Anyone ever owned a Chinchilla?

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Chrystal-J

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Has anyone ever had a Chinchilla as a pet? If so, how did you like it? My dog is elderly and I was thinking that when he passes, I may get a pet that requires less care (not so much walking and excercise). But a pet that will still enjoy attention and sitting with me as I watch TV. :D
I already have a hamster and a cat. The cat is 10 and my hamster is 6 months.
Any feedback would be appreciated.
 

encouraging loves animals

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Chinchilla are ILLEGAL IN AUSTRALIA, LIKE MOST WILDLIFE, but i have looked around and found some links
http://members.aol.com/sirchin/chinhist.htm#habitat
http://members.aol.com/sirchin/diet.htm

I don't like the way petstore generally operate-getting there animals from puppy mills, there practice is cruel. I will support petstore, that join up with animal rescue shelter-that are clearly marked as ANIMAL ADOPTION CENTRE-SUCH AS LORT SMITH. Some petstore down in australia, pet paradice is falsly saying you are adopting on there cages, they are NOT getting there puppys or kittens from a shelter or pounds, they are getting them from PUPPY MILLS AND BACKYARD BREEDER.

Here a some chinchilla rescues,

http://www.chinchillarescue.org/rescues.html
http://www.chinchillarescue.org/adoptprocess.html
http://www.chinchillas4life.co.uk/
http://www.rj-chinchillarescue.co.uk/
http://www.geocities.com/forchinatechins/
http://www.geocities.com/secondchancechins/
http://www.montysplace-chinchillarescueandrefuge.com/
http://www.chinformation.org/rescues.html

ALSO some dog breeds can have there energy leads met by indoor play, some dog only require a short walk daily and others cannot be exercise during hot whether.A dog 5yrs+ is generally calmer then a younger dog.I do know videos that can explain the puppy mill and petstore mistreatment, but if you like to see them please request them.

Dogs that can have there need meet with indoor play, but still like a short walk
Affenpinscher
Activity: The Affenpinscher is active and energetic. Their exercise needs can be met with indoor play sessions on a regular basis. They do well as apartment or condominium dwellers provided they are taken for daily leashed walks. They also enjoy a chance to run, so a small fenced yard is ideal. The Affenpinscher tends to climb and bark so supervision is required in the outdoor setting.
http://www.nextdaypets.com/directory/breeds/1100001/

Bolognese
Activity: The Bolognese will do okay in an apartment provided they are given time and attention and are not left alone for extended periods of time. This breed thrives on companionship and benefits from a daily walk or free play in a small yard.
http://www.nextdaypets.com/directory/breeds/1100044/

Brussels Griffon
Activity: A lively and hyperactive breed, they still do not require much activity. The Brussels Griffon gets most of his exercise in the home. This dog does enjoy short walks and will do just fine without a yard.

Bulldog
Activity: The Bulldog must have daily exercise to stay fit. A securely leashed walk will suffice. They also benefit from and enjoy short family play sessions. This breed is well suited for apartment, condominium, and city dwelling. Bulldogs are very inactive indoors and do not need a yard.Love slow ambling walks! Cons with this breed-THEY DROOL!
http://www.nextdaypets.com/directory/breeds/1100057/


Chihuahua
Activity: The Chihuahua is an excellent apartment or condominium dweller. The majority of their exercise needs can be met indoors with toys or play sessions. However, they greatly enjoy going with their owners and benefit from daily walks. Using a harness is recommended instead of a leash is best given their delicate neck and bone structure.
http://www.nextdaypets.com/directory/breeds/1100072/

Chinese Crested
Activity: The Chinese Crested does very well in apartment life and would do just fine without a fenced yard. Regular play sessions would be sufficient for this breed. When outdoors, this breed must always be protected from harsh sun, or cold weather.Need to be protect in the sun due to skin cancer risk too!
http://www.nextdaypets.com/directory/breeds/1100073/

Coton De Tulear
Activity: This breed is an indoor companion. They do not require high levels of exercise, but do need a short walk every day. They also appreciate play sessions as often as possible. They adjust and adapt well to apartment, condo, and urban living. They have the capability and endurance for long hikes.
http://www.nextdaypets.com/directory/breeds/1100086/

Dachshund
Activity: The Dachshund can be lively and vivacious, however he does not need much exercise. A short walk per day would suffice for this short-bodied breed. The Dachshund tends to tire out easily so any exercise provided should be given at different times rather than one long walk. This breed is prone to back problems so high jumping and/or running should never be allowed.
http://www.nextdaypets.com/directory/breeds/1100088/

Dandi Dinmont Terrier
Activity: The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is good for apartment life. Indoor activities should be sufficient for this small, yet sturdy breed. A small yard is recommended, but not required. Regular exercise would be best.
http://www.nextdaypets.com/directory/breeds/1100094/

English Bulldog
Activity: The English Bulldog doesn't require much exercise but would do well with a short walk occasionally. This breed tires out easily and considering the flat muzzle, should always have available water.love slow ambling walks. Cons THEY DROOL!
http://www.nextdaypets.com/directory/breeds/1100099/

English Toy Spaniel
Activity: The English Toy Spaniel requires very minimal exercise. They are well suited for apartment living. This breed is capable of meeting their exercise needs indoors, but does enjoy short securely leashed walks.
http://www.nextdaypets.com/directory/breeds/1100106/

Eskimo
Activity: Exercise requirements vary by size. The Toy Eskimo will generally have their exercise needs met through indoor play, while the Miniature and Standard varieties require daily securely leashed walks. This breed is well suited for apartment living provided they are sufficiently physically exercised and mentally stimulated. A small, securely fenced yard is ideal for off-lead play. Eskimo's excel in agility, competitive obedience performing tricks, and guarding.
http://www.nextdaypets.com/directory/breeds/1100108/

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Chrystal-J

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Thanks, but I really don't want another dog cuz I don't have a fenced in yard and I am required to walk my dog many times a day. (And I have asthma and that makes it really hard sometimes.)
Chinchillas are legal here in the US and there are "home" type breeders, so avoiding a petstore shouldn't be a problem if I want to.
The only thing that's holding me back is that they have a really long life-span and I'd have to think it over seriously if I want to make that kind of committment.
I'm basically looking for someone who's already owned a chinchilla and what their experience was like.
Thanks anyway.
C J
 
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WallabyMom

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Hi!
I have raised chinchillas...they are awesome pets! You would want to get a young one or one that has been handled alot. They are soft and loving....got along well with other critters.
They are more active in the evening time. Read up on them. They take a "dry" bath in a special dust...they are not to get wet. They make cool sounds.
I would say...next to the wallabies and monkeys...chins are my favorite pets!!!
WallabyMom
 
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