Question:
Hello. Some of you may recognize me from the Rabbit section. I have recently been thinking about getting a couple chins for pets. I was thinking that perhaps you experienced breeds may be able to answer a few of my questions. So here goes:
Is it ok to house chins together without them getting into fights? Or shall I ask how common is it for chins not to get along with one another?
Is it better 2 females from same litter or different litters or what would be the best pairing? I do not plan on getting them spayed/castrated even though I know it would be wise, don't really trust some of the vets and one is just so damn expensive we try to avoid him unless its an emergency!
Cage sizes, what is adequate space. I am planning on building a cage with all wire sides and many levels. I will probably be 2' by 3' by say 4' high. Lots of levels and such. How many chins would be good for that size, not saying that i would get more than 2 (3 at the most)...
Should it be all wire, bottom shavings or corn cob bedding.
I have located a breeder that has been breeding for too many years to count, thats not saying she knows a lot, i will just have to see when i meet her and see what she has to offer....
Also what kinds of feeds, dusts, ect do you recommend?
If you can think of anything else that I may have missed the information would be welcomed! Thank you in advance for your input! I don't want to jump on in without making sure i know what I am doing. Thanks


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Yes chins can be housed together without fighting. IMHO, the most successful way to start housing chins together is to get them young and introduce them young.
Two brothers or sisters from the same litter would be the easiest I think if you are looking at getting two at a time. I have two sisters and a mom living together and they do great together. It is NOT wise to get chins spayed/castrated unless you have a reason to. It does not have the same health benefits (as far as I know) in chins and is rarely practiced.
A cage that is 2'X3'X4' would be perfect for two chins. Make sure that there is a full middle floor so that the chins cannot fall from the top of the cage to the bottom.
I prefer solid floors...maybe you could have a drop pan made? Safe shavings for chins are kiln dried pine, Cell-Sorb, Carefresh, and aspen. Be careful with the Carefresh because it is not supposed to be ingested.
When buying from a breeder, go and look at the animals before making a decision. Make sure that the cages are clean, the animals are in good health and that you get a good vibe from the breeder. If you sense that anything is wrong, go elsewhere.
For feeds, there are several brands I can recommend.
American Pet Diner http://www.americanpetdiner.com
Mazuri http://www.mazuri.com
Oxbow http://www.oxbowhay.com
For dust, Blue Cloud is the best. I use Siwa waterbottles but they can be hard to get ahold of.
Make sure to ask any questions you have...there are lots of chin owners here willing to help.


Answer:
Candice covered most of what I could think of while reading your post. I too prefer solid bottom cages simpley because I find it easier on the chin's feet. Also, pine shelves or levels work best since they can also double as a chew toys and are easy on the feet again. what size wire are you using for the cage? Just be aware that the bigger the wire spacing, the most chance yu have for paws and legs to get caught


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The lady I got in contact with the was around my area has been breeding chins for many many years...thats not to say she knows anything about them. I told my friend that is going with me that if i don't like what i see and if she doesn't handle her babies early and they are "freakish" then i am not buying from her because she is virtually the only breeder i know around my area...i will go to buffalo (which is like 5 hours away) or another place that is 2 or 3 hours away until i find what I am satisfied with.
I had thought on making a wire cage but after observing those wonderful cages posted by a member here I am inclined to do something similar. We have no intrest in breeding at this time, although maybe in the future when I know more about it I may attempt a litter.
The wire size is 1/2" by 1", i was hoping to get 1/2" by 1/2" but no go there....i was thinking about just putting wood in the cages for like resting boards and stuff that i could change easily....this of course would be a temporary cage until i think up of my perfect cage...
The chins i am gonna go look at are all young stock, cause that is what i had wanted to get so they can grow up around me and be used to me....i guess we will just see when we go look....
Oh i forgot to ask before...what temperature or climate should chins be kept in....they are gonna be in the house of course but i wasn't sure if certain temperatures were bad since my room usually stays on the cool side (may 70 or so)....also do you know of good chinchilla equipment sites?
thank you again for the information.....i am really excited about getting chins but as i said want to cover any and all basis and not rush into it....


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i forgot to ask....is it better to use alfalfa cubes or just fresh hay....we have lots of high quality hay for our rabbits and i was wondering what was better, if it was ok to use the fresh hay vs. the cubes....everything i have read talked about the cubes
thanks


Answer:
yes chins can eat both loose hay and cubes,,,,,some people think one hay is good for their back teeth, the other good for their front,,,,
also have you ever been around chins??dont get me wrong I love my chins to death but they are quite different than rabbits,,,,IMO,,,i have both,,my bunny lays with me on the couch, she even falls asleep with me,,,she doesnt leave the couch, she poops in her box i put on the couch for her and she pees there ,,,,
the chins ,,,cant be left on the couch, its a constant hassle trying to get them to stay on,,they are just so darn quick,,my bathroom is basically all ceramic tile so they have play time in there,,,they cant chew on anything but the things i put in for them to chew on,,,they dont like to be held much,,i just sit inthere and let them come visit me when they want,,,,,
and the chins you are going to look at might be a bit skittish of you,,,I know my chins act totally different with strangers than they do with me,,,one of my friends went to put her hand in the cage to pet my male,,and he spazzed,,,up on hind legs, barking and etc,,,but he doesnt do that with me,,,
also depending on whether you like to clean up messes or not, I would recommend possibly having the back and sides all wood oe mealmine, whatever you plan on using,,,,chins can get quite messy and throw their foodm bedidng, poop around and tends to make a mess,,,,but its not to to bad, I sweep it up in the morning,,and they are usually good for the day,,I might have to do some spot sweeping but nothing major
but they are awesome and once you get one to bond with you , you will be addicted for life,,,,,


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If you don't find what you are looking for, or want more available options, email or PM me, and you are welcome to come out to my place and check out my set-up and chins. I am in Weedsport- (about 1/2 hour from Syracuse.)


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How about a sneak preview of my chins?
http://community.webshots.com/user/m...purrsonalities


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