So why choose a chinchilla as a pet?

With such a large choice of pets around why choose a chinchilla? Maybe because you perceive them as cute and think they will not take up too much space? Below are reasons for buying, or not buying, a chinchilla

Reasons you may not want to buy a chinchilla

You don't have time to dedicate to him/her
You want an animal you can cuddle and pet - most chinchillas are not keen on being picked up/cuddled
You intend to always keep them in the cage and never let them run free (indoors) - chinchillas may be small, but they can be quite energetic, they need to exercise
You have small children. While this doesn't mean you can't have a chinchilla, they are not considered suitable as pets for children under 12
You don't think you'll have the time/patience to slowly win their trust - chinchillas can be extremely timid when they do not know you.

Reasons you may want to buy a chinchilla

You have sufficient space for a good size cage, and you have the time to spend with them and supervise their playtimes
Both you (and any children you have) will understand a small animals nervousness, and will be gentle and patient
You are looking for a small pet which may enjoy a long lifespan (with some luck and your loving care)
You want a pet which will be happy left at home alone all day while you at at work
You want a reasonably intelligent pet which can think for itself, and has its own unique character
You have fallen in love with their gentle and inquisitive natures
You enjoy watching a chinchillas playful antics

Chinchillas and allergies

Most allergic reactions to animals are caused by an immune reaction to a protein found in the saliva, the dander (skin flakes), or the urine of an animal. Of these three, in the case of chinchillas, the urine is most likely to cause a reaction.

It does appear that the vast majority of people will not be allergic to chinchillas. I myself am allergic to cats, dogs, horses, and probably a few other animals as well, however chinchillas do not appear to affect me - however I have heard of a few people who do suffer a reaction. The hay (which the chinchillas should be supplied with), or their dust baths may also cause an allergic reaction.

Points to consider if you may be allergic:

Before buying a chinchilla try handling one. If you suffer an allergic reaction then you know it will affect you
Use chinchilla bath sand instead of dust to decrease airborne dust
Use hay cubes rather than loose hay to reduce airborne allergens
When buying loose hay, look for hay that says 'Dust Extracted'
Consider using a wire bottomed cage with a pull out litter pan rather than have a cage with a solid bottom. Instead of the dust and allergens sitting in the bottom of the cage where the chinchillas will disturb them, they will collect below the cage where they will be undisturbed
Use newspaper in the cage/litter tray instead of wood shavings

Chinchillas and other animals

Many people who own chinchillas also keep cats or dogs and experience no problems, however chinchillas can become stressed by other animals, for example dogs nosing around the cage and barking at them, or cats trying to reach them. You need to judge for yourself how existing pets will react.

While it may not be a good idea to have dogs or cats in the room while a chinchilla is running free, many chinchillas will enjoy the company of a guinea pig.

Having said this, it has been known for other animals, e.g. dogs rabbits etc. to pass on a disease they are carrying to chinchillas. While the disease may not affect the other animal, it can affect the more sensitive chinchilla. One example of such a disease is Bordatella.


Home, Site Index, Nibbles Online, Links

-->