How much does it cost to get all the supplies for a chinchilla?
So I researched the chinchillas. And found out they are exactly wht ive been looking for. I already have a dog. But i love small animals. and i love e...
So I researched the chinchillas. And found out they are exactly wht ive been looking for. I already have a dog. But i love small animals. and i love exotic animals too. I plan on getting the chinchilla from a rescue. Well i plan to get a pair for 120 at a shelter. And to get a estimate on how much it would cost. I went onto petsmart.com and i put all the basic needs in a cart. Just so i can see what the cost would be for all the stuff. And my total was 2 that is not including the chinchillas. Is that too much money or is that the normally amount of all the basic needs for a chinchilla.
2 is the cost for these items
Cage-8 (huge cage)
Large flying saucer wheel-
sleeping e-tent-
Bath house-
Litter-16
book on chinchillas-11
food-9
dust bath-8
water bottle-7
chew stuff for their teeth-4
ceramic bowl-2
litter box kit-11
And all of those items are highly reviewed either 3 or 4,5 for the chinchilla.
I am just looking into chinchillas it is not for sure. And for the items i have. Is there anything i should have. Or is there anything i have that i dont need?
I am going to read the book on chinchillas before i buy any of the stuff and before i get chinchillas (if i do get some)
I can make some recommendations here, if you’d like to try and cut down costs, or at least not waste any money.
Check out craigslist for cages. Many times you can get fantastic deals on cages there.
Skip any plastic wheel. They will chew it and break it. Also–any chin wheel needs to be at least 16" in diameter, or it will hurt it’s back. You don’t have to use a plastic bath house, even though they’re cute. A baking dish, or any shallow pan works just fine.
Shavings are much cheaper at a feed store, or a Tractor Supply Company–you’ll pay about 5-6 bucks for a huge package of it.
Skip the book on chinchillas, and visit http://www.chins-n-hedgies.com. It’s invaluable, free, and accurate. It’s been a great help for me. There are also some breeders on there who sell good chin food and dust, and chew treats that are a LOT less expensive than a pet store, even with shipping.
The initial investment can be expensive when getting started with chinchillas. Please check out that website, it is a great place. I have 8 chins, and I know how expensive it can be to get going.
I’m planning on getting chinchillas later this year, and your list looks similar to mine.
You may also want to get a chin-chiller or two. They have them on the PetSmart website, they’re basically pieces of granite that you can put in the fridge, and they’re a cool place for the chinchilla to sit. Hammocks are also something you could look at – they’re sold for ferrets and rats.
Things I’m getting, but you don’t really *need*:
Carrier – Just a small, 2 section chinchilla carrier from Quality Cages. Don’t need it, but I figured it would be a safe place to put them during trips to the vet, as well as when I’m cleaning their cage.
Kitchen Scale – They’re prey animals, so they often don’t show outward signs of illness until it’s too late. Weight loss can be an indicator of illness, so this might be something to look into. You can also use postage scales.
Dehumidifier – I live in a place where it’s quite humid, you probably won’t need this.
Thermometer – Cheap, always a good idea to make sure the temperature isn’t dangerous for a chinchilla.