Question:
Well, I did it! I found a couple of very nice breeders in the area, met a couple baby chins, and my chinchilla will be ready to come home in about a month!!
I've read a bunch of the chin-related sites out there...I think I'm prepared -- I got a nice big cage on its way for him, and lots of things to chew on and hay and pellets and so forth -- but I'd really love to hear from all of you about what the biggest surprise was when you got your first chinchilla? Was there anything that you just didn't expect, or hadn't prepared for?
I want this little guy to be as happy as he can be.
The breeder I'm getting him from sent me a picture of him from about two weeks ago -- isn't he adorable? I'm naming him "Indy" -- he's an adventurous fella, and SOOOO handsome.
Thank you! This is such a wonderful forum! I really enjoy reading about everyone's chins, and I've learned a ton from you folks.


Answer:
Your chinchilla is just stunning! What a handsome little guy! Would you mind sharing what breeder you got him from? If not, that is okay. The only thing aspect that surprised me about owning a chinchilla is that they always do something that you aren't prepared for. You think you know everything and sure enough they do something that catches you off guard. I can't believe how much knowledge I have gained since I brought home my first chinchilla. It is always a learning experience with them which makes owning them so darn interesting.
Congrats on your chinchilla! And Please feel free to ask questions and share stories about Indy with us.


Answer:
welcome to POTN.. that is such an adorable baby chin!!! there is soooo much to learn about chins. Im sure that you will be filled in on alot.. the fastest and best way for you to learn is to just ask. if there is something you need to know just ask!!
and we require more baby pictures too!!!


Answer:
Thank you!! I can't wait for him to come home. I'm sure I'll be flooding the forum with pictures as soon as he's settled in. Denise, the breeder is in New Hampshire -- I'll PM you her e-mail address; I'm sure she wouldn't mind more customers.
I can't wait to be caught off guard by this little guy! Hee hee!
--maia


Answer:
Cpngrats! They are tons of fun! Your chin is so adorable


Answer:
Aww, what a cutie!! You will love your new chin...they are wonderful creatures.
One thing that has thrown me for a loop with my chins is how long it can take for them to trust you. I had some frustrating issues with a baby that was born here...she was held everyday from the day she was born but developed an attitude and did not trust me one bit!! Now she has calmed down and likes to cuddle, but I was definitely not expecting that. So, I guess my biggest surprise so far is that even when babies are handled everyday (as most hobby breeders do) they can still not like to be held.


Answer:
Indy is so cute!!! Welcome to POTN. I guess the thing that surprised me the most is just how curious my little guy is-he has to check out everything!


Answer:
Indy is a beauty!! I don't often notice such excellent fur on a baby chin.
One thing you should be prepared for: these guys are definitely not just big hamsters, which is sort of what I expected when I got Cub. What I mean by that is that they are super-smart (have you made sure that your cage door can't be opened from the inside? I have a hardware store clip holding mine shut because Cub knows how to let herself out ), & *very* emotional. They have very strong social needs for love from you & lots of rubs. It's very endearing but it can also be suprising when you discover it.
Good luck with your new chilla!!


Answer:
Oh yeah- guard your books!! They *love* to eat them, esp. old ones. A lesson I learned the hard way.


Answer:
Your baby is so cute, what colour is he?
Another thing to be prepared for is that chinnies like to chew on everything, especially walls and things they aren't supposed to chew on