Cloud the Chinchilla

[BrowniesMemory]

I know this is a guinea pig forum, but I figured someone on here might have experience with chinchillas. I went with my friend to help clean up another friend's mom's place because she's going to be moving in there, and I took pity on the chinchilla Cloud. I'm not sure how long she'd been in such a filthy cage but all three plastic level were covered in poop, some of it caked on, and the pullout tray (the cage has a wire floor) was completely full. Even though she wasn't mine, I cleaned and scrubbed the cage and got it as clean as I could using some vinegar since that's what I use to clean my guinea pig cages. I also took her food dish and banged it against a tree to get the caked food particles out and cleaned her water bottle.

Cloud is also kept in one of the bedrooms by herself, with the door closed to keep the multitude of cats and two large dogs from bothering her. She used to have a daughter in the cage with her but the daughter died a few months back. Long story short but I offered to adopt her and the mom agreed, probably because a) she knows she has so many animals b) she knows I take good care of my animals and possibly c) she saw how clean I got the cage. Though it will be at least a couple weeks before I can get her even if I decide to get her, which is tugging at my heart. I don't know much about chinchillas, but from what I've read plastic is very bad for them and wire floors are about as good for them as they are for guinea pigs which isn't very good. Also, the first thing I would do is take her to the vet since her coat doesn't look very good; like she might be ill or stressed. I also know about the dust bathes since I gave unopened packets to my friend after my last gerbil died. Is there anything to be concerned about with housing her cage in my bedroom where the guinea pig cages are; any germs that can pass between them or anything like that?

My heart is definitely in this, but I want to make an informed decision.

 

[MummyOf5Piggies]

Aww poor little girl! I did research a few weeks ago for chinchilla's. You are right about the plastic, They will chew it to tiny bits, Change all of the plastic to wood, Or get the critter nation with 2 levels(They are climbers, and are hyper). Also have a bunch of wood chews and loofa chews, it keeps there teeth worn down(just like guinea pigs) And dust bathes, I would give her 2-3 times a week, I would look around for the best recommended dust. And never bathe them in water, if they ever get wet dry them off instantly.

For their cages, you can have a wheel, but it has to be over 15'' and metal but they don't need it as long as they get out enough, And have a chinchilla proofed room, They are like little kids and will get into anything. And a chew proof water bottle. And Never use a run about ball. And if do use the cage that chin is in here are some safe woods -

*Pine (Kiln dried)
*Apple
*Apsen
For bedding, you can use Carefresh,Aspen, Or fleece(just like a guinea pig cage, sweep it out daily).

Food wise(everything I have read they give their chins a handful a day, In a wood hay rack) Make sure to have the highest quailty chinchilla food(plain pellets), Oxbow chinchilla food, Or The highest quailty rabbit food. And treats, Dried apple, Dried rose hips. And don't give them any fresh veggies or fruit.

Also if you can sew, You can make her hammocks, little pillows and cage liners and to cover the wire on the ramps in the critter nation or the cage she is in.

Vets are very costly, Need to find one experienced with chins(Just like with piggies). Also never let a room get hotter than 70 degrees, One way to know if they are getting hot is their ears, If they are getting a bit red, its getting to hot So have a slab of marble or granite for them to lay on.

☆ ChinsNPigs ☆ - YouTube She has chins(Rose and Jasmine They are so cute!), And she even shows what websites are good, where to order from even shows just the basics if you starting out with a chinchilla, Plus what food she uses and other stuff. They are social animals, but some will not get along, If you do get her a cage mate, do introductions very slow.

Sorry for the long paragraphs!

 

[bpatters]

I think Paula has a couple of chinchillas, if I'm not mistaken. You might PM her and ask if she's got any useful links for you.