Info Wanted

[Pure14K]

Hey Everyone!

Now that I've decided I want to aquire a chinchilla, I need to know what to look for. I'm pretty sure I don't want to get one from a pet shop (from what I've heard on here) but don't what to look for in a breeder. What should I know when searching for a chin breeder? Also, will breeders sell 'show/breeder' quality chins to someone that just wants one as a pet? Or is it like dog breeders, where you have to be a breeder/in the show industry to get top quality? Also, does anyone have a website link that I could look at that shows the different chin colors??? Thanks In Advance

[Chrisanne]

my best advice would be talk to the breeder you are planning to buy from. If you don't feel right, don't buy.

I know Angela in your area. Try

www.gnawtychinchilla.com

[Rocheal]

Make sure the breeder can give you an answer for any (well... reasonable) question you ask him/her. Make sure you are able get the chins background which you don't Need if you're not going to breed but it's good to know.

Yea--- If you feel right then go for it, If not then don't. You'll know.

I've never known anyone to not sell a show quality chinchilla to someone who's not going to breed it. You should have no problem getting one. Good luck

[Pure14K]

Ok, so I should just 'trust my instinct' when it comes to breeders? What questions should I ask? Is it important to see the parents? What background info should I get? Or better yet, is there a website that anyone knows of that would help me with these questions? I'm guessing there isn't anywhere that shows all the different colors either???

I tried that link, Chrisanne but it's not working...

Thanks for the info you 2

[capnsweets]

I think Jade has a ton of information on her site you could use hold on let me get that for you.

Here is the link:
http://www.chinnitude.com
Hope that helps, shhe has just about everything you need to know on there!

[Jade]

http://www.silverfallchinchilla.com has a great color section.

Some good questions to ask:

Is there any history of malocclusion in the chin's lines?

Any history of fur chewing?

Does the breeder know the lines and know they're healthy? (For instance I know where every chin back to great grandparents in my breeding chins - where they are, that they're still healthy. A pedigree means nothing if the lines aren't healthy.)

Asking what lines they have never hurts, and asking for references is always a good thing.


Really what I look for is reputation. I know quite a few breeders and private inquiries help me decide what I want. Angela that Chrisanne recommended would be a great start for you.

I also like a breeder to be picky about who they sell to. Myself, I have a detailed questionnaire on my site that anyone interested in a chin MUST fill out before I'll consider selling to them (http://www.chinnitude.com). I turned away 4-5 people for my last chin I sold - those are my babies and I want them to be taken care of. Keep in mind though, a large rancher will not really be concerned with this - this is where reputation comes in.

Really the best advice I have to offer is read, read, read, read. Research all you can, talk to all you can, and decide if a chin fits your lifestyle and needs in a pet.

[Pure14K]

Hey Jade! Thanks for the info. I have been reading and talking to a few breeders online and do think this animal fits my needs in a pet. I can totally understand when you say how picky you are, I'm the same way with my pups. Hopefully someone in my area will have something for me. I really want one of these little cuties...

[Jade]

Here's a correction to Chrisanne's link: http://www.thegnawtychinchilla.com/

[Chrisanne]

yeah yeah, i'm a dork. It was early