Found Chinchilla....

Mr Kandy and I went out this afternoon to buy some compost from the local garden centre.On the way back home we took the scenic route and as we were driving along the road Mr Kandy swerved to avoid something about to cross the road.I got him to turn round and drive back along the road.As we got closer it ran across the road and we could both see that it was indeed a Chinchilla.I got out of the car and managed to put my coat over it.It didn't bite which was a relief.

We have got it running round the lounge now but know nothing about these animals apart from the fact that they need a dust bath with some type of sand.

I have tried giving it some water and a bit of guneia pig food but it wasn't interested.

Is there anyone that can offer advice because although it is cute and furry,with two cats and holidays drawing near we don't particulary want to take it on.

We can only assume that someone has abandoned it as it was in the middle of nowhere.If I hadn't of picked it up when I did then the next vehicle which was a van and flew past us at great speed would have squashed it flat.

I will try to get a photo of it when it comes out from underneath my unit.Thanks:thumb:

 

I knew someone who had them as pets, only thing I learnt from them was that they are usually nocturnal and make a hell of a racket dashing round thier cage every night!!!! other than that, I can't help!! They do look cute though!!!

 

the wikipedia page gives lots of info regarding food etc. They can live for 20+ years!!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinchilla

 

Hi Glen,Thankyou for the link.I will have to look into it.No wonder it seems a bit dopey,perhaps it will create havoc tonight.God only know where I shall put it ,as it can't go in with the guneia pigs.I shall have to sort out the rabbit hutch and it can go in there for tonight.Mr Kandy is off work tomorrow so we shall have to take it Pets At Home to see if they want it.I don't even know what sex it is or how old it is.:rolleyes:

 

It must be quite tame if it stayed still for long enough for you to catch it.
Good luck with the rehoming.

 

Best to take it to a reputable animal rescue shelter where it can be examined and assessed by a vet for any health problems (teeth can be a reason it may not want to eat and why someone may have ditched it .... )

You may have a local RSPCA which, if they don't take exotics themselves, may tell you of someone that does.

Then if he or she is given the all-clear it can be re homed.

Wouldn't let the cats get access to it, just in case!

Well done Mr and Mrs Kandy for rescuing it from certain death. That was kind of you.

Here is a good link for now...

http://www.galensgarden.co.uk/herbivores/chinchilla/index.php

 

The only things I know about Chinchillas apart from being mainly nocturnal is that they are arboreal and should really be kept in a floor to ceiling cage with branches for climbing and not kept on their own.

 

so Kandy, looks like your going to have to bring a tree into the house and get another one.:D

 

Hi everyone,Thank you for all your help and advice.I spent a good hour yesterday Googling for rescue centres in our area and writing out emails and in the end rang a rescue centre called NANNA{Northamptonshire Animals Needing Nuturing and Adoption}I explained everything to them and the nice lady said to bring him over to them.

They sexed him as a male and he is a lot bigger than the others that they already had there.He has bumble pad due to having to keep his feet on the wires of the cage,and should have had a tile or something else to sit on.:eek:

He had sunken eyes which is a sign of dehydration and also has something wrong with his mouth because it looked lopsided. He was also a bit sniffly so may have a chill.He will be going off to the vets today so that he can be checked over to see what actually is wrong with him.:thumb:I am going to ring back later in the week to see how they got on with him.

It would have been unfair for us to have taken him on as evidently they like company and are known to be very destructive.Also with two cats that were already eyeing him up he wouldn't have been able to come out of the cage much,plus our lounge isn't big enough for the size of cage needed.

I have taken some photos so when I have sussed how to put them onto here will let you all see him.By the way he now has the name Loddie after the road where we found him.The rescue centre is also going to put out an appeal in case someone has genuinely lost him.:thumb:

 

:thumb:Thanks Shiney,I will put the photos up when I have sussed how to do it

 

great news kandy, it was so kind of you and mr kandy taking loddie back home with you and i like his new name, lets hope he recovers well and either finds his owners or a new home were he can be loved and looked after.well done

 

Smart Lady, Kandy.

Nice work !

xx

 

Kandy glad Bob and I aren't the only ones that are wildlife nosey on the roads and like yourself we even have to turn around to have another look.

That little (or not so little) Chinchilla was indeed very lucky that you and Mr.K. came along that road when you did as I'm sure you are right the little critter would have been road kill without your aid.

I have to give you a pat on the back darling as few would go to the trouble or the cost of removing that little guy and getting him the help that he needs to find a new home.

It just goes to show what a loving nurtering lady you are it's a real pity you were not able to have children as I'm sure you would have made a wonderful mum on the other hand I bet your cats and guinea pigs are your babies and I have to say they are indeed very fortunate to have you as their 'mum'.Well done girl.:thumb:Hel.xxx.

 

:thumb:glad you got him sorted, well done the both of you!!!