I don't think Chins are addictive!

[Kelley]

I keep reading that chins are addictive...should they be? I have one little girl. It's only been a week today that we've had her. She's six months old. I hope she doesn't get lonely, I don't need tons of pets. But do you guys think it's necessary for her to have a cage mate? I think we give her too much attention as it is.

[paris26]

Most people think that chins do well in pairs, but if they get lots of one on one time with their owners, single chins can be very happy. I had my first chin as an only chin for almost a year before my second adopted chin came home with me. Now look at me- I have five with two on the way:rolleyes: You know what your personal limit is :)

[almostperfect10]

Give it time. You're not addicted yet. I was happy with one for the first couple of months. Then I thought she needed a friend, but I didn't do anything about it. Then I fell in love again. And again. It's been six months, and I'm up to three!

[dawn]

I started out with two, took in a rescue, got him a friend, took in another rescue, got him a friend, took in two rescues, then took a dad and son rescue so that makes ten. I have a HOUSEFUL of chinchilla collectibles that have expanded to my job, Nah, I am not addicted.

[chin_gal]

Same with me. I started out with one chin. Now I have 2...a third on the way...and I have owned a total of five in the past 4 years.

[IndyChinChick]

It took me about 2 months after getting my first chin that I decided he needed a cage mate and I wanted another chin. Now I'm up to 4. I would like more but I know I don't have time right now to care for more than that properly, but in the future things will probably be different. :)

[HobbyGuy]

Stay with one. She'll be fine. It is the same argument for people that have cats, dogs, etc. Personally, I prefer to have two for animals that are social, but you don't need to be getting "addicted" to chinchillas to enjoy them.

Of course, should you decide to get a male for her, be sure to do your homework on how to introduce, etc. And the males tend to be sweeter than the females... So you may enjoy a second one.

[Kelley]

Thanks everyone. I love how the comments add up so quick.
HobbyGuy, really? Males are more affectionnate? Our little Kiwi Girl is pretty sweet herself. And don't the males have a bad rep. for getting rings? That kind of had us worried. That's why we got a girl. She is pedigree though. 5th or 6th generation I think. We were told she'd be good for breeding. I just don't think I'm ready to be a Grandparent! *gulp*
One's good. I don't like addictions. Everything is moderation I always say...lol

[paris26]

Don't let the hair ring issue scare you with the boys. While it's an important thing to be aware of, I found that most of my boys take care of them. I've only had to remove 3 total in a house of 5 boys. I make it a routine to check them myself every couple of weeks

[Samoria]

Don't forget, Kelley, that if you do decide to get a friend for her... that a male will breed with her. Unless he is neutered. Granted there are some male/female pairs out there that never bred... you wouldn't want to risk it unless you have a lot of experience with chins. (In case something goes wrong.)

I know for a fact that female/female pairs work fine. As do male/male pairs. If you wanted two chins together as 'friends', you do NOT have to have a male/female pair.

As for getting friends for chins... each chin has a personality. Sometimes they'll get along... sometimes they won't. It depends on the chin, not the gender. PLus, as for chins being 'sweet' or not.. that also depends on the individual chin, not the gender. I've seen males that are sweet, and males that are not. Same goes with females.

Unless you want babies, and breeding while only having chins for a very short time isn't a good idea, then I'd suggest a female. (That is, IF you decide to get her a friend someday.)

Give it some time though... I've seen a lot of people get one chin and say 'I just want one'... then a little while later get at least one more. :) Though, not everyone I know has done that... I've seen it a lot though. :)