We believe that people should make an informed decision before taking on the responsibility of caring for a chinchilla. Here are reasons to NOT get a chinchilla as a pet.
- Chinchillas are nocturnal which means they may not be awake when you are and they may make noise while you are trying to sleep.
- Chinchillas need attention, but they don't like to be picked up. This makes them less than ideal for young children.
- Chinchillas need to have their cage cleaned frequently for their own health and to keep it from smelling.
- Chinchillas will chew on everything including baseboards, doors, furniture, and wires. If you can't chinchilla-proof a room, you're going to be in for a lot of maintenance.
- Chinchillas can live up to 20 years which means a long-term commitment.
- You can't leave your chinchillas unattended for days while you travel.
- Chinchillas don't travel well. Their skittish nature means that travel will cause them stress.
- Chinchillas can overheat and die under conditions that you would find tolerable.
And in case you think we're anti-chinchilla (not true), check out our list of reasons to own a pet chinchilla.
Related Posts
Entries (RSS)
July 31st, 2006 at 12:23 pm
I was wondering if a chinchilla would be a good pet for me. I am very calm and responsible and I hate traveling. Would it be a good pet for me?
July 16th, 2006 at 12:32 pm
Adam,
I'd guess that a college dorm room wouldn't be ideal for a chinchilla. They sleep during the day and are awake at night. You and your friends will likely keep a chinchilla awake during the day while the chinchilla will keep you awake during the night. We keep ours in another room with two doors in between us. They still manage to wake us up sometimes when a stick or food dish is knocked off of a shelf.
I'd say wait another year. At least then you'll know where you'll be once you graduate.
July 16th, 2006 at 11:43 am
Hi
I have the opposite question as "Birthday girl"…I'm currently in college, living on campus for one more year. Do you think the college environment is too stressful for a chin? A friend's just had six, and, while I want one, I want what's best for it.
Thanks,
Adam