Question:
Everytime I see a picture of breeding runs and chinchilla cages in general they seem really small to me. Well, the cages breeders have anyways. I know there are a lot of breeders here, so I figured I would ask here.
Why are the breeding runs so small? Are there ones where the cages themselves are bigger? If money is an option, why breed at all? I'm not trying to step on toes here or make enemies, I respect each and everyone of you, and I know you all love your chins and other pets, but I have had this question for a fairly long time now.


Answer:
I'm sorry, but are you sure you're only 15??????????


Answer:
Yes, why?


Answer:
LOL @ Mollymitten. I don't breed so I will not answer I'll let the experts answer :P


Answer:
Runs are on the smaller side, which is why I do not use them. Most who do use them it is not a monitary reason, more convieniance and saftey for the animal. It also allows for multiple females to be accessed by one good male, a bonus for larger breeders. Alot of people now are building custom runs which are larger, but still have the benifit of protecting the chins from one another.
I for now will stick with pairings and fair sized cages. While the larger the better in alot of cases, if the chinchilla(s) get plenty of out time, you don't need huge. The recomended size is 24"x24"x24" for 1-2 chins


Answer:
I'm pretty sure there is another thread running here that you started, stating how kids your age get on your nerves. Both myself and another member have stated that not many kids display your apparent level of maturity. My comment was merely a continuation of that thought...You constantly manage to surprise me with the depth of your questions/comments, given the fact that you have published the fact that you are only 15. It was meant as a compliment, nothing more!


Answer:
Oh, thank you Mollymitten, that's very nice of you.
Lizz, that is very interesting. I googled chinchilla breeding runs and came across a picture of some on Chins 'n' Quills, which looked really tiny. How can people use such things?


Answer:
Well... I can not speak for everyone. Ranches obviously use this arrangement. For them it's for production factor. They aren't in it to ensure 'pet quality' of life. While they do ensure that the chins are cared for (food, water, cleanliness) personal time is something not often spent. (This is a generalization of course, there are some rancers who do otherwise). The chinchillas are given enough room to move, mate and retain good health and air circulation, but not room for the 'comforts' of life.

As for the hobby breeder, most of them use them for the safety factor. Breeding runs help eliminate cage deaths by allowing an escape for the male if the female gets territorial. The females wear collars that prevent them from entering the 'run' along the back of the cages. They also are great for maximizing space.

I guess because they are the accepted norm, they spread out into use in the home. However, as we all know changes take time. People are creating and using larger runs in order to combine the best of both worlds. Do I think runs are unnecessairly cruel? No. Would I ever use the current 'normal' sized ones? No. I think it's a battle between understanding the larger ranches needs for 'optimal productivity in minimal space' and allowing the animals to have a proper quality of life. No, I am not advocating ranching, simply pointing out that side. I am not sure if any of the breeders here use runs, but perhaps they can share their views too.


Answer:
I'm so glad some of the hobby breeders are using larging custom made runs. I have a hard time looking at chins in little cages and it doesn't help that so many people are breeding largers chins so the cages look even tinier!


Answer:
[quote=Lixx]I for now will stick with pairings and fair sized cages[/guote]

I am also a hobby breeder that chooses to use the same method as Lixx so sorry I can not help you as I agree with Lixx 100 %.


Originally Posted by Mollymitten
I'm pretty sure there is another thread running here that you started, stating how kids your age get on your nerves. Both myself and another member have stated that not many kids display your apparent level of maturity. My comment was merely a continuation of that thought...You constantly manage to surprise me with the depth of your questions/comments, given the fact that you have published the fact that you are only 15. It was meant as a compliment, nothing more!
I also agree with Mollymitten.