chinchilla breeder, qualities needed

What it Takes to be a Good Breeder

I hear people comment on how they would love to breed chinchillas for a living or hobby. This is great but there are many things to think about first. This article is set up to really make you think before you get into breeding to save you time and money, even a broken heart.

Before you buy any animals you need to think about the fact that Chinchillas live 15-20 years. Some chins have babys up to 16 years, some only have litters up to age seven; some will have one litter per year after the 4th yr. What are you going to do with these chins; will you keep them, find new homes (not always easy to do)? Does your spouse or other members in your home support your decisions and responsibilities?

You're on your way to the family reunion, oh no your chinchilla is having a breech birth will you leave her or stay and care for her? Vacations are usually out of the question unless you know someone who will care for your chins for a few days. A devoted breeder wouldn't be able to handle being away longer than that. They worry the second they leave to go on their trip. Would you? Oh no you have 2 chins with a runny nose, will you spend the money to take them to the vet for medication or are you willing to risk the life of every chin you own, oh no your chin hit his head while playing and he is walking funny will you return to the vet again to care for him? Wow $275 in vet bills!! This is important to think about. Are you willing to learn first aid including a temporary splint for a leg until the vet is available? I'm not exaggerating. These things come and go in spurts you need to be prepared. Are you willing to get up in the middle of the night to check on or feed a weak baby? How about cleaning? Do you like to clean daily? The chins room will need sweeping or vacuuming daily. Water bottles, food dishes and soaked spots in the cages need attention. It is important that a person with a pet chin spends 2 hours minimum daily with their pet, how much time do you have to devote to 12, 20, 30 or more animals?

Chinchillas are expensive it is really bad practice to buy chins cheap that have no pedigree papers. Chins can carry genetic problem with their teeth, heart, liver and other problems. Even pedigreed animals can at times produce these undesirable traits. What do you do when you discover there are dental problems in your favorite chin line? You have to pull them and any offspring you kept out of your breeding program so they don't produce more animals with these problems. Then what will you do with these animals? Will you be sure they are cared for throughout there life?

Next you will need a room for them, this room needs exhaust fan, air-conditioning, heat and proper floors and walls for disinfecting. Lighting is very important also. You will need to provide adequate daylight or artificial daylight, chinchillas manufacture their own vitamin c and proper lighting is needed for them to do this. Good lighting in the evening is necessary also to be sure you can see properly.

So what do you think so far? If you are willing to dedicate yourself to your chinchillas like a mothers love for her children you have conquered the largest obstacle. After you are set up with cages and chinchillas, oh have you learned chinchilla genetics? Get to the computer there is lots to learn. Have you researched their diet and understand their digestive system. Do you know about common medical issues and did you learn that first aid I mentioned earlier? Oh yah and do you have a medical supplies box? Did you look to see what types of things you should have on hand? Do you have a reliable feed supplier? Hey get busy!!! You're almost ready to start your new job.

This isn't everything involved but it will give you an excellent chance to really meditate on what you are going to do. There are endless benefits to working with these wonderful animals. The glorious miracle of birth never stops placing me in awe. Every litter is like the first, I am full of joy and excitement. The rewards of happy loveable animals are incredible. While cleaning, feeding or working with them you forget that life can be rough at times. For the breeders with health issues it makes them forget their pains and grief. I love being a chinchilla breeder!