Bad Chin Enviornment??

[strangekitty]

Hi everyone! I had my own debate with my mother about this one, and I wanted to know what you all thought!
This lady approached me about buying her two unnamed male Chinchillas. I suppose that her grandson was born 6 weeks premature and she wanted to get rid of them, plus they are aggravating her allergies.
These were the original Chins we were going to get (and paid for) before we got (well, rescued!) Rin.
I wanted to save them (and you'll find out why..) but the very reasons I wanted to get them, I got into a fight with my mother about.
Here goes..

1. Noisy, Noisy enviornment..
I've called this woman twice on the phone, once at 10AM, and once at 12PM, and each time the backgroud was so darn loud I couldn't hear her screaming into the phone. She has 2 small children and a pre-teen, plus the daughter who had the baby living there. I could only imagine the Children, and loudness and the stress placed on those creatures.

2. Unsafe wheels
They have two of those open steel wheels. (picture A) I've heard many chins have broken their necks on these things, and lost fingers.. Is this true?

3. NOTHING to chew on!
They have no wood in their cages whatsoever.. (By the way yes, I've seen their cage..) They have one of those pastic igloos and the front looks torn to shreds..

4. Dustbath in cage.
Can cause dry skin & eye infections. ALso it''s small and closed. I've heard that can cause chest problems..

I could have gotten both those boys, dust, food, hay, cage, toys, and everything to their little Chinchilla Names for $150..
But she was worried that they'd be stressed, bloated, sick, etc.. (Not that it's not a valid concern, but I feel so bad for these babies..)
I was going to suck it up and go get them last Thursday, but their baby came home, so they wouldn't even let me go pick them up..
I feel guilty for leaving them there, she said she'd call me, whenever she had the time to let me pick them up. I don't feel like this is a safe enviornment for them at all..

So.. Should I suck it up and go get them, or are they probably alright?
If anyone is interested in them they're located in MI..

[strangekitty]

Yeah, sorry forgot the wheel pictures. :freak:

http://www.chins-n-quills.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=52137

[TheChinClique]

IMO, No.

They could have health problems as they do not sound well cared for, which could mean large vet bills for you.

Adopt from reputable adoption centers or reputable breeders who have pet quality animals for sale, not people that do not care for their animals properly.

-Andrea

PS- Whenever SHE has the time for YOU to pick them up? That sounds like a red flag to me for sure!

[ali]

I don't think you should adopt them either :S Though it would be very kind of you to remove them from that environment, they could have severe health problems you can't see/imagine.

I took a chinchilla for free from a woman who had allergies, and now that I'm noticing her eye problem, etc. I wish I hadn't have gotten her and had gotten her from someone who I would know her background, etc.

[Chin89]

Well, not that you should take them, but it seems like if the lady wants to get rid of them anyway maybe you could recommend a rescue or something. These chins will not get good care, healthy or not, if she simply does not want them anymore. The environment doesn't sound healthy to me either.

[Tails]

Yeah not that it's up to you but I'd at least get them to get them out of the house and then take them to a rescue place. Doesn't sound like they are cared for or loved. :( Sometimes the stories on her make me so sad.

[dawn]

They will probably not be allright in the situation thay are in but as a rescuer you have to be prepared to deal with chins that can have health and behavior problems you will need to address-a vet visit would be in order first to evaluate the health of the chins (the nothing to chew on may lead to overgrown front teeth) and you may have unsocialized chins that will need alot of your time one on one. I have many rescues and they all needed special attention as far and health and mental needs went so you need to be prepared if you do it. Maybe start looking around for a rescue organization in your area to put these chin in contact with may be your best bet since you are new to chins, JMOP.

[Froggie]

I don't think you should get them either. But if you do quarintine them somewhere that has a separate air supply from you home and your chin (probably another building). Maybe you could just give her some toys for the chins? I always have extra chin/rat toys and boxes and ledges etc. (helps to have a carpenter for a dad). But even if you have to buy some stuff it'd still be cheaper than paying $150 for the chins + vet bills. If you have her address send her a package that also has care instructions for the animals and names of area rescues. So what if it pisses her off. You'll never have to talk to her again unless you choose to.

[strangekitty]

I don't think you should get them either. But if you do quarintine them somewhere that has a separate air supply from you home and your chin (probably another building). Maybe you could just give her some toys for the chins? I always have extra chin/rat toys and boxes and ledges etc. (helps to have a carpenter for a dad). But even if you have to buy some stuff it'd still be cheaper than paying $150 for the chins + vet bills. If you have her address send her a package that also has care instructions for the animals and names of area rescues. So what if it pisses her off. You'll never have to talk to her again unless you choose to.

That's a really good idea. I know there is a Chin rescue in this area, and I think I am going to contact her.

[Hobbes]

I'm no sure if were thinking of the same rescue but the one I'm thinking of is Second Chacnce Chins near waterford, I think...
I've talked to the lady that runs it a few times when I was looking for somewhere to voulnteer. She seems really nice. I have her name and email adress if you want it you cam pm me of she might even see this.. who knows...