Are chinchillas friendlier than guinea pigs?
Chinchillas are easier to take care of and require much less attention than Guinea Pigs, so they may be best for busy households. Guinea Pigs require more care and attention, but they are also more interactive and affectionate, making them the perfect pet option for households that include children.
Which is better chinchilla or guinea pig?
Both animals have roughly the same diet (lots of hay). Chinchillas are softer, but guinea pigs take better to handling and chinchillas can be injured more easily. As is clear, these pets are broadly similar. In some ways, chinchillas are better, but in other ways, guinea pigs are.
How bad do guinea pigs smell?
But a common question, especially from those who are first thinking about getting guinea pigs as pets, is “do guinea pigs smell”? Now we think it’s fair to say that guinea pigs are generally very clean animals (we’re not biased, honest!) and as long as they are cleaned out regularly, then no, they don’t smell!
Are chinchillas stinky?
Unlike many household pets, chinchillas are pretty much odor-free. If your chinchilla does leave a smell, either he’s sick or you’re not cleaning his cage as often as you should. If your pet’s body develops an odor, take him to the vet as soon as possible for diagnosis and treatment.
Do chinchillas throw poop?
In fact, as is so concisely explained in many chinchilla care websites, “Chinchillas = Poop.” As for throwing poop, many chins do this behavior when they are frustrated or stressed. For example, a chinchilla that is frustrated from lack of attention may throw feces at the person from whom they are seeking attention.
Will my cat kill my chinchilla?
Do cats attack chinchillas? Yes, depending on the cat, this can be a concern. Chinchillas are rodents and cats have a prey instinct to attack rodents.
Can Chinchilla live with cats?
Unfortunately, cats and chinchillas are not great companions. These creatures are naturally not meant to bond. So, don’t expect your pet cat and chinchilla to get along like best friends. Ultimately, you should hope for these creatures to coexist peacefully.
Do cats bother chinchillas?
Even when the chinchilla is in its cage, a determined cat could terrorize a chinchilla by reaching through the cage bars or staring down the chinchilla. A cat that likes to hunt is likely to consider your chinchilla fair prey.
How old does a chinchilla live for?
Long-tailed chinchilla: 10 years
Do chinchillas need a friend?
Chinchillas need: Keeping with at least one other friendly chinchilla, unless advised otherwise by a vet/clinical animal behaviourist. Chinchillas can be kept as male/female pairs* or single sex groups. They¿re naturally sociable, living in groups in the wild.
Is Chinchilla exotic?
Though they’re technically rodents, chinchillas are arguably some of the most cuddly and beautiful animals. And with some training from a young age they can become best friends with their human owners. They are considered by most people to be exotic pets, and are often for sale at exotic pet shows.
Do chinchillas calm down with age?
Chinchillas tend to become quieter and a little less energetic as they get up in years. Some may actually look “older,” lose some weight and appear a little more frail. This is why it is important to watch their diet and sometimes add supplements or additional hays to keep them healthy.
How can I tell if my chinchilla is stressed?
Signs chinchillas may be suffering from stress/fear can include vocalising (barking/whistling), hiding, chewing their own or other chinchillas fur, altered feeding or toileting habits, over-drinking or playing with water bottles, reluctance to move, repetitive movements e.g. racing back and forth on the cage bottom.
Do chinchillas need salt licks?
No, chinchillas do not need a salt lick. Salt licks can cause health problems, including kidney stones with chinchillas and it’s possible they consume to much salt within a short period of time.
Do chinchillas learn their name?
Yes, over time, your chinchilla will learn its name after hearing it enough times. To speed up the process you can treat your chinchilla just like a pet dog. The more you say the chinchilla’s name, the faster it will learn it and recognize his or her name when you say it.