has anyone got chinchillas. any information about them would be appreciated

Hi I dont have one I have Degus though which are similar in their needs and I also care for 5 Chins. Email me with any questions.

I kept chinchillas for about 10 years, ive just rehomed my last one because his mate died and I dont really have the space for him anymore, he has gone to a special chin rescue who are going to match him up with a new friend :)

what did you want to know ?  im on a course today so might not beable to answer straight away

i have read they can get upset stomachs easily.so we are unsure how much food including apples, raisins ect  to give them each day.we seem to be ok with the solids as we were told again 3 oz per chin. also why do people hate charlie chinchilla food ?

also they love apple branches we are told. do you sterilize the branches before you give them .as they will chew on them.we were told to use a milton solution then someone told us not to
we have built them a huge cage with an array of toys ect.so we know they will be happy in it.
but if anybody has any advice it would be very welcome as books dont tell you eveything.

thankyou for replying.

If you feed chinnies a mixed food like charlie chinchilla they pick out all their favourite bits (tend to be the fattening and sweet bits) and leave the rest which means they don't get a good range of nutrients. It is best to feed them an all in one pellet, might look a bit boring but you now they are getting all the nutrients they need. I make sure my chinnies always have pellets in their bowls, fresh hay and water at all times. They get the occasional raisin or peanut as a treat, but you do have to be careful they don't have too much sugar as they can get upset tums, plus too many peanuts make them fat! Another bit of advice is to find a vet who knows how to treat chinnies, they are sensitive animals that need special care when ill. As for the apple branches, i'd probably give them a wipe over with a damp cloth, make sure they look clean and fresh, i think the smell of milton might put them off chewing them anyway! Hope this helps! I really love my chinnies, sadly i'm having to rehome my marshmallows now i'm back at work following maternity leave cos i just haven't the time to give them cuddles and free time they love.
Anymore questions you can always pm me.
Erin

hi

if you need help and advice about chinchillas then can recommend a website ...... its abitlike this one only for chins .....www.chinchillas-unlimited.co.uk ....... i find it very helpfull