Getting Ready To Adopt…

You are bound to have a ton of questions about your nascent new friend(s), the good news is that you have a permanent partner in Cygnus Chins. We are here to educate you before you come to see your possible new chinchilla, during your appointment, and after you adopt. You will never go it alone when we’re involved!

• The whole process starts with finding this website!

• Fill out and submit an application.

• You’ll be contacted to let you know your application has been received.

• You’ll have to wait. I have a required “cooling off” period of about two weeks.

  • But, why?

    • Have you heard of the “101 Dalmatians Effect”? This phrase was coined after the release of the Disney animated film “101 Dalmatians”, where there was a surge of folks who only saw how adorable the puppies were and rushed out to buy a Dalmatian, forgetting that cute puppies turn into adult dogs, and that these are live animals, not animated ones. They bark, they need exercise, vet visits, food, water, training, they poop, etc. This led to a surge in abandonments, surrenders, over (and poor) breeding and a generally overwhelming load on the shelter system. It is never a good idea to impulse purchase a live animal without first researching their needs, how long the animal lives, personality and more.

  • Am I saying this is the case with everyone who wants to adopt? Nope. But I want to make sure you didn’t just see an adorable Phil E. Chinchilla, ChinPals, or PumpkinGrenade video and think “That’s the pet for me!” without knowing they live for 20 years, poop up to 250 times per day, require air conditioning, and while soft as a cloud and as cute as all get-out, can be standoffish brats who don’t want to be held.

• After the roughly two weeks are up, I will get in touch with you and let you know if your application has been accepted or not.

• We’ll schedule a roughly hour-long Zoom care class, which is required before you can adopt from me. This class is going to set you up for success when it comes to owning a chinchilla.. or two.

  • I cover everything from where the pet chinchilla comes from and wild behaviors to appropriate caging, feeding, veterinary care, and you have a forum to ask questions. There are generally several prospective adopters in the class; this is purposeful as you may hear a question and answer that hadn’t been considered.

• Once the class is complete, we’ll chat a little further so I have a better idea on what your expectations are for your chinchilla to help match you as best as possible with a chinchilla (or chinchillas) that fits your life.

• You’ll send me photos of your cage set up so I can approve or ask for modifications.

• You’ll come to my location and hopefully meet the chin of your dreams!

Frequently Asked Questions:

• Which is better, a male or female? What are the differences?

  • When it comes to chinchillas, sex does not determine behavior, individual personalities do. Honestly. I have had angels and demons in both males and females.

    • The only thing to consider is their personal hygiene: males will clean their own penises, and that can be a bit startling. Both sexes can spray urine, but the females tend to be snipers and can nail a target from a few feet away.

• How long do they live?

  • Chinchillas can, and do, live to 20+ years, but it can vary due to a multitude of factors:

    • Genetics (breeder, pet store, backyard breeder)

    • Diet

    • Injury/Illness

• Can I adopt an opposite-sex pair? Can I get a male for the female I already own?

  • In a word: no.

  • In several words: absolutely not.

    • Cygnus Chinchilla, Maine Chinchilla Ranch, and Maine Chinchilla Shelter do not support, condone, or contribute to backyard breeding of chinchillas, or any species. If you put a male and female together just because, it’s backyard breeding.

      • Chinchillas, like most animal species do not care if they mate with their mom, sister, cousin, grandma, aunt. All they want to do is pass their genes on to the next generation. This is how recessive issues compound, how genetic malocclusion continues, how poor health outcomes persist.

    • If you are interested in becoming an ethical, registered breeder who uses pedigreed chinchillas under the guidance of a mentor, please let me know!

• Do I have to have air-conditioning?

  • Yes. 100%. Chinchillas are native to the high Andes Mountains with the densest fur of any land mammal. They don’t sweat, and they cannot take off their fur, so the ideal ambient temperature for them is 68-70 degrees Fahrenheit, with 50% or less humidity. Cooling stones don’t bring the body temperature down, and fans just push around hot air.

• Will my chinchilla need annual vet visits?

  • Chinchillas do not require vaccinations or annual well-checks. Taking a chinchilla into a vet’s office is stressful for them, as the office smells like everything that wants to eat them.

  • That being said: please do establish a patient relationship with a chinchilla-savvy veterinarian once you have your chinchilla(s), in case of any emergency, you want to know who can care for them, and not be scrambling.

• Can I give them lettuce? Apples? Banana chips?

  • No. Chinchillas require a simple, consistent diet that includes a quality pellet, fresh (or compressed cube) hay, and water. Fresh and dried fruits, veggies, nuts, fats, seeds, etc., can contribute to many issues like fatty organ disease, dental disease, bloat, GI stasis, and possibly death.

• If I see a chinchilla I want, can you hold it for me?

  • I can do holds, but I require a NON-REFUNDABLE $50 deposit to hold a specific chinchilla.

    • This hold fee will be put towards your adoption costs.

    • The hold lasts only 30 days, at which time the chinchilla(s) must be paid for in full and picked up.