Chinny, Chin, Chinchilla!

Christmas was a bit of a blur this year because of the funk floating around in our house, but we did have a great day opening presents and spending time with each other. We also received a very unusual visit from Santa this year. After much thought and debate, Da Hubby and I agreed to allow Daylor to ask for a small pet this year. He's just at that age now where he is beginning to outgrow most toys, and electronics are a wee bit high in price, so he asked us if Santa could bring him a pet.

Now, I don't know about your kids, but Daylor was born a 25 year old. He was having adult style conversations at the age of 12 months and really isn't the typical 9 year old. Because he shows an enormous amount of responsibility and because one of our dogs passed away last year, we decided to collaborate with the "Man in Red" and bring in a new member to our family. (Drum roll please....)

So. Without further a do, I would like to introduce you to "Prancer", Daylor's new chinchilla!!

OK, I know half of you just sighed and said, "How adorable!" Then there would be the other half of you who just shrieked, "WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?", and ran screaming out of the room. Personally, we fit in the first category and happen to think she's precious. My apologies to the rest of you I just offended! :) Can I just say though, that Daylor totally, I mean TOTALLY adores this little thing! She's quite entertaining and loves to be scratched.

For those who know me, I have always loved animals and can't think of a time in my life when I didn't have one of some kind. I am not used to standing back and letting Daylor be her primary caregiver. He has really taken ownership of the new responsibilty and we are so proud of him! He is a great daddy to her and she loves him as well.

That being said, there are a few minor things that we are learning about chinchillas that we weren't told, so if you are considering one of these guys listen up.

Number 1 - They poop EVERYWHERE and ALL.THE.TIME. We have to vacuum the carpet around her house twice a day because as she jumps up and poops on the shelves she then kicks it to the floor when she starts be-bopping around the cage. Can we say EEEEEWWWWWWWWW?!?!?!? These are the wonderful times I get to say, "She's your pet, sweetie. Go clean it up." And he does, even with a good attitude. (Seriously, he LOVES her.) Fortunately, Da Hubby has come up with a solution to that little issue. (Thank you, Lord!)

Which bring me to Number 2 on my happy, little list of "Not so Discussed Issues About Chinchillas." They need HFC. What's that? Huge Frickin' Cages. I included this picture so you could get an idea of how enormous this joker is.



See what I mean!?!?!?!?! It's as big as my love seat! Seriously!!! Da Hubby and I had agreed she would stay in the boys room thinking that Santa was going to bring us a "table-top" sized cage. Ummm. No. I think we underestimated this one big time. So, after getting her we had to rearrange the Daylor and Duglin's room just so her little Poopy Palace would fit. All this for a gray fuzzy critter. (Yes, we need therapy.)

Then last and third on my list is that chinchillas chew, chew, gnaw, and did I mention chew on any and everything. "Prancer's" current favorite thing to exercise her toofies (Perri's word) on is the wooden shelves and house in her cage. Now, I knew that chin's have to chew because unlike humans, their teeth constantly grow and they need to be filed down. We had hamsters for a couple of years and they needed chew sticks and such to do the same thing. I guess I just thought the chewing would be inaudible like that of our hamsters. WRONG, AGAIN, PIG-PIN!!! It's sounds alot like what a jackhammer would sound if splitting wood. And, oh, their favorite time to chew would be between 12:00 and 4:00. IN THE MORNING. So, the first couple of weeks have been interesting for the boys to adjust to their new roommate, but I think they are starting to tune it out and sleep through the night again. (Once again, thank you, Lord!)

Why, you may ask, do we keep her her? For one thing, she needed a good home where people would love and take care of her, and despite the downsides we do. But most of all this is the reason:

Any arguments?