I don't think I'd recommend a chinchilla as a first pet. I just bought mine on my 20th birthday and although I researched a lot I also found out they each have their own quirky personality. I absolutely love mine, she's a wonderful girl to have around! BUT.. I did have to do some serious cage shopping after she somehow (to this day I don't know how) got hold of a plugged in wire to a hand vacuum and chewed right through. I was horrified when I came down to the office the next morning to see it. I purchased a very expensive reptile aquarium for her to live in and had to buy a lot of alternate things to just be able to hang up her water bottle/toys, etc.

I must say though, the cage is great, I no longer have to vacuum up sawdust flung all over the room in the morning.

They can also be very affectionate and mine even lets me cuddle with her.

Can I just say keeping your chinchillas in a glass vivarium could kill it.
Chinchillas do not cope with humidity and so a glass cage is a definite no no.
If your chin managed to drag a cable into her cage then it was simply because you left it too close to the cage for her to get at.
Anyone reading this please do not be tempted to by vivariums to house chinchillas.
How do you put shelves into a vivarium for her to use?

A vivarium for a chinchilla
You say that you researched but you have obviously not taken any time whatsoever to look into their needs at all and that chin will die of heat exhaustion in the summer months

As for the cable as toddy has said if she has been able to get an electric cable then it is due to your negligence ie; leaving it far too close to the cage

Please do not consider ever putting chins into such a totally unsuitable environment , just a few minutes on any chin forum will give you an idea of suitable cages/ diet etc

I too would love to know how you have managed to fasten wood shelves into a vivarium

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Chinchilla rescue and rehoming http://www.chinsrus.co.uk

A vivarium is a no no like everyone has said it can kill them they need a large thickets cage ( you can buy at p@h ) with lots of wooden shelves all mine have large cages .

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Oh boy, how did I know I'd get a bunch of rude snarky remarks over that.

First of all, I don't live anywhere that it gets ridiculously hot, and she lives in a basement.

Secondly, it's extremely easy to make wood shelving units that stand up on their own and do not need to be installed. And no they are not nailed together. She also has a wood house that slides together in place.

Perhaps the cord was plugged in too close, yes. But I didn't think she could reach so far out of the cage to get it.

Tons of people have their chinchillas living in big cages that are made out of glass or plexiglass.


Also, there's no point in replying to me. I can see this pet forum is full of rude people just like most others... Thanks for your concern over my chinchilla but she's absolutely fine.

She may live in a basement HOWEVER a vivarium still gets far too warm for a chinchilla . They need to be in an area that alows for air circulation and no humidity which in all fairness a vivarium will not allow

I have yet to talk to or meet anyone who keeps their chins in any glass or plexiglass cage and I know a fair few Such an environment is totally unsuitable for a chin

So where are the 'rude ' comments. All I see are people who are giving you their opinion and many have years of experience .

In my opinion you do not like the fact that we have disagreed with you and told you that your chins environment is unsuitable

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Chinchilla rescue and rehoming http://www.chinsrus.co.uk

"Full of rude people just like the others" MMMmmmmm tells me it must be you then! Any chinchilla Experienced owner will tell you the same thing IT"S WRONG !

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I agree with Susie, i have yet to find someone else who keeps their chins in a vivarium. Not meaning to be harsh but that is boader line cruelty. Chins can easily over heat and suffer from heat stroke.
And besides, well ventillated cages such as john hopewells cages or the thickets cages from p@h are often cheaper than vivariums.
At the end of the day, it's your chin, but we are only concerned and have tried to help.

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Hi,

Can I just say Chinchillas make wonderful pets. However I would recommend at least a pair as they are sociable animals.

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Louise

My Chinnies Are:

Sweep, Angel, Grace, Dutchy, Bracken, Kendra, Grayson, Envy, and Kaspar

http://www.cheeky-chinnies.co.uk

Hallo! I can sell you a chinchilla in may or only 70 pounds UK, thats the greatest pric eyou will ever find! (usually about 130-150)
and its white colour, i have to sell it as im going to leave the country... hope to hear from you my e-mail: kayechka@hotmail.com
take care