Is it bad to have a chinchilla as a pet?

Is it bad to have a chinchilla as a pet?

Chinchillas can be wonderful pets for the right people. But they are not the kind of pet that you should surprise someone with, nor should you gift them to a child who is unprepared, or unsupervised when it comes to the pet's care.

Do chinchillas make good house pets?

To answer the question, yes, chinchillas make good pets! They require minimal attention, they're clean (although messy), and sleep while you're at work. Chinchillas are not nocturnal, they're crepuscular. ... With that said, pet chinchillas are typically not recommended for children.

Why would a chinchilla be a good pet?

Chinchillas are known around the world for their soft, luxurious and extremely dense fur. ... They also don't produce as much dander as other pets—which is great for pet lovers prone to allergies; plus, fleas and mites have little to no interest in their naturally impenetrable fur.

Are chinchillas smelly?

Unlike many household pets, chinchillas are pretty much odor-free. If your chinchilla does leave a smell, either he's sick or you're not cleaning his cage as often as you should. If your pet's body develops an odor, take him to the vet as soon as possible for diagnosis and treatment.

What are the cons of owning a chinchilla?

Cons

• Sleep Patterns – Chinchillas will sleep most of the day and then be most active at dawn and dusk. ...
• Temperature Requirements – Since these animals cannot sweat, they need to be in a temperature-controlled environment at all times.

Do chinchillas bite?

In the wild, chinchillas are prey. ... With no escape route available, the chinchilla may bite the threat (often the owner's fingers). This type of biting is most common if the pet owner tries to reach in suddenly to grab the chinchilla. Chinchillas have long and extremely sharp front teeth.

Are chinchillas good pets for beginners?

Domestic chinchillas can be kept as pets. ... Because of their high-strung disposition, they are not usually considered to be good pets for small children. However, chinchillas can be very friendly animals if sufficiently acclimated to human touch as kits (babies), making them excellent pets for patient owners.

Do chinchillas shed?

With normal shedding, chinchillas lose small amounts of fur gradually from all over their bodies as the hair ages, falls out, and is replaced by new hair growing underneath.

Can you get chinchillas wet?

Chinchillas have dense fur that is not meant to get wet. ... Many animals would choose to cool off by taking a bath but chinchillas do their own thing. Instead of water baths, chinchillas take dust baths.

Do chinchillas like being held?

And with gentle handling from a young age, most chinchillas can become quite tame and bond closely with their owners. But don't expect them to like being held and cuddled like many dogs and cats. They usually don't, though they'll often express their affection for you in other ways.

Do chinchillas make good pets for people with children?

• Chinchillas are social creatures and love to jump and play. Trust me, it will all work out just fine. At the end of the day, I’m a firm believer that chinchillas can make excellent family pets for individuals with children. It does take more supervision and teaching the proper methods for your children.

How much does a chinchilla cost?

• Chinchillas are perfect pets for the family because they’re smart, affectionate, easy to maintain. You can purchase a Chinchilla for an average of $250 – $600. Chinchillas are unbelievable pets that don’t require a high maintenance diet. Their fur is very soft.

Do chinchillas smell?

• Unlike my dog, chinchillas are relatively low maintenance. They do not require vaccinations, trips to the groomer, or demand tons of attention (although they do love it). They are usually quiet. With a properly cleaned cage, they do not smell.

Are chinchillas messy?

• Chinchillas can be messy. They poop all the time and somehow no matter what you do, poos will end up on the floor surrounding the cage. Fortunately, the droppings are easy to sweep or vacuum but the floor will never stay clean for long. They can also make a mess of the hay in the cage.