Chinchillas (Barron's Complete Pet Owner's Manuals) [Paperback]

Maike Roder-Thiede (Author)

Book Description

Series: Barron's Complete Pet Owner's Manuals | Publication Date: April 1, 1999

Unveils the myths and mysteries about chinchillas by explaining many intriguing facets of these extraordinary pets. Readers will learn the best ways to purchase, house, feed, breed and groom these fascinating creatures. Valuable insights into the behavior of chinchillas!

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: German

Product Details

• Paperback: 64 pages
• Publisher: Barron's Educational Series (April 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764109340
• ISBN-13: 978-0764109348
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 6.5 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #463,014 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #21 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Home & Garden > Animal Care & Pets > Rabbits
  • #65 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Home & Garden > Animal Care & Pets > General
  • #94 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Animal Care & Pets > Mice, Hamsters & Guinea Pigs

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

38 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars The author has a somewhat alarmist view., May 31, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Chinchillas (Barron's Complete Pet Owner's Manuals) (Paperback)

Since chinchillas are not nearly as neurotic as the author would have us believe, and not nearly so easily stressed, I cannot rate this book more than 3 stars. While his animals may be easily upset, most chinchillas are curious, friendly and much more adaptable than this author gives them credit for. Also, some of the author's assertions i.e., on page 6: "Is a Chinchilla for you?" are patently false. The auther says that chins are expensive to acquire and care for. In fact, chinchillas are widely available for around $50 from pet breeders, and cost less than most pets to care for. The author also states that chinchilla dander is a strong allergen. In fact, most people who are allergic to other animals have no allergic reaction at all to chinchillas. In addition, the author makes much ado about the difficulties of caring for chins, claims that other pets will stress it, and on and on. A quick scan of the web will provide you with many more relaxed views on caring for this wonderful pet. Chinchillas, like all other pets, thrive when provided with a specific (short) list of basic food and housing requirements. When the basics are in place, relax and enjoy your little Chinchilla furball. Don't take the alarmist advice in this book too seriously. --CAO, Alexandria, VA

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Informative book, but a bit pessimistic, November 7, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Chinchillas (Barron's Complete Pet Owner's Manuals) (Paperback)

This book gives a brief overview of chinchillas. It contains great photographs and reviews the basics about these unique creatures. After finishing the book I still had many question about having a chinchilla as a pet. The author seemed to have a bitter view of these pets that is a bit unfair.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Author shows the good and the bad of Chinchillas as pets, January 3, 2001

By 

Michelle Burns (Marietta, GA, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Chinchillas (Barron's Complete Pet Owner's Manuals) (Paperback)

This book caught my eye at the pet store I work at. Having kept Chinchillas myself, I was very impressed with how thorough yet short the book is. The book is extremely accurate and detailed with regard to husbandry and makes potential keepers examine their ablities to keep such a beast. I have noticed that many people believe the book to be pessimistic, but in reality that makes the chin keeping experience more magical. The author, unlike many, puts all of the cards on the table and leaves the chinchilla owner with very few suprises. In animal keeping, suprises are not always great. Chinchillas can be difficult pets to keep, but the author, in the spirit of all honesty shows both the good and bad of chin keeping. In the many, many years that I have kept exotic animals and chinchillas this is by far the best book that I have found. I truly wish that this book had been available to me the day I first brought my little boy Cheech home, it would have definately made our life together less hectic and allowed me better to understand his needs and strange, strange habits. This is a must have for anyone who is considering a chinchilla as a companion, already keeps one or who just wants to know a little more about the crazy creatures.