Chinchilla or Ferret?

Question

Hi there. I'm considering getting a pet Chinchilla, or Ferret for my husband. He had a Chinchilla as a kid and just loved it... but I wanted to get some opinions from other people who have had them.. I have heard chinchillas are less social, and I know that he would like to hold it.. so I want to know if a Ferret would be a better idea. Of course I will read up on whichever pet we choose.. but I want some opinions first!
First off... tank, or cage? I have a 50 gallon aquarium that I have been told is an appropriate size for either of them.. but I have also seen the cages made specifically for chinchillas and ferrets that they have available at petstores. which would you recommend?
Secondly.. what should I know about either of these pets? What are the good things? what are the bad things? (Im not worried about maintinance as far as cleaning cages goes.. thats not a problem!)
thanks in advance for your answers!

Answer 1

So I don't know much about Chinchillas, but I do own five ferrets at the moment. So, here is some info about them.

First off, don't use the aquarium on either animal. Both need a cage. I do know that. They need an area that is well ventalated. A chinchilla doesn't require as big of a cage as a ferret. A ferret needs a multi-story cage.

Ok, so some facts about ferrets.

They are VERY high maintenance, and not just when it comes to cleaning up their cage. They require regular trips to the vet, more social time out of their cage, close supervision when out of the cage and there is a 90% chance that they will need alot of medical care sometime in their life.

Ferrets are VERY prone to many medical issues. Most ferrets by the age of 3 will need constant medical care. This means expensive trips to the vet regularly. At one point, I was going to the vet every three weeks for one of my ferrets. You also will have daily medications when this happens. The bad part, is that the medical treatment is usually for the remainder of the ferrets life. Which brings me to my next fact. Ferrets are VERY expensive pets.

If you go on vacation, your ferret will need daily care. Possibly more than once a day if they are on medications. There are places that will board ferrets and some vets will also, but this can be very expensive. Make sure if you are boarding that the place has ALOT of experience with ferrets.

Ferrets are very curious critters. They like to get into alot of trouble. You have to "ferret-proof" all the areas that the ferret has access to. This means no small holes they can get into or get stuck in, cords need to be picked up, rocking chairs and recliners are bad things when ferrets are out (if used and a ferret gets in one, it can crush them), food and beverages they can reach are free game to them, they like to dig and burrow and can destroy things like furniture and carpet if not properly watched, etc.

Ok, enough of the bad, even though there is alot more and time for some good.

Ferrets are very social animals. They love to get attention from their humans. They love to play and will put a smile on your face even on the worst days. They are very active. They might not always like being held, but some like to cuddle. Out of five, one of my babies likes to cuddle. The others don't want to sit still when they can play. There will be times where you are laughing so hard you will cry. Ferrets will always amaze you and entertain you.

So, I don't have time to write more in this book, but if you want to know any more about ferrets, please feel free to e-mail me. [e-mail]. I have owned quite a few ferrets. We have had good times and bad, so I have alot of information I can give you.

Hope your search for a new pet is successful.

Answer 2

Both need a ventilated cage, chinchilla's can have seizures from excessive heat. They both need space cage wise and for free time. I have 2 chinchilla's and one is a cuddler and one just loves to run around free and entertain us. An older chin would be better as they have already established their personality by going Through puberty per say. I think the worst thing about a chinchilla is the dust they use, it does tend to get all over, but i figured out how to cut down on the exposure, by putting their bath inside of a box and it kept it more contained. If you can find a breeder they can help you find one that fits your personality, and they are usually very healthy animals and can be much cheaper than a petstore. The breeder can also answer any follow up questions you have after purchase.

As to the ferrets I can't honestly say much about them as I haven't owned one.

Also look at how long you want to care for the pet you get Chinchilla's can live to be 10 plus years old if they are a good quality chin.

Answer 3

Definitely ferrets. Chinchillas can live up to 15 years. Thats 15 years of chewing and straching on your carpet and wood. They arenty social at all and they have bad personalities. Ferrets are fun and extremely smart. the are not messy since they can be litter trained and are very social and great for kids (if you have any or plan on having any) the only thing is if you guys arent home that much, ferrets need lots of attention. They need to be loved and played with but other than that very easy to take care of. I propose the ferret!

And for the cage, definitely NOT the tank. Ferrets and Chinchillas are rodents and love to smell! With the cage, they can smell and have more room to climb. Putting a ferret into a tank is just cruel.

Answer 4

I have had both and the ferret is a lot more funner. Chinchillas take a dust bath and we would watch that but when we let it out it would chew in the legs of my furniture. We kept the ferret in a cage with a kitty litter box and it had a hammock to sleep in. We would put a stuffed animal on the end of a fishihg pole and he would latch onto it and we would reel him in. They poo directly after being bathed and the best is a nuetered descented male. I have had male and female and the males are way nicer.
Lammy

Answer 5

Chinchilla- amazing yet no longer that social from my journey Ferret- pungent be optimistic you get the fragrance chuffed bumped off or maybe then they have a particular scent so which you ought to bathe them a minimum of as quickly as a week and additionally they are scavengers... they have an inclination to take something marvelous or thrilling and positioned it in a single hiding spot so be optimistic to locate the spot could something pass lacking you would be attentive to the place to locate it Guinea Pig- you ought to bathe the cage incredibly frequently and you frequently ought to have 2 so it wont get lonely they like interest. evaluate a hedgehog its the main suitable small animal ive had. It does not make any noise likes to be performed with makes amazing little face expressions... and right this is the better area they consume cat nutrition and do business employer in cat clutter so as that they are extremely common to sparkling up after. in no way ought to take them to the vet for pictures or examine united statesand that they do no longer scent so which you grants them one tub a month and not go through as with ferrets associates ought to in all possibility scent it from their domicile.

Answer 6

Aquariums are not recommended enclosures, as they provide little air circulation.

Wire cages are more suitable and healthier for your new pet.

If your husband had a Chinchilla, he probably knows how to take care of one, and they are pretty neat little pets.

Granted, they aren't as social as ferrets, but that shouldn't alter your decision.

Research Chinchilla care sheets and same for Ferrets. You will learn about proper food, housing requirements, and overall behavior.

Answer 7

Well, you right. Chinchillas avoid contact with anything at all costs. They are very easily frightened and timid. Ferrets are more outgoing, but also more vicious. They are probably more likely to bite you. On the other hand, thier energy makes them playful.

Also, if you have the aquarium, go for it. The features given to the cages formatted for the pets will hardly impact its life at all. This will save you a good deal of money.

Answer 8

My aunt has ferrets and when ever i go to her house i look forward to play with them. She has really big cage like 3 stories. With tubes and blankets. They like to roll in them and sleep. But when they are awake they are really playful. She even gets them to go urinate before she takes them out to play. They aren't mean at least the ones she has had and she has had like 5. I would go for the ferret. But they can smell but not bad.

Answer 9

Have you considered a Sugar Glider, they look like a chipmunk but they fly, llike a flying squirel & they carry babies in a pouch like a kangaroo. I have 6 of them and they have been the joy of my life.