Rabbits, Ferrets and Chinchillas

By Sandy Kamen Wisniewski
Posted March 24, 2004

Hop, hop, hop, goes the rabbit, ferret and chinchilla. Yes, indeed it is not only rabbits that hop. All of these animals are about the same size and are cute as a button. They have unique personality traits and when fit to the right home can make a perfect family pet or addition to pets already in the home.

Rabbits

Some rabbits can be shy, while others are quite bold. My rabbit Bunikula is a unique, assertive girl. When feeding the dogs, if she happens to be around, she insists on getting a few dog food kernels for herself. She rules any area she occupies, whether temporary or permanent, and has no problem charging a cat or dog like a bull that is too inquisitive or wishes to play with her.

Rabbits need exercise. The exercise area has to be free of any wires that the bunny could chew. A large cage is an essential home for them. The cage would need cleaning on a daily basis. Rabbits should be kept in a safe, enclosed area away from predators, inside your home or on an enclosed porch. Rabbits should never be left in a cage in the back yard. Rabbits may be able to be trained to go in a litter box.

Ferrets

Ferrets are wonderful, mischievous and active animals. They do have a distinct odor though, that some people find offensive. If you are sensitive to unusual odors ferrets may not be the right chose for you.

They can be good with children if you and your children spend time each day picking him up and playing with him. It is not uncommon for them to play nip, much like a puppy or kitten would. The nipping, if not corrected properly can become a problem. I have heard too many people say that they were told to flick their ferret on the nose to stop the biting. I stress, this can make them mean. (How would you like it?) A consistent and firm "no" in a loud voice is enough for them to stop nipping.

Ferrets should be caged but let out daily for playtime in a ferret-proof area. It's vital that all small holes be closed up because ferrets like to "ferret" into small areas. A client told me that his ferret found it's way into the heating ducts in their house. He had to take apart the entire ductwork to retrieve his pet!

A ferret's cage should have a litter box in it and should have numerous levels for climbing. Ferrets will usually attempt to go to the bathroom in their litter box but may miss it completely at times. Therefore, cage clean up is an every day chore.

Chinchillas

Chinchillas are lively and active pets. My chinchilla Jake loves to play the game, Catch Me If You Can-which is a favorite game of many chinchillas. The game is no different than tag for us humans except that you are always "it" with a chinchilla. They are incredibly soft (unfortunately, that's why they are cruelly killed for fur coats) and have the most adorable faces with whiskers that twitch with excitement. They are not the cuddly types that will curl up in your lap; instead they see life as one big adventure.

Chinchillas require a large cage, preferably with multiple levels, so they have ample room. They enjoy running on a jumbo-sized wheel and bath themselves using a finely ground, gray dust that can be purchased in the pet store. They should be caged when not supervised and when out and about should be in only safe, chinchilla proof areas.

Any of these funny, precious, special animals can make great pets, if paired with the right owners. I highly stress that it is a long-term commitment. (Plan on any of these pets living five to twelve years or so.) I have seen far too often many of these fine creatures left without daily attention after the novelty of adopting them wears off. This seems to happen most often when the pet is purchased for a child and the child becomes tired of caring for the pet. When that happens parents need to be prepared to take over the job and give the pet plenty of love and attention.