About Nicholle Stoller Expertise I can answer questions from genetics to breeding to basic care. I also have access to a knowledgable veterinarian and have learned a thing or two from him.
Experience I breed chinchillas as a hobby.
Organizations The Chinchilla Club
Education/Credentials I've spent the last two years volunteering at various animal hospitals and currently raise chinchillas.
Expert: Nicholle Stoller Date: 3/13/2004 Subject: Chinchillas or ferrets?
Question Hello
Would a pair or trio of chinchillas, rabbits or ferrets make better pets?
How long do chinchillas get? Can a group of males be kept together? How long do they live?
Can a group of female rabbits be kept together?
Answer Hello, it all depends on what kind of pets you want. A pair or trio of ferrets will pile up and sleep and then tumble around and play, very fun to watch. A pair or trio of chinchillas will pile up and sleep and groom and bounce off walls together. A pair or trio of rabbits wouldn't necessarily pile up together but most likely would stick together and explore together.
Chinnies generally get to be about 10-12 inches long. They weight maybe a pound but that varies quite a bit. I find that a group of males is easier to get together than a group of mature females. I have a pair of males in one of my cages, they just snuggle and play together. Females can get along too although they can be a bit harder to get together if they are older. The best age to pair them off is around 3-4 months as they tend to accept other chins best at that time. Chinnies generally live about 15-20 years although I have heard of one that died at the age of 32 (very rare).
It mainly depends on the breed of rabbit. Holland lops and other laid back breeds would probably get along fine. Dwarfs on the other hand... I had enough fun trying to get along with just one, let alone 2 or 3.
