Our growing family...

Question
We own 2 ferrets... one female (always been tiny) over a year and a new male (huge from the day we brought him home) almost a year old.  We are considering an addition of a chinchilla to the family.  I'm wondering if they will be able to get along across the species line.  Our ferrets are so happy, especially now with the two of them together.  They also are used to a wild, but trained environment (lots of walks and mostly time spent out side of their 5 story ferret condo).  Do you think a chinchilla would be able to have as much fun? or would they have to live separate lives?

Answer
Hi there, Chinchillas and ferrets should not be kept together. Chinchillas are prey animals and ferrets are predators. This means that the chinchilla would spend the whole time scared of the ferrets which would lead to stress and the ferrets may spend the whole time wanting to attack the chinchilla which could be very dangerous. A ferret could easily kill a chinchilla so I wouldn't risk allowing them to spend time together. Chinchillas also can never be left out of their cage when you aren't watching them closely as they will eat everything in sight. That can be dangerous and also expensive for you! Sounds like your ferrets have a pretty amazing home. If you decide to get a chinchilla, I'm sure you will care for it well just keep it apart from your ferrets and it should be fine! Chinchillas are a lot more nervous than ferrets and they can shed a lot of their fur if they are roughly handled as it is a defense mechanism. They don't tolerate the heat very well and are prone to heat stroke. Thats just a few things to consider. Hope this helps and that you are able to make the right decision! Good luck!