Question:
Hi All. I have often been curious about Chins - they look so adorable and furry. It may be in the future I would like to have one (some) as a pet - not immediately, but maybe in a year or so. However, I am certainly not going to own a pet about which I know nothing. So far I have read various conflicting reports on chinnies. Could you all please help educate me on choosing and caring for a chin? Thanks.


Answer:
Here are two pretty good threads to read through. There's quite a bit of info in both

http://www.pets-on-the-net.com/forum...ht=information
http://www.pets-on-the-net.com/forum...ht=information


Answer:
here's another good thread with pros and cons of owning several types of animals. There is lots of chinnie info in there too

http://www.pets-on-the-net.com/forum...light=research


Answer:
Some good sites to look at too:
http://www.spoiledchins.net/index.htm
http://www.chincare.com/Pages/SafetyandSuppliers.htm
http://www.chinnitude.com/index.htm
http://home.earthlink.net/~cutiepeach26/index.html


What particular things have you read that are conflicting? Perhaps we can clarify something for you


Answer:
The mainly conflicting info I have is that they are friendly/unsociable, bold/scared all the time. Personally I have a problem with animals that are caged all the time for whatever reason, and would prefer a small pet that can come out and play easily. My concern is that from what I have read it is hard to interact with a chin.

BTW, Lixx, are you an Anne McCaffrey, Dragonriders of Pern fan by any chance?


Answer:
While the book(s) sound familar I do not believe I have read them. Why do you ask?

As for chinchillas, each chinchilla is so very different in terms of how they will react to you it's hard to give a straight answer. Your best bet is to get a kit from a reputable breeder who has handled the kit daily from birth. The more used to being picked up and cuddled, the better your chance to have them tolerate it into adult hood. Once you and your chinchilla have trust, it is alot easier to interact with them. Read the bonding sections on the pages I posted, they will give you hints on how to earn their trust. Most chinchillas will enjoy spending time out of their cage and with you. Most however do not like to be held and cuddled. A chinchilla should not be 'scared' unless new to the environment (ie you just brought them home) or if you have done something to break the bond of trust between you. HTH a little!


Answer:
Lixx, sorry I was looking at the "spoiled chins" link you listed = some of the names (F'lar, F'lessan, Caliente) reminded me of the books.

I guess chins are the same as any other animal - their trust has to be earned. I am just trying to learn as much as I can before I make a decision about whether I can be a worthy owner of any other pet. I have read some of the links you listed, and found them interesting. As I said, it will be about a year before I am ready to take on the responsibility of having another companion, during which time I want to learn as much as I can about them. Thank you very much for the input.

PS: What does HTH mean?


Answer:
Hope That Helps


Answer:
Thanks!


Answer:
Originally Posted by Mollymitten
Lixx, sorry I was looking at the "spoiled chins" link you listed = some of the names (F'lar, F'lessan, Caliente) reminded me of the books.
Kindra, the person who runs Spoiled Chins is a Dragon Riders of Pern fan