When we first got our chinchillas, one of the things we asked ourselves was whether we could get a harness and leash that would fit them. Our goal was to be able to take our chinchillas out to the backyard or a field and give them exposure to something outside their regular environment.
But the more research we did, the more it became apparent that harnesses, leashes, and chinchillas don't mix. And while we've never tried using one ourselves, we're inclined to believe the research. Here are reasons to not use a harness with your chinchilla:
- They are skittish to begin with and putting them in a harness will very likely cause them stress.
- Chinchillas "release" chunks of their fur when stressed.
- Their bodies and bones are relatively soft and the strain from a harness is likely to cause them internal injuries.
- A sudden or surprise movement by the chinchilla could result in a "jerking" action on the leash which could easily break their backs or ribs.
- Their soft bodies mean that they could escape from the harness unless you have it really, really tight.
- Chinchillas hop and jump rather than walk like a cat or dog.
If you're still determined to try out a chinchilla harness, check out this information from Rick regarding a harness he's developed.
Related Posts
Entries (RSS)
I must ask does anyone know where you can get chinchilla harnesses because i would like to get one for my chinchilla chilly because i cant find one anywhere
I have a small wire cage with plastic base and wooden shelves to transport my two as i take them into schools to educate children, there nesting box and sand bath fit into the bottom nicely so they can hide if they want but arte usually more interested in what is happening and they are both very confident and outgoing little ones.
could u use a small dog carrier to take it around.......just curious
yes, that would be ok. i use it all the time, or, i use it whenever i take my chinchilla somewhere, but u hardly need to do that.
I will say yes but, chinchillas get sick and backed up if they eat plastic. You may say I am wrong but most dog carriers are plastic with metal. So yes, again if the plastic is not able to get bitten or eaten. Hope this helps you Janine!!!
P.S.- I am a teacher and school major at a vet school. I have studied chinchillas alone for 3 years and own 6.