checklist

[starfire]

I found this list on a website...this is all correct, and this is all I need before my chinny comes home right?

Supply List for a New Chinchilla


• Food (I feed Mazuri, you will need to have whatever food your breeder feeds. If you plan to switch your chin to another diet, you must do so slowly over a period of several weeks.)

• Hay – If you feed an alfalfa based diet, feed Timothy hay. If a timothy based diet, feed alfalfa hay.

• Water Bottle – I prefer glass as it's easy to sterilize and chew proof, even for my most determined chewers.

• Food bowl – Ceramic (any bowl that cannot be easily knocked over) or a gravity feeder will work. If using a gravity or j-feeder, make sure it hangs outside the cage and has a lid to prevent chins getting stuck and babies getting out.

• Treats – Chinchillas LOVE shredded wheat, raisins, dried bananas, apples and craisins. All treats must be given in moderation (one daily) and I prefer to stick to low sugar, high fiber treats such as oats, wheat germ and alfalfa rings.

• Sleeping Box – I recommend that everyone get one of these for their chinchillas, they need somewhere to hide and sleep. I have a wooden box that is on the top level of the cage, I also have a large PVC pipe in the bottom of the cage that they love to hide in. You can make your own or purchase one.

• Wheel – This is not 'necessary' but is wonderful for your chins. See our exercise page for more detailed information.

• Bedding – Kiln Dried Pine, Aspen or a recycled paper product such as CareFresh.

• Water - I use filtered water, others use boiled, bottled, or tap. I prefer filtered as the filters I use catch 99.9% of Giardia and Cryptosporidia, helping to prevent parasitic infections and eliminate unnecessary chemicals.

• Toys – hanging chew toys, pumice stones, wooden blocks, etc. Chins get bored easily and multiple toys help alleviate boredom and encourage chewing.

• Dust Bath – You'll need a container and the actual dust. Pet stores sell different types but I've not been impressed. I prefer to use dust called Blue Cloud or Blue Sparkle, available through local breeders or ordered online.


ALSO!!
i'm confused about all that I have to do.. like,
daily: get hay peices out, feed pellets and hay every other day clean out water bottle, everyday fresh water, give dust bath, chin proof, daily run.
Weekly: clean out cage and replace bedding....check safty, check toys, check cage for unsafe things...
Monthly: scrub cage clean, ummm...splurge on new toys.... erm, i can't think of anything else...

yeah!

ONE MORE THING: so, CHINGAL, I can feed a scoop of baby formula, a certain kind..., rabbit pellets, a certain kind..., and alfalfa hay...?
I hope yangu will tell me the type of food he uses, so I don't have to dramaticalliy change food...maybe he'll bring me some.. lol!

Thats it! Sorry to bug you guys so much!

~Tiffeh

[Riddick]

pretty darn good!

[starfire]

that means, thats all? lol!

[tunes]

daily: get hay peices out, feed pellets and hay every other day clean out water bottle, everyday fresh water, give dust bath, chin proof, daily run.
Weekly: clean out cage and replace bedding....check safty, check toys, check cage for unsafe things...
Monthly: scrub cage clean, ummm...splurge on new toys.... erm, i can't think of anything else...
Looks like you've got a pretty comprehensive amount information up there. Just a couple things that are mentioned in quotes - I feed my chins pellets and hay every day, not every other. I also don't go through their cage with a fine tooth comb picking up every little piece of old hay. If it's wet, just like the bedding, or covered with poos, I scoop it out. But other than that, there usually isn't a whole lot to remove from my guys cages.

My chins get run time every other day and are fine, but then again I have around 70 now. I also don't dust bathe them every day, which you won't want too either because it can cause drying of the skin. Every other day would be more than sufficient, unless you live in an incredibly humid area.

[tararosej]

wow, what a great list! I think you are a very mature and responsible girl for your age. Your mom should be proud that you are researching your pet's need like this. :applause: I think there are too many ADULTS out there that need to take your lead and find out about their pets too. Good job, and good luck with your chinnie. You will do great, I can tell from reading all your posts.

One thing to keep in mind- if you are using a wire cage, you will need to sweep or vacuum everyday around the cage. The chins like to poo and it flies everywhere! Also, put down a piece of cardboard UNDER the cage so it sticks out on all sides to help catch poos and urine if the chin sprays it out through the bars. You would not want it all over your rug. Put carboard behind the cage so pee does not get on the wall either. You can also use vinal flooring or a peice of plexiglass under and around the cage as well to help keep the mess at bay. That is the disadvantage of metal cages. :rolleyes: Good Luck! :)

[starfire]

I feed my chins pellets and hay every day, not every other.
lol! well yeah! I meant to clean out the water bottle every other day, forgot the comma. :p