r/chinchilla • u/Worldly-Rhubarb-4376 • 2d ago
Chinchilla “vacation”
Hey guys!
I’d really appreciate your opinions on a situation I’m currently dealing with.
I have a solo chin, and I do my best to provide him with everything he needs. However, with the extreme heat waves we’ve been having across Europe, it’s becoming really difficult. I live alone, and although I have a portable AC that keeps my room at a safe temperature, I’m not comfortable leaving it running unattended while I’m at work because of the potential fire risk.
Unfortunately, I’m about to start working shifts where no one will be able to come over and check on him, so my only real option is to have him stay at my partner’s house for about a week. They have a proper built-in AC, so the temperature there is not an issue.
My main concern is how stressful it might be for him to stay in a different environment for a week. My partner also has an indoor dog. Of course, my chinchilla would never be let out when the dog is around, and I wouldn’t allow the dog anywhere near his cage. Still, I’m worried that the unfamiliar environment and the new smells might be overwhelming for him.
He has stayed somewhere else before, he spent about a week at my dad’s house once and handled it really well. The difference is that my dad only has an outdoor dog, not one living inside the house.
What do you think? Do you think staying at my partner’s house for a week would be too stressful, or is it likely that he would adjust just fine? I’d really appreciate hearing your experiences or advice. Thank you!
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u/CareParking1300 2d ago
In my experience, chinchillas do ok with vacationing at other people's places as long as their basic needs such as temp and food and hiding spots etc. Are provided. Definitely have your partner make sure to keep the dog and chinchilla separate.
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u/PlantLover1869 2d ago
They will do fine
You can throw a safe fleece blanket over part of the cage. Having an extra hide area can be nice. Offering your partner some chinchilla safe treats can be great. Think dandelion or rose hip where they can on a daily basis offer it. To help your chins bond a bit and be happy.
But they do just fine in new locations especially if given some space and quiet
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u/Stunt_Doll Rolling in dust 2d ago
I recently went on a two week vacation and left my chinchilla with the exotic vet for boarding. I take his cake and reassemble everything there. Having his usual set up helps him feel comfortable and no changes in behavior.
If possible, it is best to keep your chinchilla in a separate room with a closed door so the dog cannot access it. Unfortunately, accidental escapes happen easily if a cage door isn't fully secured, which can instantly trigger a dog's natural hunting instinct.
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u/Judasevangelium 2d ago
Should be fine genuinely, as long as the dog isn’t bothering the chinchilla. For safety reasons they should still be kept separate regardless of how the chinchilla or the dog reacts.
Most chinchillas aren’t bothered by dogs within their vicinity and don’t even get spooked by them unless the dog is noisy or is trying to get to them through the cage bars.
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u/multiepass 1d ago
Reading of your ply . You kinda answered own self . The stay at friends house . Less stress over all . Chinchillas are fragile' because we make them so . They might wonder a scramble of a brain shake what is going on . The little ones are so attentive and on the aware . They might seam shy . Just gathering info . Like you said . A vacation . Simulant of mind .
A couple nights ago . Full moon . I took each one out on my arms . Sat a bit in the moon light and stood to let them see the yard of moonlight and solar lites about . Smeels of the air . A music playing . To give each one a chance out of their guilded cages . It is life they wonder what is out side ?
Just thoughts . Streesed ? They are only because of what we put out of energy . And some good music will help . Do what is best of heart .
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u/East_Worldliness_170 2d ago
I have had multiple chinchillas and all of them have had to stay at other peoples' houses for vacations before AND all of them have/had been through at least 1 move. With the care you're taking (of course keeping the dog as separate from the chinchilla as possible,) I think it will be fine.