Rivendell ChinchillasExercise is an important part of any lifestyle! It can help keep your chin healthy and happy. Some chins may seem to get angry or frustrated if they don't have a form of exercise available readily.
One of the safest forms of exercise is the wheel. It can be securely attached inside of the cage and allow access to exercising whenever the chin wants! There are several things to look for when purchasing a wheel. Wheels that are too small can cause spinal injury and other health issues for chins. Wheels should be 15" in diameter to accomodate a natural stride for a chin to run. Another option for this is the flying saucer with allows a full natural stride for a chin to run.
When chosing a wheel you also need to watch out for wheels with cross bars as they can cause injury or broken legs, as well as wire mesh running surfaces, which can catch toes also causing injury.
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Cross bars like the ones on this wheel can cause injuries or break legs when chins enter and exit the running area of the wheel. |
Outside play is another exercise option. This refers to time out of the cage. The best way to have outside play is by using a chin safe play pen, or having a chin-proofed room for them to run freely in. Providing lots of interesting and safe toys and chews will help prevent damage to any walls or wood work. When allowed to be let out for outside play chins should always be supervised. Be sure that cords are not accessible, as well as any cleaners or other substances that may harm your chin. A bathroom or closet can be a great place for chins to play, and they are easy to chin proof to prevent injury or death. Be sure to keep other pets out of the play area when the chins are out, a playful swat can quickly become an emergency room visit. If using the bathroom as a play area be sure to make sure the toilet lid is closed, it has been known for chins to hop up to inspect and fall in. If this happens quickly dry the chin with a towel as best you can, and then dry with a hair drier on cool air. Do not use warm air unless the room temp. is very cold as they may over heat easily.
A economical idea for a play pen, or chin proofing is to get appliance boxes from your local appliance store. They are usually free and with the help of some duct tape you can have a cheap and chin safe play area that can fold away easily for storage.
Breeding can take a mere seconds, unless you are prepared to and plan on breeding to not let females and males "just play" together for any amount of time. Even with watching them every moment by the time you see the male mount the female it is too late. By the time you get to them to seperate them the breeding will already be done.
Chin can also breed and fight through the cages, for this reason you should always make sure that your play area is not around other chins cages.
Here are some play area photos shared by some of our chin loving friends.
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