Careforchinchilla.com

Exotic Pets: Chinchilla

admin — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 10:13:57 +0000

Chinchillas are of small sized crepuscular rodents belonging to the Chinchillidae family, almost the size of rabbit. They are found in the Andes Mountains of South America. There are two different species of chinchilla, Chinchilla Lanigera and Chinchilla Brevicaudata. Although they look almost similar, the tail and ears of Chinchilla Brevicaudata is shorter, its shoulder and neck are broader and is found in the wi ld. The Chinchilla Lanigera species can be kept as pets. Their standard color is grey and they can also be found in ebony, beige and other colors.

Chinchillas are endangered species. They can be kept as domestic pets, but are very shy animals and are not good with small kids. Because of their fragile bone structure, they should be handled with care and that might be the reason why chinchillas don’t like it when people hold them in their hands.

The life period of chinchillas is about fifteen years, when kept in captivity; some even survive till twenty or more years. They are noisy animals and make noises like squeaks, barks and chirps. They make noise to express their moods. They use a sweet chirping sound to attract another chinchilla for mating. They bark loudly when they get aggressive or scared. chinchillas are social animals and can be kept together. When keeping the chinchillas of opposite sex, they should be neutered. A group of same sex chinchillas also does well, except that there is a chance of them fighting when a younger or older member is introduced in the group.

Chinchillas are very playful animals. Arranged shelves can be kept in their cage, which they can jump on. Toys like large wheel measuring more than eight inches in radius, hanging wooden toys, and paper towel cylinder can also be placed in the cage. Care should be taken that none of the objects should have a mesh structure as there is a possibility of chinchillas getting their legs stuck in it. Adding to this, when they are given wooden toys or wooden chew stick, the material shouldn’t be conifer wood, because it contains resins which are poisonous to them. Even plastics should be avoided for the same reason as they will block their intestines I swallowed. The cage should be very airy and the bedding again shouldn’t be of cedar wood. Birch, apple tree, willow, and Manzanita are good options for wood.

Temperatures should be maintained below seventy-seven degree Fahrenheit, because chinchilla don’t have sweat glands and do not sweat. When the temperatures get really high, they get overheated and get a heat stroke. Since the animals are hyper active they should be made to spend at least half an hour outside their cage to exercise, in supervision. They clean their fur many times a week by taking dust baths. A container filled with special chinchilla sand dust and fine pumice should be kept in their cage for bathing purpose. The chinchillas shouldn’t be given wet baths because their fur has the property to retain moisture and this could aid fungus growth. Even if they are given wet bath, they should be dried very fast with the help of blow dryer on a low setting.

Chinchillas shouldn’t be given a sweet and fatty diet, like nuts and fruits, as their digestive system is very delicate. Their main diet can comprise of hay based pellet and loose hay. They can also be given small pieces of papaya and raisins sometimes. If they are fed with sugar products, they have a tendency to develop diabetes or diarrhea. Even fresh vegetables block their digestive system which can be very dangerous.

The cause of extinction of chinchillas is that they are killed on a large scale for its superb soft feeling fur. Also, they have a very evenly colored fur which makes it most apt for small apparels and as lining for bigger apparels. Although, now the wild species aren’t hunted for fur, but domestic species are especially bred for this purpose. There are fur farms where chinchillas are bred in larger numbers. They are kept in really bad conditions.

Keeping Your Pet Chinchilla’s Coat Healthy

admin — Thu, 14 May 2009 09:27:42 +0000

The coat of your Chinchilla needs to stay healthy and should be kept clean. It is important that you have dust baths and do it on a regular basis. The dust baths are used to help keep the coats of pet silky and shiny and makes the coat thicker as well. These type of bath is something that your pet will really enjoy because it is able to play around and enjoy your company and attention as well.
The best types of bath dusts can be purchased from various stores. This is because bath dusts found in various stores are custom made and fit the Chinchilla perfectly. As they roll and flip in the dust, the dust infiltrates through the coat and goes in their skin. This causes the dust to soak up oil and dirt from their fur. The bath dust for your pet should reach several inches deep in a container.
There are two types of bath dusts that are commonly used for Chinchillas and these are the “Blue Cloud Chinchilla Dust” and “Blue Sparkle Chinchilla Dust”. It is important which of the two is better to use for your pet.
The container that you should used should be something that wouldn’t easily tip over. Make sure that you choose one that is bigger than your pet’s actual size. You can check out fish bowls and canisters for your choice. The container that you will choose should also have a round surface. Put the bath dusts at night when your pet has time to move around and is up and about.
However, it is not advisable for you to bathe your pet with too much bath dust because this can make their skin dry out. It is also important that you remove the bath dust container immediately after use otherwise your pet will use it as a litter box. Give your pet a bath dust at least twice every week and do it at night, the time wherein your pet is most active.
Bath dust can be administered to your pet more than twice a wee k depending on the weather and climate of course. The bath should last a maximum of 15 minutes only because you don’t want your pet to be thoroughly exposed.
You can reuse the bath dust that you will purchase. After bathing your pet, check its cage and make sure that everything is clean and in place so that your pet can have a fresh and fun time playing around and resting in its very own cage.

Some Helpful Tips When Your Child Wants To Have A Chinchilla For A Pet

admin — Wed, 13 May 2009 09:29:03 +0000

There will come a point in your child’s life that he will voice out his desire to have and own a pet. This might not come to you as surprise anymore because you might think that your child would of course want a puppy or a kitten or a fish or a bird for a pet. But what happens if your child tells you that it is interested in having a Chinchilla for a pet? B
Before questioning anything or even before saying that you will get your Child a Chinchilla for a pet, it would certainly be best for you to do a quick research on Chinchillas. The first thing that you ought to take into consideration before making up your mind is your child’s age. Ask your child why does he want a Chinchilla for a pet and see if he is able to come up, at a very young age, with the right reasons and impressions when it comes to taking care of Chinchillas. It is possible that your child has a friend who has the same pet or has watched a television show feature chinchillas and the like. Ask yourself if your child is already mature and old enough to take on the responsibilities of taking care of a chinchilla. Remember that chinchillas are considered to be exotic animals that need extra care and attention as well.
If you have already asked your child why he wants a Chinchilla for a pet, consider whether or not your house can accommodate a Chinchilla for a pet. This type of exotic pet requires quality home that is not only cool and serene but is also spacious and perfect. Will your child really take on the responsibility of taking care of the pet or is this just one of those spur of the moment ideas that your child usually has? Remember too that chinchillas need not only to be taken cared of. It is high in maintenance and is also very demanding when it comes to its needs.
If you have agreed to allow your child take care of Chinchillas, then it’s now time for you to take a lot of things into consideration as well. You should be prepared for some changes and adjustments that you have to do at home. The sleeping habits of the pet can be very different and that is one of the adjustments that you ought to take into consideration. Chinchillas usually make noises at night when other people are sleeping and if you cannot tolerate noise at night, then Chinchillas are not the right pets for you.
chinchillas require time to be set free and it therefore needs attention and constant supervision. Can your child provide this to its new pet? Of course it is necessary to purchase a cage for the pet but there are some instances wherein Chinchillas need to be exposed to a whole new and different environment that it can enjoy.
Another adjustment that you have to prepare yourself with is of course keeping your pet clean and taking it regularly to the veterinarian where it can be given the right care and of course the necessary shots that it requires. Make sure that you are also able to provide your pet with the right types of foods that can guarantee its growth and wouldn’t harm its digestive system because that can cause you bigger problems in the future.
If you are up for all these challenges and would like to give it a try, do so while your child is still interested in it.

How To Set Up A Home That Your Pet Chinchilla Will LoveA Loving Home For Your Pet Chinchilla

admin — Tue, 12 May 2009 09:31:30 +0000

The fur of your Chinchilla is its ultimate protector when it is out in the wild. When they are turned into pets, they have to be able to undergo adjustments and improvements when it comes to dealing with itself.
If you have the intention of purchasing a Chinchilla and owning it as your pet, then it would be best for you to prepare your home and make it as loving as it can possibly be. chinchillas require a home that is peaceful and serene and a place that is not necessarily too hot or too humid. If you have a free room in your house, it would be best for you to keep your pet there so that it will have enough space to move around and explore, but with proper supervision and guidance.
A large cage is advisable for a Chinchilla because it provides them enough space to move around freely. Of course, the head room of the cage is also important. Its length should be about 24×24 inches. Make sure that the cage that you will pick out for your pet will have a ladder as well as shelves that it can explore in. Avoid purchasing a cage that is made from plastic materials.
Choose a cage that has a pull out tray beneath it to make cleaning much easier and more convenient on your part. The pull out tray should be filled with wood shavings. A wire floor should also be installed in the cage so that it can prevent the cage from getting dirty easily. Cover the bottom wire area with a wire floor that you can use to ensure the continued activity of your pet.
Make sure that the cage of your pet chinchillas is located in a place where it cannot be disturbed. It should also be located in a place that is not in direct interaction with the sunlight as the direct heat of the sun can cause Chinchillas to sweat excessively. During the summer, be conscious and move your pet’s cage in a much more secured and convenient location.
Make sure that you will never run out of water to give to your pet. Choose water bottles that are not made from plastic and this is so much better for your pet. However, if you use plastic bottles for your pet, there is a great chance that it can chew on it and cause digestive problems. Choose a ceramic food bowl that won’t tip over easily even without the weight of the foods and treats as this can also save you from cleaning the cage too often.
Make sure that you also provide your pet Chinchilla with chew toys that it can play and entertain itself with. Make sure that the toys are Chinchilla friendly and safe. Make sure that the toys are free from plastic parts and other small parts that can easily be chewed on and swallowed altogether.
Another important thing that your pet should have is the exercise wheel. Exercising regularly is necessary not only to the health but also to the growth of your pet. Even without instructing your pet and directing to exercise, it usually will as part of their instinct. Although it might take some time, when chinchillas see exercise wheels, they automatically know what to do with it and exercising regularly can also free them from stress.
Give your pet time to explore the outside world but make sure that you do so with proper supervision. Of course, it is your responsibility as the pet owner to make sure that everything is well taken cared of when you take your pet out to explore its boundaries.

The Positive Effects of Exercise On Your Pet Chinchilla

admin — Mon, 11 May 2009 09:33:26 +0000

chinchillas that are raised in different environments respond to changes in several different ways. Those that are raised in a ranch act differently than those raised by breeders and pet owners. Ranchers usually treat their chinchillas as a livestock while breeders treat their chinchillas like real pets and companions. Ranchers regard chinchillas as a great source of income and a business venture and usually don’t care about the animal and whether or not it gets enough care and attention. The rancher’s main conce rn is simply to make profit. The breeder on the other hand is very much concerence with the quality of life that the Chinchilla has and regards exercise as an integral part in the life of the pet.
chinchillas should be given ample time to exercise outside its cage every single day. They need to be freed but with supervision of course. Since chinchillas get stressed easily they need time to explore themselves and get acquainted with their surrounding and environment through exercising outside the comfort of their cage. When chinchillas get stressed, it usually bites off its fur and ranchers couldn’t care less when this happens.
Exercise is very much crucial in the life of a Chinchilla because exercise is something that they need in order for them to be strong and healthy. A simple walking exercise outside their cage, but with proper supervision can be a good start for their exercise regimen. If you are pet owner or breeder or is interested in purchasing a Chinchilla, then it would really be best for you to make sure that you entice your pet to do regular exercise.
Chinchillas know and feel if you really and genuinely care for them. They know how much you care and love them even though they tend to be aloof most of the time. Once they feel that you care, they can easily trust you and depend on you as their ultimate shield and protector. This helps them forget and get rid of stresses that can weaken and shorten their lives. This also helps them get along not only with other Chinchillas but with themselves as well.
The best type of exercise that your pet Chinchilla can enjoy has to do with its exercise wheel. The exercise wheel can be best enjoyed by the pet by simply including it in its cage and as if by some instinct, your pet would instantly know what to do with the exercise wheel.
Too much exercise isn’t bad for chinchillas . That is because chinchillas are smart enough to know when it’s time for them to stop and rest. It usually does when it begins to feel tired, just like how it normally is with humans.
The important thing is for your pet’s exercise to be regular and consistent. Exercise can help strengthen your pet and frees it from various types of stress.

The Perfect Combination For Your Pet Chinchilla: Water and Supplement Treats

admin — Sun, 10 May 2009 09:35:52 +0000

chinchillas , like humans need water too. Of course the water that your pet drinks should always be fresh and changed daily. If you are unable to do this, chances are, bacteria can grow and contaminate your pet’s health. It is not very advisable for you to have your pet drink from a standing water in a bowl because this can certainly make them catch bacteria. Also, when they accidentally tip the bowl over, you will have to deal with the mess. It would be better to make use of a water bottle and should be placed insider the animal’s cage.
Make sure to clean the water bottle as thoroughly as possible to avoid germs and bacteria. Use hot water when cleaning the water bottle as well as it can help kill and get rid of germs and bacteria and when you do, make sure that you have another bottle on standby for your pet to drink in. Make sure to serve plain water and nothing more.
Giving treats to your pet is also a good way of providing the pet with a reward. However, it is not advisable for the pet owner to always give its Chinchilla a reward all the time. Too much treats can definitely cause harm to your pet’s digestive system. Your pet will surely gain so much weight and can also have a shorter life span.
When it comes to giving your pet Chinchilla a treat, make sure that you go for raisins because chinchillas are really fond of this treat. However, this should be done in moderation. It would be best for you to give your Chinchilla about 3 to 4 raisins per week. If you’re Chinchilla is still too young half a raisin would be enough. Another type of treat that is good for the Chinchilla is dried fruit. Some examples of this fruit can include blueberry, grapes, and apple. If your pet has diarrhea, you can offer them wheat or rolled oats without the preservatives. Raw, black oil sunflower seeds that are used for feeding birds are good for the animal’s outer coat. You should not feed your animal cabbage, corn or lettuce. These would be heavy on the digestive system.
The treats for your Chinchilla should be given to them separate from their usual normal food. If you mix the treats with their regular food, chances are they would neglect the food and would just opt to eat the treats. This of course would not be healthyyou’re your pet. If you are thinking of giving your pet something to gnaw on, it would be better for you to give it white pine or apple wood because these types of woods are really good for the teeth.
Don’t even think of giving your pet cedar, plum, plywood, cherry, fir, spruce and any other wood types that can be harmful to their teeth. If you’re not sure which wood type is good for them and which isn’t, check your local pet store. They can assist you with your animal’s needs.
If you have a young or expectant chinchilla, their diet will have to be altered from the normal regimen. If you’re not sure on what to feed them, check with your veterinarian or chinchilla breeder to get more information as well. As you get acclimated to what your chinchilla needs, they can be assured of an uneventful and healthy lifestyle.

How Chinchilla’s Deal With Environmental Stress

admin — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 09:51:31 +0000

chinchillas can be greatly affected by environmental stress. Usually their healths are put at risk and they end up having to deal with behavioral issues. Some of the things that chinchillas can experience with environmental stress can include being anti-social, biting, fighting, spraying off urine, fungus and eye irritation. Some blank" >chinchillas can also feel aloof towards other chinchillas and can also end up feeling stressed and depressed altogether.
It is very hard to detect whether or not your pet is experiencing environmental stress. Even if you notice some of these conditions, it is very hard to determine whether or not these are actually caused or triggered by environmental stress. Most pet owners find out that such is caused by environmental stress only after they have discovered that it has already become a chronic issue. It is therefore important for you to be able to know a lot of things about environmental stress, otherwise you will be risking the life of your pet.
Environmental stress can affect the activeness of your pet. Sometimes, behavioral rehabilitation is necessary in order for your pet to control its activities. For chinchillas that are already regarded to be cool and easy-going, behavioral rehabilitation is no longer an option for them. The way you treat and have treated your Chinchilla in the past has a lot do with environmental stress as well. If in the past your pet was mishandled and abused by its previous owner, it is expected that your pet will have a hard time handling environmental stress. This in turn will make them exhibit anti-social tendencies to their succeeding owner, which happens to be you.
Signs of boredom exhibited by your pet can also be an indication that something is wrong. Make sure that your pet is living in an environment that is not only healthy but conducive to play and move around in. Make sure that the environment is not also very noisy so that your Chinchilla can relax most especially when necessary. Don’t think that pets like chinchillas need to alienated from noise. Sometimes, noise is also necessary for them to grow and improve their lives. This way they will not act indifferent to thunderstorms and other types of alarming noises..
Just like humans, your pet also needs to learn how to adjust to a new environment and to its new owners. At first, it is expected that your Chinchilla will feel indifferent because the new environment seems to be very much unfamiliar still. It will take some time for the pet to get adjusted and the owner must be patient with this. One thing that you can do in order to help your pet develop is to keep them safe in a room where they can listen to relaxing and soothing jazz music. Make sure though that your pet is alone in the room, with no noise and disturbance from other pets and humans as well.
Time is of the essence when it comes to Chinchillas most especially if the one that you’ve got previously came from a disturbing environment.
As the owner, be sensitive to their adjustments as well as to their needs and in no time, you will be able to find a healthy and happy Chinchilla as your new pet.

How to Deal With Chinchilla Allergies

admin — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 09:49:24 +0000

Even though they appear rather small, chinchillas are able to emit certain types of proteins that can cause allergies to people and is usually passed on through saliva and urine. Also, Chinchillas oftentimes shed off their fur every few months and this can also trigger certain types of allergic reactions to human beings. If you have a very sensitive skin and condition, Chinchillas are probably not the best type of pet for you to have.
chinchillas , because they are considered to be warm blooded animals have furs that are packed with proteins in their bodies. When this type of pet licks its fur, the saliva sets it. Some of the dried out parts scatter throughout the home and can end up triggering allergic reactions to people who are sensitive.
This is what happens to people who are actually allergic to chinchillas but do not necessarily know it. What they do is they initially purchase their choice for a pet and then end up giving it away just to ensure their safety in terms of their health. In cases like these, both the owner and the pet suffer. When they give away their pet, chances are it needs to be re-homed and given to someone else.
Some owners who find it difficult to part ways with their pet end up with terrible and alarming breathing problems. Some even end up using their very own inhaler just to sustain and regulate their normal breathing.
At times, the allergy can even lead to rhinitis. This condition takes place when the mucous membranes found in the nose get inflamed with mucous discharge. You can get this type of allergy by simply touching chinchillas . For example, when you touch a Chinchilla and then rub your eyes, the allergy can automatically be transported. If there are no immediate effects, don’t think that you are already safe from the allergies because there are some allergies that do not attack and affect your skin easily. Sometimes, it might even take months before you find several effects on your skin and conclude that you have actually acquired allergies.
Some people who do not have an allergy and have even been keep a Chinchilla for a pet can eventually and almost out of nowhere have allergies. Since chinchillas are very much prone to dust, you can immediately be allergic to it. In the end, the only thing that’s left of you to do is to consider re-homing your pet to ensure your safety.
Of course, there are a lot of ways on how you can deal with the allergic impacts that dusts can have on you. First of all, try covering your pet’s cage with a sheet while in a room where doors can be kept closed. When you apply dust to your pet, make sure that there is no air and there is no any other form of dust that can set in. After applying dust to your pet Chinchilla, leave the pet for a while to make sure that the dust sets in first..
Other things that you can do or purchase can include various kinds and brands of bath sands that you can use to reduce the dust from flying all over the place. Checking the various brands available before your actual purchase can certainly work to your advantage.

Re-Homing Your Pet Chinchilla

admin — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 09:48:47 +0000

Yes, re-homing your pet Chinchilla can be considered one of the most tragic things that you can do and experience. However, not being able to properly take good care of yoru Chinchilla would certainly require you to do such a thing. If you can no longer give your pet the love, care, and attention that it needs, then it’s probably the best time for you to go in search of someone who can provide them with this. True, letting go of your Chinchilla can be heartbreaking most especially if you have been with each other for years. Therefore, re-homing your pet requires that you choose someone who you know can handle the responsibilities of taking care of a Chinchilla.
One of the first things that you can do is to place classified ads in various newspapers under the category of exotic animals or chinchillas in particular. Don’t forget that such an ad should be equipped with an adoption fee that the next owner should settle with you. Your fee should range from about $50 but it can also be way higher than that.
Putting out an adoption fee can be used as a good way of determining whether or not the interested owner can take care of the Chinchilla and provide for its needs which can at times be expensive. Consistent and regular care is required by chinchillas and also needs to be taken cared of by professional veterinarians and paying for such things is certainly no joke. If the interested buyer is haggling on the fee, that can be a negative indication that he cannot properly take care of your beloved pet.
One of the other equally important things that you need to make sure of is to know how long the interested buyer has been taking care of his or her own Chinchilla. It would also be a good idea for you to ask for photos of their Chinchilla to see whether or not they are well taken cared of and are all in good shape. The food that is fed their Chinchilla is also one of the things that you need to take note of. This way you will be able to note if they are doing their feeding the right way.
Find out all the other things and information that you think are necessary when it comes to entrusting your Chinchilla to its new owner and new home. Another important thing that you need to ask is the type of job the interested buyer has. Do they travel frequently and if they do, where do they leave their pets to?
Interested buyers who are really in the know when it comes to taking care of chinchillas will certainly be glad to answer all your questions because they know for a fact that you are doing this to gain the peace of mind that you need. If your prospective adoptive owner is able to make you feel secured and comfortable then you have probably found the best match for your pet Chinchilla.

Should Chinchillas Be Brought To School?

admin — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 09:45:57 +0000

If your innocent little one asks you if he can bring your pet Chinchilla to school to show to his friends and teacher, answer him firmly but with great wisdom that no, he cannot do so. There are of course a lot of obvious reasons why your answer should be a no. Of course your child should not bring any type of pet to school, particularly an exotic pet like a chinchilla.
Chinchillas and children have very much different body clocks. When chinchillas are awake at night, children are at sleep so when the children are up in the morning, the chinchillas are the ones who are at sleep. lla.com/chinchilla-care" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" >chinchillas cannot be around so much noise as they easily get agitated. They need to be in a healthy and friendly environment whichis most likely hard to achieve in a school environment that is filled with innocent children. Chinchillas need very little amount of light so that they can sleep and can end up to be too stressed out when they do not get enough sleep. When they are stressed, they bite their fur, spray urine and start to become really unfriendly.
Also, chinchillas need great attention and supervision which cannot provided by children most especially when they are freed from the cages to enjoy exercise routines. Also, the climate and weather condition can affect Chinchillas greatly. They need to be kept in a place that is not too hot.
chinchillas cannot handle too much heat and humidity. When there is not enough air or if the weather is not very cool, the Chinchilla can start to feel warm and can be sweaty. This is something that your children, or even his teacher can not handle most especially if the teacher does not have any idea on how to take care of chinchillas .
Of course, your child’s classmates out of their curiosity would want to play with your Chinchilla and will start to take turns carrying it around. However, chinchillas unlike puppies would rather move freely than be carried around and petted. They are very independent creatures and as much as possible want to avoid direct contact with their owners or anyone else for that matter.
Since they appear to be very petite and cute, children in the school would definitely be enticed to play with the pet without realizing how fragile this type of pet actually is. Also, mishandling the pet and letting it fall off ones hand can cause its legs and limbs to be fractured immediately since it has very brittle bones.
Even more, those who are allergic to dust and fur can easily be contacted with their condition at the sight and close interaction with chinchillas . That is why if you child happens to request if he can bring your pet to school to show to his classmates, let him know immediately that this is not even something that needs reconsideration. Be firm with your answer and immediately say no.