Hello! =]

Chinchilla & Hedgehog Pet Forum

Help Support Chinchilla & Hedgehog Pet Forum:

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, and others.

Penelope88

Active member
Joined
Mar 2, 2011
Messages
44
Location
Chemung, NY
Hello everyone,
I've had Penelope almost 2 years, but I'm always trying to learn more about chinchilla's so I just joined this site. I'm also trying to find Penelope a friend and possibly get into breeding. We actually just found out she is a he (I just got so used to calling her a girl it's hard to change ... lol)
Well here "she" is =]
 

Attachments

  • penelope2.jpg
    penelope2.jpg
    64.6 KB
I have been researching breeding for about 6 months now, and I will do plenty more!
I got him from a friend that used to breed them. She moved and had to downsize and Penelope had already bonded with me so it seemed a perfect fit. =]
Yes I'm having trouble with the bathing, every website says something different. I used to leave it in all the time, then I started just putting it in for like an hour 3 times a week, then I read somewhere else only once a week. Any suggestions on how long and how often I should leave her bathhouse in her cage?
Also if anyone has any suggestions for a wheel. She's broken 3 plastic ones (one my fiance even rigged an extra metal support to the cage) I'm not sure if its because she runs so hard, because they're cheap plastic, or if she's just fat. lol. =] & she hated the flying saucer kind, she refused to run on it.
Sorry for such a long post, I just have so many questions and like I said every website says different so I hope to make new friends and learn from experienced owners! =]
 
Welcome Penelope!! :D

Yes, I agree with Laura. Breeding is a huge undertaking and there is soooo much to learn. Make sure you do lots and lots of research and know what you're getting into!
 
Sorry if it sounded like I was ready to start breeding asap. I just meant that it was something I'd like to like to do someday (way down the road) I have way too much learn before I'd try to take that on. =] & Thank you Laura for posting those threads, very scary. It also makes me worry that I won't ever be able to get a friend for Penelope.
 
Welcome to the forum!

I give my chins a dust bath 1-2 times per week, for about 15 minutes each time. What food is Penelope on? That may improve his coat and appearance. Or that may just be his fur, in which case he should not be put into breeding. If you are serious about getting into breeding, I would see if there are any shows in your area. You can meet breeders there and learn about how to pair chins, perhaps even pick up a breeding pair.

Plastic wheels are not really suitable for chins, actually, they should not have plastic of any sort in their cage if possible. If you go under FAQs on this site, there are a list of recommended wheels and where to buy them.

I read on your other thread that you felt Penelope was lonely... I just wanted to mention chins can do quite well on their own. If you buy another there is no guarantee they will get along. That is what happened to me, I now have three chins in separate cages! Have you considered just taking the money that would be spent on another chin and upgrading Penelope's cage and toys? There are some awesome vendors on here that sell toys, chin-safe treats and fleece items for your chin.

I hope you enjoy your time on the forum. There is an amazing amount of info on here!
 
Thanks for all the info Kate! I just worry about him being lonely, but after reading all the horror stories after putting two together and they get in a fight, its good to know they can be just fine alone. I actually just upgraded to a nice new cage last weekend. I will have to check out the wheels and look into some new toys! =]
 
Welcome--we've had many a member who thought their chin was a girl upon naming and then discovered she was a boy! I have boy/girl chin her name is Bobo and one of my favorite forum chinchillas was Gregory also a girl!
 
:welcomewagon:

little "penni" is very cute. im sure you could spend hours reading on this forum. i know i have learned so so much. love it here!

i dust my boys a few times a week. i have a couple that come out almost daily. they try to dust in what is left on the floor. there is one boy who dusts almost every day but there is so little dust in the house on some days i doubt he gets anything.

also what kind of dust are you using? the better the quality the better the clean. i like the blue cloud and i am about to try blue sparkle.
 
Welcome. I bathe my chin once to twice a week for about 15 - 20 minutes.

I agree with Kate. Chins do just fine on their own. Mine has been solo for over a year. She does just fine and is not lonely at all.
 
Back
Top