I just have to vent

[jdomans]

I am a mod on a yahoo Chin group and look at what was posted today? I am in shock.

[FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode][SIZE=4]I've had Chica for about 5 years now and never really knew that chinchilla's could play with toys so I never really gave her any except for the large wheel and the toilet paper dispensers. Now I'm wondering is it too late to try to give her toys to play with? Will she even attempt to play with them or will she just sit in her cage like usually does night after night?[/SIZE][/FONT]

[Harleigh]

That's pretty sad. I'm sure that Chin is very depressed, I know I would be without any stimulation.

[jdomans]

Well I tried to be tactful but still make an impressing in my reply. Time will tell on how well it was received. What do you think?
[FONT=Calisto MT]Chinchilla's are naturally curious and will love anything new in their cage. Something as simple as moving a toy from one side to the other makes the toy new again. Please refer to the toy album and get Chica some toys. She will show you a side of her personality that you didn't know was there. They should have stimulation for their well being and mental health. How could you think they didn't need toys? Buddy has about 6-8 hanging wooden bird toys that I rotate in and out of his cage. What does Chica chew on? What size cage is she in? It should be very large and spacious. I can hardly wait until I am a homeowner again and have the space to build Buddy a gigantic cage. I haven't worked out his square footage. I have 7 guinea pigs that have close to 20 sq. feet of space. They run laps and pop around like nuts. They don't sit in one spot all day. Buddy jumps all around the different shelves of his cage. In the mornings when I am up at 4 he is banging around insisting I get him out. He sits on my left shoulder while I make coffee, pack my lunch, and vacuum poos out of the GP cage. He loves it. Just now we got home and I put Buddy on my shoulder while I undressed and put on my pjs and changed my earrings. He is so happy when I do that. Just put yourself in Chica's place and what would you like?[/FONT]
[FONT=Calisto MT][/FONT]
[FONT=Calisto MT]Judy[/FONT]
[FONT=Calisto MT]PS I don't want to sound harsh but I have to admit that I am a bit taken back about the toy thing.[/FONT]

[Ly&Pigs]

Not trying to be mean here, but not everyone may know everything there is about taking care of an animal. We get tons of newbies here all the time that we have to teach the proper way to take care of guinea pigs. Some newbies have had pigs a long time but learn lots of new things they didn't know and some are brand new to taking care of piggers.

It just sounds like Chica's owner hasn't done her homework on Chins and even though Chica's owner has had her for a very long time, it doesn't mean that she knows everything. I hope that she will get Chica some toys.

I have thought about adopting a chin or two, but I know hardly anything about them other than they can live up to 20 years. If I get more serious about adopting some, rest assured, I will do all my homework before actually adopting.

[Susan9608]

Oh Ly - you should! Chins are such wonderful, wonderful animals.

[Pigz n Blanket]

Yeah, I have hamsters and even though I did some research it still took some time for me to know EXACTLY what they wanted. But still, she would have known that info even if she did A LITTLE research. I thought your reply (to her) was very good and well worded.

[jdomans]

I have not heard a word from that lady since and the other owner/mod hasn't fussed at me about being too harsh.
That is exactly why I was so amazed. 5 years no less and not knowing to give them toys? Good lord, the poor thing must be batty by now. Just like with our GPs many websites have different and confusing information but toys? Maybe she is feeding a mix food but the animal is getting food you know? Now I wonder about the cage it is in. Oh I have to stop fretting. Time to shower.

[Pigz n Blanket]

Yeah, there is only so much you can do. I think you did all you could in this case and that should make you feel good about yourself at least and NOW the chinchilla might get some toys...

[Zoeberry]

Originally Posted by jdomans

I have not heard a word from that lady since and the other owner/mod hasn't fussed at me about being too harsh.
That is exactly why I was so amazed. 5 years no less and not knowing to give them toys? Good lord, the poor thing must be batty by now. Just like with our GPs many websites have different and confusing information but toys? Maybe she is feeding a mix food but the animal is getting food you know? Now I wonder about the cage it is in. Oh I have to stop fretting. Time to shower.

I'm so glad you spoke up and said something. I own chinchillas along with being a new owner of guinea pigs and I cannot imagine going 5 years without updating my care info. on occasion.

[LilSweety]

We will never know EXACTLY every animal's needs, and wants.
We can only give them the things they'd appreciate. Know what I mean?

[Zoeberry]

True, but simple research will reveal the basics. Chinchillas love toys...especially chew toys. They also depend on them to keep their teeth trim. It's not that difficult to find out.

Also, my chins would really appreciate it if I gave them 20 raisins a day but there is no way that is happening LOL

[Zoeberry]

I just wanted to add thought that "presentation" is very important. If someone has come on to learn and correct a situation, I think it is a good thing and an awesome opportunity to enrich an animal's life. Being too harsh will scare them away forever and the animal doesn't get the help they need.

It is good to speak up if the person doesn't realize the error of their ways, however.

[jdomans]

Well for now we won't know if I have been too harsh. LOL she has been quiet but I don't think she has left the group. We are talking about an adult older lady who has had this animal for 5 years. Part of me wondered if she is a troll. We now have all newbies on monitor because it has gotten very bad in other groups my co-owner is on. It was just too unreal for words.