A word on Chinchillas and Kids

Chinchillas are very interesting pets and when you see one for the first time it's easy to be smitten by one. They are absolutely the cutest rodents you will ever set your eyes on. Come on. Who can resist those huge round eyes and that soft puffy fur? They look like living stuffed animals people. It's quite obvious that the people most likely to want one would be kids, especially young kids. Unfortunately, these don't make the best pets for young kids. They are too delicate and quite frankly, a chinchilla won't sit still long enough for a little kid to hold. Then there is the fact that chinchillas sleep during the day and don't appreciate being poked and having their tails pulled. Nor do they like little hands grabbing them or banging on the cage. This doesn't mean if you have kids you can't get a chinchilla. Nope, not in the least. Just understand that you as the responsible adult are the one fully in charge of the chinchilla's needs and care (for more info read my previous post).

I say the best age for chinchilla ownership would be around ten, but it really varies from kid to kid. I mean some adults shouldn't own a chinchilla. Use your best judgment and understand that you will have to take up some of the responsibilities like if the chinchilla needs a vet you will have to bring him. Also you will have to make sure that your child is feeding and cleaning up after their pet (sweeping around the cage and cage cleanings on a regular basis). You will also be the one that has to take up the mantle on caring for the chin if your kid can't. So ladies if you are squeamish about rodents don't let your kid have one of these. You will have to handle the chin at least once in its long lifetime with your family ( these things are capable of living as long as dogs and cats some even longer if they are well taken care of).

The worst age is anyone under five. Some little kids just don't understand that animals are feeling living things. Chinchillas are related to guinea pigs but they will not sit on your kids lap and be pet like a guinea pig will. They are too active and delicate, a young kid can hurt a chinchilla easily just by hugging too hard. But if you like chinchillas and have young children it doesn't mean you can't have one. Young kids can be taught to behave around chinchillas and your young child will definitely enjoy watching your pet chinchilla bouncing around in his cage. You can also teach your young kid to give the chin gentle touches but again it depends on the child and you mostly.

The whole point of this post mainly is that chinchillas make good pets for mature older kids and adults. But if you think your kid is capable go for it, get them a chinchilla but understand that the chinchilla will become part of your household and therefore mostly your responsibility. So plan to do some research on them before you make your final decision because kids lose interest in things quickly and more than likely you will inherit this chinchilla as a pet.