Where to buy a Chinchilla
If you have done research on Chinchillas and have decided that you would like to get one, the next step is to find a chnchilla. Actually, the step prior to this is to get all the equipment necessary to care for the animal, but that's part of doing your research right?There are basically four different places to get a chinchilla. The first and most obvious is a pet store. Many stores such as Petco and Petsmart that sell small animals usually have at least one chinchilla available. While buying from a pet store is a popular choice, they are also often the most expensive option. A pet store chinchilla can cost $130 and up. Also, the chinchilla may or may not be well socialized depending on the care taken by the store.
A second option is a rehoming group or shelter. The fee for a rehomed chinchilla should be fairly low, just enough so that the adopter values the animal. $50 is a common amount. Keep in mind that rehomed chinchillas are not defective animals unless the rehoming group specifically discloses a problem. Otherwise, you can expect to get a chinchilla every bit as good as any other chinchilla. People rehome their pets for a variety of reasons, and it usually doesn't have anything to do with the animals themselves, but with circumstances of the owner.
Third, you can buy a chinchilla from a breeder. If you are looking for a younger chinchilla, this is usually your best option. Many breeders sell their chinchilla right after they are weaned, about 8-12 weeks old. If you get a chinchilla from a breeder, be sure to ask many questions. You want a chinchilla that is healthy and is free from genetic defects. Ask the breeder if they have a pedigree for their breeding chinchillas. Ask them where they bought the breeding parents. Ask them if any of their animals chew their fur or have teeth problems. A good breeder will also ask you a few questions. This shows that they want the best home for the chinchillas they sell and reveals that they likely take good care of the animals themselves.
Finally, if you have a chinchilla ranch near you, you can buy animals from them. Many ranches sell in wholesale, but they often have single animals for sale to the public. Ranches also carry show quality animals for a higher price, but this is not necessary if you do not plan to breed or show your animals.
No matter where you buy your chinchilla, it's important that you learn as much about the animals as possible before and while seeing the animal. The more you know about the animals that you are interested in, the more likely that you will get a chinchilla that is healthy and is compatible with you.
For more information about chinchillas, visit forchins.com. For discussion of small pets, including chinchillas, rabbits, and guinea pigs, visit smallpetclub.com.
posted by forchins @ 10:43 PM
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