where can I find Information(websites) about having Chipmunk as pet?

Answer 1

Pet Chipmunks

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Introduction
There are two common species of chipmunks kept as pets. They are the Asian and the Siberian. They have stripes on their face and three stripes on their back. They are tannish-brown and have a long bushy tail. They are about the size of a male hamster. They are quite interesting animals.


History
They are very new to the pet world. They are great for people who are responsible and enjoy watching chipmunks in the wild.


Are they common pets?
No, they aren't common. They may require a permit is some areas, to own, or they may just be plain illegal.


Responsibility?
Chipmunks are not as interactive as rats and sugar gliders, but they do enjoy your company. My chipmunk loves to run all over me, but does not want to stay in my hand! They are very active creatures!

With any animal you have to be responsible. This includes cleaning the cage once or twice a week. Chipmunks are smart. My chipmunk uses a dish that never had a use, as a litter box. This makes cage cleaning easy. Remember to give fresh food and water out everyday.

In order to own a pet, you have to have money. You will need to take your pet to the vet, should it ever become become sick. You will need to buy a new pack of bedding and food every month or so, which is actually very cheap.


Social?/Other Animals
Chipmunks can peacefully be housed with another chipmunk from the same litter, but two strange chipmunks will not usually get along.

Chipmunks are prey animals, so you need to be extremely careful before exposing your chipmunk to other household pets, such as ferrets, large birds, cats, and dogs.


Supplies

Diet
I feed mine a mix of cockatiel food and Science Diet cat food. You can also addd fruits such as apples, bananas, and grapes.


Treats
Fruits: Apples, bananas, and grapes make healthy snacks. You can also give them sunflower seeds and peanuts(Not too many!). They will gladly accept mealworms and crickets.


Cage
I use a large bird cage. There is plenty of jumping room. These cages usually have lift-up doors. Chipmunks are very smart and will learn how to open them in a matter of minutes! Make sure they are locked shut. Remember to always keep your chipmunk in a wire cage with lots of space to jump around in.


Other Supplies & Entertainment
If you buy a bird cage for your chipmunk, they usually come with a food dish. Hanging water bottles can be a problem, sinces the wires of the cage are vertical. My cage came with four cups, two on the bottom and two on the top. I took one of the bottom cups out and placed the water bottle on the door. This works great-and you don't need a lock for that door!

Chipmunks have constantly growing teeth that need to be clipped if not worn down. You can keep your chipmunk's teeth worn down by providing branches and chew blocks for your chipmunk to chew on.

Chipmunks enjoy hamster wheels for exercise. They will also enjoy ferret hammocks(of course, you will need to replace them every once in a while).


Bedding
Cedar has toxic chemicals in it, so I don't recommend using it. Pine or Aspen bedding works great. Chipmunks have large cheek pouches in which they use to gather food and bedding. This is a cute sight! Theres nothing funnier then a chipmunk with full pouches!


Choosing Your Pet
Choose a chipmunk that is tame. It should be bright eyed and it's nose should be free of discharge. Listen to the breathing. Do you hear any strange noises? A healthy chipmunk should be curious and active.


Bonding/Taming
Allow your pet time to explore it's new surroundings. After that, bring your pet to an enclosed area, such as a bathroom. Let the chipmunk approach you. You can do this by offering a sunflower seed. Allow the chipmunk to "explore" you. Eventually, you will win your chipmunk's trust!


Health
Chipmunks are very hardy animals. They are not as delicate as you would think. It is very rare that they will become sick. However, I have listed possible symtoms. If you notice a change in your chipmunk's behavior, see an experienced vet.

Sneezing/Wheezing....Pnemonia-see a vet; Colds.

Injuries....Dangerous furniture-remove!; Fighting-separate chipmunks.

Not Eating/Drinking....See a vet as soon as possible!


C O N C L U S T I O N
Chipmunks are diurnal, which means they are most active during the daytime, unlike many other rodents.

Answer 2

Being a Canadian, I've seen chipmunks in the wild many times but have never heard of another Canadian keeping one as a pet. They can be rather aggressive and I doubt one would make a good pet. Their teeth are very sharp. The best rodent-type pests are: rabbits, chinchillas, guinea pigs. mice and hamsters.

Answer 3

I don't know of website or info. but I remember when we were kids my brother captured a chipmunk (using peanut butter as bait) and kept his pet chipmunk for a long time, until he released it back to the wild. He put it in a cage with an exercise wheel like they do for hamsters, and I think he fed it hampster food, along with more peanut butter. It seemed happy, but it was happier when it got released. (Didn't hang around for more peanut butter).

Answer 4

Chipmunks are wild animals, and it isn't really safe to have them as a pet...they tend to carry diseases that could pass to humans, and also it is likely it's illegal in your state.
Maybe consider a different rodent for a pet...

Answer 5

I have seen chipmunks kept in small cages and they are SO bored that it is very cruel to see. If you really want to keep them make a nice large outdoor cage where they can run about and at least have some sort of freedom, I have seen them kept in an out door cage with lots of space and they have been happy. Please don't condemn them to a life imprisonment with no chance of ever getting out. These are intelligent creatures and it is cruel to keep them in small cages.

Answer 6

You should contact Dave Seville, who raised 3 chipmunks to adulthood. Not just that, but he helped them pursue musical careers. To be honest, he wasn't a real patient guy. I remember that he'd often scream out the name of Alvin, one of the cute little tykes. Good luck.