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 crepuscular 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.
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January 3rd, 2007 at 8:08 pm
Katie,
We do two things. Home Depot carries this plastic stuff that we cover the baseboards with. We believe they are originally designed to cover eavestroughs, it's white, has holes in it like a fence, and is about 8 inches tall and 3 feet wide. We think it is intended to keep eavestroughs clear from leaves and other material. We also use pine molding to protect doors and other areas as needed.
January 3rd, 2007 at 5:28 pm
Hi,
it's a good thing they are so cute!!.
I have a quick question… any ideas on how to "chinchilla proof" a room? My chinchillas have found a way to destroy everything I put up to try and hide the moulding and such… I would appreciate any help on this topic as they are slowly destroying my bedroom at the moment…haha
Thanks,
Katie
August 25th, 2006 at 10:41 pm
Tegan,
A breeder is unlikely to take your 5 year-old chinchilla. Most breeders don't need extra chinchillas and many are very particular about a chinchilla's history. You would need to find an alternate person to take your chinchilla.
One thing you might want to consider is finding a chinchilla rescue local to you and taking one of their older chins.
August 25th, 2006 at 10:29 pm
Hello.
I am currently in college and live in a pretty quiet apartment building, have time at night to take care of one, and have the money to afford one. I am planning on getting married in the next year or so and having children a few years after that. My question is if at any time I need to give away my Chin (God forbid) will breeders usually take a 5 year old for free for breeding? Or would I have to find some sort of shelter?
August 6th, 2006 at 11:30 am
The PetSmart near me only sells male chinchillas and I want to know if a male chinchilla will pee on me or my friends and if the cage will smell more.