Vacation

[ashleynicol3]

I am going away next week - should only be Monday through Thursday. My fiancé is staying home, so he'll be taking care of Buddha. I spend a lot of time with Buddha, but my fiancé doesn't, so I'm afraid Buddha will be afraid/lonely while I'm gone. I've given my fiancé strict instructions on when to feed/water Buddha & not to let him out of his cage since he doesn't really know what he's doing. I've decked Buddha's cage out with all new fleece & a bunch of new toys, so hopefully that will keep him occupied. I have a Silver Surfer wheel, but I haven't given it to him yet since he's still only four months old, but he's steadily gaining weight & seems to be very healthy, so I might go ahead & give the wheel to him before I leave. I'm thinking it might make it easier on him since he's used to out of cage time & he won't be getting it while I'm gone. What do you think? Any other suggestions?

 

[seachin]

I would wait to give him the wheel until 6 months as he should be eating, growing and aging weight ....wheels may keep him from doing so. He will be fine without playtime while you are gone.

 

[ashleynicol3]

Ugh! He's on time out anyway since he now thinks it's fun to chew the baseboards and I have to follow him around the room and blow on him to make him stop... & tonight he peed on the carpet for the first time ever. I'm thinking a little cage time while I'm gone is just what he needs! He's grounded lol - he's lucky he's so darn cute!

 

[chechinchillas]

I give them a wheel at 3 months of age. I tell customers to put 2 water bottles on the cage when they will be gone as a back up in case one leaks out.

 

[ashleynicol3]

He has two water bottles at all times. I also added another food bowl. I haven't put his wheel in there yet, but I still might before I leave.

 

[ashleynicol3]

Thanks for the suggestions.

 

[chechinchillas]

I asked an exotic vet that works for the Columbus Zoo and treats chinchillas about using a wheel at 3 months of age. He said the exercise actually stimulates their appetite, blood circulation, which in turn aids in digestion. I haven't ever had any negatives come from using the wheels at that age, but this is just my opinion based on my experiences.

 

[ashleynicol3]

I already left for vacation, but I think I'll give him his wheel when I get back. I am making him a whole new set of fleece liners anyway, so I'll just rearrange everything. Thanks!