Im considering adopting a Chinchilla at the end of the month as we've just moved into a huge new apartment and as such have ample room for a larger critter! We both work 9-5 but are free weekends and evenings - would a chinchilla mind us being away during the day or are they primarily nocturnal anyway? What is the sort of average cost?

We are really keen to get one as ive had my eye on them for a long time and think its time to graduate from hammies and the like! Ive just started a new job so my budget for pet care is raised as well...is there any initial vets bills or anything we should consider?

Sorry for the questions - just want to ensure we get everything sorted

My next door neighbour had 2 chinchillas. The family was out all day and in all night and weekends. The chinnies were still tamed and they spent alot of time with them. If I remember rightly, they did sleep most of the day...

Also, I think they live for like 15 years so be prepared to have them for a long time!

Good Luck with your search!

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Felix
Wish You Were Here

Yeah, its either 1 or 2 chins or a cat because we're looking for something that we can really love and keep with us for the years ahead. Hamsters are great but theyre limited I guess.

Chinchillas make great pets i have 8 of them ! you should be ok they sleep all day and are awake at night, they can also live for 20 years ! be prepared luckily i've had mine for a few years now and haven't cost me a penny in vet bills ( fingers crossed ) good luck if you get 1 or 2 or 3 they are very addictive !

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Is it ok to keep them by themselves? Ive heard they can live happily alone, showing you the affection they would show to another chinchilla. Is it true that when kept in pairs, youre sort of cast off as a food provider?

Mine have cost me! lol. One male ruptured his bowel and he needed live saving surgery...£350 just for the op!

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aw bless! poor little mite...hope all is well now?

whats your thoughts on the chins then? im certainly 99% definate about getting one now. are they easy to look after? would you recommend keeping them in pairs?

I have bred chinchillas for 14 years now.
They are great pets and fairly easy to look after.
There are afew things to make sure you are prepared for.
One is they must not overheat so have you got somewhere in your house that stays cool for them or if not are you prepared to buy an aircon for them.
2 as has already been pointed out they can live up to 15 to 20 years so are a long term commitment.
As for can they be kept alone the answer is yes as long as they get a lot of attention from the owner however if you have ever seen two chins cuddled up together I defy anyone who will deny them that company lol.
Click on my banner if you wish to see some of my chins and there are some great links on there too.
If you have any more questions feel free to ask

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As for cost you are looking at around £50-£70 for a decent cage and then anywhere from £40 up for a chinchilla.
I would advise either finding a local bree3der or a rescue center near you.

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thanks so much for the reply...that def answers my questions! cost isnt too much of a problem - im just wanting to make sure i can provide adequate care for it/them Ive just moved into a really airy 3 bedroom apartment and am planning on keeping them in the lounge area as its big and open and has lots of airflow.

Ill update with info if I do get them! thanks so much guys.