also, if you are in the market for a chinchilla, please consider a chinchilla rescue before purchasing one from a pet store. Many animal shelters have abandoned chinchillas available for adoption.
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lee - 2014-03-28 Hello sir we want to breed, but I do not know where to buy, if possible, please tell me. My email: liangjianisme@hotmail.com. I am sure to give you a reasonable price, thank you very much.
norma mance - 2012-12-08 Can you put two together? I have a male and want to get a female will it be safe? Mine has never been with another once since I've had him for at least 9 years.
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Charlie Roche - 2012-12-08 It should be OK as long as you get a female but you will have to be a little careful. Life expectancy for a chinchilla is about 8 - 10 years in the wild but substantially longer in captivity - some living to 20 years old. So you have an older male and you wouldn't want to put an older male together with another male as possible agression. A female should be fine but i would introduce them on neutal territory - small bathroom or even the bathtub and watch and make sure they get along. Do this a few times (not just once) to make sure they get along and then put them in the same cage.
Chinchillas have great appeal, like cuddly little "balls of fur". Their exceedingly soft, dense coat has more fur per square inch than any other known mammal!
I raise and show chinchillas and, with attention, they do get along with other animals. I have one who sits on the back of my Seal-Point Himalayan cat and they watch TV. A cat and a rodent. Who would guess. I have one chinchilla, "Buddy" featured on YouTube "Buddy the Chinchilla Playing Dead" who is a certified therapy animal and goes to nursing homes, hospices, schools, etc. They can be wonderful pets with enough attention.
Hi Linda Clark,
It's me, Rhonda Elliott, the owner of the Peace Corps chinchilla, Zoey, that you are caring for. I tried emailing you at your cascadechins email address but it didn't go through. So hopefully, I can connect with you this way. It's been about a year since I was last in the Seattle area, I really miss Zoey. I'm sorry I haven't been able to email you until now. I hope she is doing fine and treating you and your other chinchillas well. If you have taken any recent photos of her I would love to see them. I really want to see how she is doing. I miss her soooo much! I hope you are also doing well and staying healthy there. I have a little over another year here in the Philippines. I keep myself pretty busy here with work. Anyways, look forward to hearing from you. Take care!
Rhonda,
I don't even know how I found this. I've only been on this website once. I have looked high and low for your e-mail and could not find it. I don't know how to soften this, but Zoey passed away a few months ago. I'll look at my calendar and let you know the date. Okay, I can now almost see the tears in your eyes. She was everyone's favorite the way she would lay unside down on her wheel. I don't know what happened. She was always very healthy and loved in my care. She was fine one day and the next I noticed she didn't come for her treat. I picked her up and held her in my arms. She was lethargic. I think she may have had a stroke (not uncommon in chins). She did not die alone, she was in my arms and I told her that her Mom (you) loved her so much. She went quickly and peacefully. I am so sorry. She was a great chin. Please e-mail me at cascadechinchillas@msn.com. My heart hurts sending you this e-mail. I will find any pictures I have of her and keep them for you or attempt to send them to you. Let me know what your e-mail is.
I am so sorry!!!!! She definitely loved you.
Linda
i love chinchillas
Awww that is such a sad story. At least the little chin was well loved and had a good life.
Are chinchillas meant to be pets our are they captured?
Chinchillas are bred worldwide. I don't think there any captured chinchillas being kept as pets.
I have a chinchilla, she loves to watch TV. She has a favorite show, Bunk'ed on Disney channel, which is really cool because that is my favorite show. she has a 3 layer cage, she likes to sit on the top layer and watch the TV. its so cute
My daughter noticed her chinchilla has two red/pink bumps (about 1cm across & bulging out 1cm) on his haunch/butt that are symmetrical (closer to his tail than his genitals). They seem less prominent now than yesterday. I don't see anything like it on any of the anatomy photos. Are they something to worry about?
I can't be sure cuz I can't see you little fella - but possibly you are talking about the fact that it is a boy and the testicles are dropping?
i wish i can get one of those chinchilla of a male.
So cute! I want a chinchilla so bad, but I can't decide between a chinchilla or a bunny.
Take the chinchilla. Bunnies are a pain!
Bunnys are good pets and are almost the same as a chinchilla, except chinchillas are way softer. I have had experience from both and if I had to chose I would pick the bunny. They like to cuddle and sleep in your arms and chinchillas don't. but it is your choice.
Get A Chinchilla. They Are A lot Cuter And They Love To Play. Don't Let Them Near Dogs Though. They Like To Get Out Of Their Cage Every Night To Play And Bounce Around
(make sure all doors are closed before letting it out or it could be a struggle to find it)
Also only let it in the living room (lounge) Chinchillas Like To Go Under The Sofa And Hop Up Onto The Sofa.
Keep the cage door open so it is free to go into the cage at anytime it wants. (only keep it open when it is allowed out) :) hope i've persuaded you to get a CHINCHILLA! They are better than bunnies.
Get a chin... rabbits stink bad...but beware when letting him run around they chew everything,, furniture and mostly wires! Fire hazards...like tv cords! Keep a close eye on him specially if he is hiding.
Get a chinchilla they are adorable!
Get a chinchilla. They are clean and do not smell like bunnies do. They also do not procreate as bunnies do. I have had both. You can litter train bunnies and let them run through your house. But hands down I would have my chinchilla Chuppa any day:)
Get both I have 2 rabbits 3 chinchillas 2 guinea pigs dog cat and budgie and the all get along fine the rabbits are in hutches in my shed and the chins and guinea pigs are in the house.
I have a bunny and if you are intrested in how soft the fur is, then I know a type of bunny (well my bunny is that type) A 'mini rex' would be perfect for you! If you look at the bunny types on this website it will say 'mini rex.' Read about it and you will find out why I told you to get one (look out for how they describe the fur, it's true what they say!)....
TOTALLY GET THE CHINCHILLA! No questions asked, best decision you'll ever make!
Bunnies are easier to handle and enjoy cuddles. Chinchillas are much more independent and you have to let them come to you and not force affection on them. They are a lot more fun to watch though, mine run around and jump onto walls like little furry ninjas, and after a while have started climbing onto my lap and sitting between my feet. They have realised I won't hurt them. Very rewarding pets if you are prepared to put in the time and effort.
our chinchilla has two babies. Within three weeks one got an eye infection now the second one has it and the vet has no idea what to do any suggestions?
They can sometimes get infections it the eyes get scratched or irritated by hay, hair, dust, or other things in their environment. An exotics veterinarian should be able to take a culture to detemine if it is a bacterial or fungal problem, and then be able to treat it appropriately. If there is a lot of discharge you can clean the eye with a warm, damp cloth. That will help but it may still need a treatment. Less common are problems with the cornea ulcers.
Ok so today I was playing with my chinchillas I have one male and one female in a cage so my famale raised up and I saw two pink like balls by her front paws I don't know what there are someone please help
From what I've read, the skin on foot pads can simply dry out from time to time, creating a callous that's called 'bumblefoot.' They are dead skin and can be removed by gently using a nail file. But they are closely attached to the live skin so they should not be removed by scraping or rubbing, as that can cause injury and may lead to infection.
I bought a Chinchilla two days ago. The first night at about 11 PM, I move him out for a walk inside my room. After a while he suddenly started shaking. It seemed like he couldn't breath. Then I saw some water coming from his mouth. It was like a gel. He puked little bit. Closed his eyes slowly. Then frozen for 2-3 min. long. I thought he died. After 3 min he started jumping like nothing happened. Next day, on the same hour he repeated it again. Same events one by one. Is there anyone knows the reason, or had the same situation?
Weird. Is there possibly something in your room that he quickly injests and then throws up? Animals can be allergic (very toxic) to some things us humans don't pay any attention to. Scented candles, Febreeze, aerosoles, perfumes etc. Big list and a chinchilla isn't a big fella.
I know this is pretty old, but sounds like your chin had a seizure. Some have them pretty often, but any chin can have them if they hit their heads or something. If he still does that, take him to a vet--if that's not possible, let him chill out in his cage, with only hay for a few days. No play time.
I'd agree with the seizure theory. I would take him to the vet as soon as you could just to be sure. There maybe something in his food thats too fancy or not good for him.
It can take years, Chinchillas are prey animals they don't for the most part liked to be handled, petted, cuddled or any of that. This is the reason so many people get disappointed that haven't known this before getting their chinnies. Take lots of time to talk with your chinchillasoftly, never yell, give little scritches, be patient, and most of all let them be the boss. Let them come to you , letting them be adventurous is the key in gaining their trust. Good luck.
Either ate something poisonous, or he's overheated.
I agree with the seizure because I have seen a chin have a seizure it sounds like what I saw scary right
you should take it to the vet but do not say any thing to it so it does not get scared
Hi! I have a 19-year old chinchilla and because of his age I'm constantly prepared for him to die in the near future. My male chinchilla used to have a female companion, unfortunately she died this spring 20 years old. My male have this past week been acting strange, in the nights he is constantly digging so that all the bedding is put in a big pile while half of the cage (of where he've moved his bedding from) is empty. Some say that it is because they are too hot but he never lay in the empty spot, instead he's laying in the pile? He is also moving his foodbowl and throwing food out of it, although he also seem to eat much more at the same time. I need to fill the bowl more often than I used to. He has been acting this way the past 1-2 weeks now, according to my family his female companion used to behave the same way her last week before she got sick and just sat in a corner not moving nor eating, should I assume that my chinchilla will die soon because of the new behavior? :( Sure he is 19 years old so he's reaaally old, but he's had his ups and downs and has always gotten better...
There is no way to know. He might just be having a good time. He's eating more, essentially excercising more, rearraging his habitat - possibly just having fun. Or possibly they know when the time is and they put all in order but I would look at it like he is just having fun.
I'm sorry to hear this about your chinchilla! Have you tried taking him to a vet or chinchilla expert? Professionals can always help you. Maybe he can be treated, but if you know for sure that he's up to his last days, make sure he's happy while he's alive.
Hello. I have enjoyed looking at the pictures you have of chinchillas. Chinchillas make wonderful pets. Rabbit cages are really not suitable for chinchillas, as chinchillas need enough height to climb and jump. An appropriate chinchilla cages should have at least 2 levels (more are desirable) so that the chinchilla may jump from level to level. Store purchased cages are generally not suitable for chinchillas as they are usually too small, too short, and made of plastic. Chinchillas like to chew and will chew up plastic shelves, plastic clamps, etc ... which will not only destroy your cage, but will also make your chinchilla sick. The best thing to do is to make your own chinchilla cage; you just have to make sure that all wood used to create a cage is untreated by chemicals and pesticides. Chinchillas will also chew wood, so the majority of the cage should be constructed from wire. Wire mesh cage bottoms are not acceptable for chinchillas. A chinchilla can catch a toe or toenail in the wire bottoms and end up with a broken leg. Cage bottoms should be covered with some kind of soft bedding. Aspen shavings or CareFresh bedding are the most appropriate choices. Pine can be used, but only if it's kiln dried, so as to remove the aromatic oils. If your cage only has 2 levels, your chin will need lots of exercise; an exercise wheel is a good choice, but only if it is of solid construction. Again, an open mesh wheel can catch the toes or toenails of a chinchilla, causing broken limbs. I would encourage anyone interested in owning a chinchilla or anyone who already has a chinchilla to do more research on the proper care of these unique animals. Also, if you are in the market for a chinchilla, please consider a chinchilla rescue before purchasing one from a pet store. Many animal shelters have abandoned chinchillas available for adoption.
Hello sir we want to breed, but I do not know where to buy, if possible, please tell me. My email: liangjianisme@hotmail.com. I am sure to give you a reasonable price, thank you very much.
Can you put two together? I have a male and want to get a female will it be safe? Mine has never been with another once since I've had him for at least 9 years.
It should be OK as long as you get a female but you will have to be a little careful. Life expectancy for a chinchilla is about 8 - 10 years in the wild but substantially longer in captivity - some living to 20 years old. So you have an older male and you wouldn't want to put an older male together with another male as possible agression. A female should be fine but i would introduce them on neutal territory - small bathroom or even the bathtub and watch and make sure they get along. Do this a few times (not just once) to make sure they get along and then put them in the same cage.
Of course.