Should you get a bunny or a chinchilla?

Answer 1

It depends as always to if they are the right pet for you. There are pros and cons. First off, keep in mind that chinchillas can live as long as 15 years. They are not a responsibility to take lightly; they are a commitment, just like a dog or a cat. You will need to be ready to dedicate a fair amount of time and money to these animals for their cage, food, chews, and the cost of the animal themselves (they can be anywhere from $50-$200).

As far as supplies go, they need a fairly large cage (the size of a ferret cage) and it's best to also have a large wheel in order for them to be able to move around and get the exercise they need. You've also got to provide lots of toys for chewing and stimulation. Rodents' teeth need to be constantly worn down by chewing so wooden chews and other toys are a must (otherwise teeth can become malformed and overgrown so much that the chinchilla may no longer be able to eat). Chinchillas also use a type of volcanic ash dust to take baths in which can be somewhat messy and may aggravate Allergies. In addition, you've got to provide a proper diet of alfalfa based pellets and timothy hay. Hay sometimes aggravates allergies as well. Most people are not allergic to chinchillas themselves, but by their supplies.

Chinchillas have a few special needs: They cannot drink tap water because they risk contracting giarrdia (a water-born parasite) and can only drink bottled or filtered water. They also have somewhat sensitive digestive systems and cannot be fed overly sugary food (with lots of fruit and corn). A strict diet of alfalfa pellets and timothy hay is recommended.

The pros are that chinchillas are a very unique pet and live longer than most rodents if you want to be able to have a lasting bond with an animal but cannot have a dog or cat. They have very luxurious, extremely soft fur, and are very curious and fairly intelligent. They are very quiet (unless they are running on a loud wheel). A special thing about them is that they cannot get fleas or ticks because of the density of their fur. They are very fun to watch and bond with. Not to mention they are very cute.

Do your research online at forums such as www.chins-n-quills.com. Books are usually outdated and provide false information.

Answer 2

Yes you can since they are sold in pet shoppes. Of course you have to feed them and give them a cage. You have to be careful with little pets they can get sick easily. Watch out if the Chinchilla does not eat or poop. If that happens bring it to the vet asap. Monitor its eating habits, if it does not eat that is also another reason to bring it to the vet.

Answer 3

you should get two or more so they have someone to play with when you cant.you should never get two males because of fighting, but before you get a male and a female, see a vet for nuetering and spaying.

Answer 4

No. A chinchilla is highly dangerous and cannot be domesticated. The survival rate for chinchilla encounters is 15%

Answer 5

chinchilla they're super cool, and really soft.