Chinchilla help please?

[LadySpikes]

Hi, just wondering ..
what are chinchilla's like as pets?
And what care do they need?

Thanks

[Shelley66]

That depends on what you are looking for as a pet, and whether it is for an adult or child.

They don't make good pets for kids as most are not that fond of being clung on to! They tend to be more interested in investigating a room than sitting in your lap or being cuddled. If you are happy for them to be running about and climbing on you then you will enjoy watching them.

They can suffer from heatstroke if they get too warm, so need to be kept away from radiators and the such. They much prefer cool weather.

They like a nice big cage, though length ways rather than tall as they can fall and break their legs. Under all that thick fur is a very small body which is easy to damage.

I have had chins for 11/12 years now, my eldest is 13 years old . That is another thing about them, they can live into their 20's.

If you have any questions about them fire away

[pigglywiggly]

they arnt really cuddly pets, especially if you get them older or from a petshop.

they are great if you want something to watch bouncing about their cage rather than to handle.
they are very inquisitive and like to chew furniture/wires/skirting boards too.