You should have a chinchilla safe cage set up, complete with safe bedding such as aspen shavings, kiln-dried pine shavings, or CareFresh, a water bottle that has been set up well in advance to ensure no leaks, a food dish, a hiding space, and toys. Put food in the dish only if you have confirmed that it is the same food that is currently being given to your new chinchilla. The cage should be located in a room that does not have heavy traffic, away from direct sunlight and drafts, with a temperature that is 75 degrees or less. If you already have chinchillas in your home, this cage should be located away from the others for proper quarantining.Cage
What to bring with you:
You should bring a small plastic or wire pet carrier to transport your chin. Safe bedding should line the bottom of the carrier for added comfort for your new pet. A handful of hay or a few hay cubes can be put in for your chin to munch on during the trip. Pine chew blocks are also great to give the chin something to chew on. Many breeders will be happy to provide a bit of bedding and hay before you leave, but it is best to check ahead of time to avoid traveling without these things. Do not put a water bottle in the carrier, as it will likely leak and get everything inside wet. Instead, for longer trips, consider putting a piece of apple in the carrier. The apple can be eaten to keep the chinchilla hydrated. A water bottle can also be kept in the car and filled at stops to offer the chin a chance to drink, then emptied again before continuing on. During warmer months, it is also best to bring a cooler with frozen water bottles. These can be wrapped in a hand towel and placed in the carrier for your chin to rest against, allowing him to cool off. Even if you have air conditioning, this is a good practice incase you have car trouble. This can help temporarily keep your chin cool while you get help. Do not forget to bring directions to the facility where you are picking up your chinchilla, a phone number to call encase you get lost or are running late, any payment still owed for your chin, and any forms you may have been asked to fill out or provide.
Before you leave with your chin:
Be sure that all of your questions have been answered. You should have a small bag of the food that your chinchilla is currently eating, which will allow you enough time to purchase more, and any other items that the seller gives as part of a "care package." Start your car to get the air conditioning going and the vehicle cooled BEFORE leaving. This is especially critical during hotter months when the temperature outside is above 75 degrees. While it may be cool enough for you, it may not be cool enough for your chin. (We have driven with jackets on so that we can keep the air conditioner going full blast to cool the chins!) Be sure to monitor your new pet for signs of over heating. The cage should be kept out of the sun but still have full benefits of air circulation.
Once you get home:
Place the food that you received from the breeder in the food dish in the cage. It is best to put your chinchilla in the cage and give him time to investigate. Even though you want to play with your new chinnie, this can cause unnecessary stress. Stress weakens the immune system and makes chins more susceptible to illness. Allow anywhere from two to seven days for your chin to become accustom to his or her new environment and settle in before taking him out of the cage, even for playtime, and before inviting people over to see him. Once your chin has become settled, you will want to start introducing yourself, placing your hands and arms in the cage for your chin to smell, play on, and possibly nibble. Do not be in a rush to pick up your chin. Let your chin make the first move. Unless you feel your chin may be hurt or you need to check the weight, do not pick up your chin during the adjustment period when he is learning to trust you. Pay close attention to how your new chin is acting. This will give you clues as to when your new fluffy friend is ready for some out-of-cage fun!