Hi all!

[Noe]

Hi everyone! I've been checking out various chinchilla forums all day and this one seems like the best of the bunch, so here I am.

About me: My name is Noe (rhymes with "Zoe"), I'm 24, and I live in Santa Cruz, CA. I work as an HR admin, but my passion is helping needy animals and I'm involved in a variety of animal rescue projects, including doing small animal care at my local shelter, fostering rabbits for a local rescue organization, and moderating a rescue-oriented rabbit forum (http://www.therabbitforum.com). I currently have six rescued rats and four teenage foster bunnies, two of whom will be going to permanent homes shortly. I also have a California king snake, and my partner, Bryan, has a beta. :laugh:

And next week I'll be getting my first chinchilla! She's a spayed standard grey female of indeterminate age, from an acquaintance who is moving and cannot keep her. Ever since I was a child I've wanted one, so I'm pretty excited. I know very little about them, but I've been reading everything I can get my hands on and they sound like delightful and fascinating creatures who share a lot of the attributes of both rats and rabbits. I'm looking forward to learning more about them from all of you! Thanks for having me! :)

[MJChins]

Welcome To Chins-n-Quills Noe!!! :)

[chinchili]

Welcome to CnQ, Noe! It's interesting that she's spayed - I've heard of neutering males (which is dangerous and not recommended as it's pretty pointless) but I've never heard of someone with a spayed chin. Good luck - I can already tell you're going to love being a chin owner!

Oh, and I just want to applaud you for helping rescue small animals! :applause:

[Lauren]

Hi Noe Welcome to CnQ! Im sure you will learn so much information about chins, there are so many people that have so much knowledge about chins here, you've come to the right place!

[crittercagesnc]

Hi Noe and welcome. Be warned......chinchillas ARE addictive!!!!! I also do rescue / foster parenting /transportation for dog, chins, and birds of prey. I have had guinea pigs and dwarf rabbits for years - can't imagine life without them. BUT chins are different, can't describe it but "WOW" they get under your skin!
You are in for alot of fun!

[Lisa]

welcome to the forum.........glad you found us and joined.......congrats on your upcoming chin.....just watch out they are addicting!!,,,,,,,hard to stop with just one......holler anytime

[Paeonia]

Welcome to CnQ, Noe! In case you haven't come across them yet, be sure to check out our FAQ's http://www.chins-n-quills.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=55; they are a good source of basic and not-so-basic information. Feel free to post and if you need help, please PM me. As a chinchilla buddy, I am responsible for orienting new members.

[Noe]

Thanks for the welcome, everyone!

Chinchili - I assume that the reason she's spayed is because her previous owner rescued her from death row at a shelter; most of them have strict policies that every animal they adopt out must be fixed. Once she's settled in a bit I plan to get her a check-up; I have no idea when she last saw a vet and I want to make sure she's in good health, perhaps they verify whether she is in fact spayed while she's there.

I've also been informed that she's been too depressed to clean herself since her mate passed on several months ago (a male - another reason to believe she's spayed), and she's got snarled fur on her head that I assume will have to be snipped off. Any suggestions as to how I can help her cheer up?

[bell]

Welcome to Chins-n-Quills