Does a Chinchilla make for a good pet? Have you had one?

1. 69

   Missing Linkposted 8 years ago

   Does a Chinchilla make for a good pet?  Have you had one?
   
   My son wants a pet and I want him to have one.  A cat or dog is out of the question per a scenario that we have.  We need something smaller and cuddly so a crab, for example, is not desired.  We have been talking about a Chinchilla in this regard.  Is this a good pet to have?  Why or why not?  Thanks!

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2. 99

   DrMark1961posted 8 years ago

   They are heat sensitive, so depending on where you live this could be a problem. Also, depending on how old your son is, they are relatively expensive. If your son likes dogs and cats, what about a ferret? (Great pets but not legal in all states in the US)

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   1. 69

      Missing Linkposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      That's a great idea!  Thanks for the feedback, information, etc.

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3. 59

   dingyskipperposted 8 years ago

   I have owned  2 chinchillas. They are very nice to touch, but do not really like being cuddled. They cannot scratch you like a cat or rabbit, in fact there best means of defence is run away or turn and pee in the face of the enemy. They are little poop machines, constantly dropping small pellets of the stuff as the roam about! They need robust cages with plenty of room to move about. They need to chew hay and untreated wood to keep their teeth small.' I would consider a Cavy  "Guinea Pig" a good pet. With gentle handling from the start most can become fond of sitting on laps. The problem with these is chewing is a must as Chinchillas and also a definite smell if not cleaned out regularly. Can be kept out side in lots of places, in a cat, dog, fox etc proof hutch

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   1. 69

      Missing Linkposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Excellent and very helpful information---thank you for taking the time to answer!

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   2. 59

      dingyskipperposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      It's a pleasure

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4. 51

   sarahartposted 4 years ago

   Chinchilla is the best pet for kids because it doesn’t require a lot of care like dogs, i have one and I always  wanted to have a chinchilla, but for a long time my mom was against this idea and for any other pet and finally when i moved to live alone I read a lot of interesting information about this animal and I decided to buy one with wihte and ginger hair, and i found such a cute one online and ordered him, first few days he was making some noise so i read online about how to keep a chinchilla quiet at night and i found this useful informations and it helps me to help him be quite.

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