Debates.. Oh my.

[Talon12]

Hello everyone, I just joined the forum in hopes of clearing some things up and hopefully learning some stuff.

Alright so I've been in search of a new pet and I've ruled dogs and cats out. The two animals that have peaked my interest are Chinchillas And Ferrets. I have done extensive research on both, but still need to do more. It seems to me that ferrets need to be out about 7 hours a day and I just can't do that. So that brings me to the chinchilla. I can probably take him out for about 2 hours a day.

The costs are all covered, so there is no worry in that.

Another question. Do all chinchillas hate to be handled? Or can it sort of grow on them?

[Erikah]

Some will like to be handled...some may not. Some may even like to be handled, though for a short while. It all kinda depends since chinchillas are known for having various kinds of personalities.

I believe that being handled can grow on them especially when they're young. If they've been around owners who love to hold them, then they may (probably) grow up with the expectation of being held in mind. Though...don't neglect the "probably" mentioned in that sentence ^^;

[lauraboo]

One of my boys doesn't like me to reach in and grab him, so instead we play this game. I sit at the door of the cage and open it, put both my hands in, clap twice, and then hold my hands out palm up. He then jumps into my hands, runs up my arm, and jumps on my legs. This way I'm getting chinchilla interaction and he's able to control it - if he's had enough, he'll go back in. This way I can build a bond with him and he doesn't always have to fear that I'm going to come in and grab him when he really doesn't like it (except for when I get him for out of cage time, he puts up a fight but the appreicates it! :rofl: ).

Just make sure to never push them in being handled - chins don't forget! Best of luck with the new pet, whichever you choose it to be :)

[Tigger]

2 hours is alright. Some let their chins out for less, some not at all, and some for a lot longer then two hours. If you want also you can get them a wheel too.

I have one chin that I got when he was 3- He will have NOTHING to do with being held. On the other hand, I have 2 that like to be held for a short time. But once they are done they will let me know and try to get away. NOW I have my other one- Tigger. He is the sweetest thing youve ever seen! He will just sit on my shoulder for long periods of time while Im on the computer, watching TV, reading, etc. So really, you cant be sure of their personalities. I got Tigger at... 4 months and the others not as young, but still under a year, and they "grew up" (they are still pretty young..... heh) with me handling and holding them while Reggi, the older one did not, so that may help.

[Talon12]

Alright, thanks alot for your advice. I really appreciate the fast replies.

[Melody]

If you want a lap puppy, get a guinea pig. They will sit with you and let you pet them forever. But chinnies are hyperactive, and MOST are not the sit-in-your-lap type. That being said, their antics are so cute, you could just watch them for hours. GPs pretty much eat, poop, and will sit in your lap - they're cute but don't DO alot. Chinnies bounce off the walls, play extensively with toys and food, and are entertainment in themselves. I have 4 GPs (all males) and 2 chinnies (both males) and enjoy them all.

I investigated ferrets as well but ruled them out for two reasons: (1) Even the neutered/spayed ones have a "musky" odor, and (2) I also have birds and the combination of ferrets and birds is frequently deadly. Ferrets are the one pet it is almost impossible to train to keep away from birds, apparently their natural prey!

[Julyieg]

I actually had pet ferrets awhile back. I had a little girl, and a little boy (spayed and neutered). They are a HUGE amount of unpleasant work. I had to drag their huge cage outside everyday to be cleaned. I had to make sure they got at least 3 hours of play time a day. And they BITE! Not hard, but it is one of the ways they play. I have a four year old, who has been raised around animals, and one of my ferrets bit him so hard it drew blood. I was lucky enough to find a highschool girl who really wanted them, (and her parents wanted them, and were willing to help with the necessary care).

My chins (2 males) are work as well. BUT most of it I find enjoyable. Neither one of my boys it a sit in your lap kinda fella, but as was said before, they are a lot of fun to watch during play time. Right now, they each get about 20-30 mins of outside the cage time per day. They are still pretty young, and I worry I might stress them. I have had one since mothers day, and the other since last friday. So their play time has to be seperate since we are still in the quarentine stage.

I tidy up each one of the chin cages twice a day, (remove any spilled food, refill food dishes, get fresh water, remove any soiled hay and put in fresh) Each cage gets totally cleaned on Saturday. (when I have someone to help **Poor Hubby**)

Just make sure you take the time to decide what you want in a pet. I am already so attached to my chins. They have a way of bouncing into your heart. They are vocal, and will chatter at you when they want something. (and BARK at you when you do something they don't like :lol: )


Best Wishes,

[lovechinies]

My chinchillla likes to be held. If I open the door and just stay there for few minutes she will jump out onto my lap or my hands and she stay there and sniff my hands or face... But if I let her out for excercise, she won't let me hold her. She just wants to have FUN!!! So I just let her do that...

[HedgeMom]

If you want a pet that wants to be held, get some rats.

[Taylor Johnson]

my chinchilla likes to be held but wont just stay sitting on my lap!