We spent a good part of the weekend making more toys and supplies for the chins. Whimsy's original idea of pumice stuffed willow balls is a success! Check out the newest in our line of toss toys!

We've also updated our adoptions page. Come check out who's waiting for a new home.

We're just about full to capacity and really need to get these chins placed into loving homes. We WILL hold for Christmas, with a deposit. Come choose your new friend today (no pressure)! :)

Many single chins have come in over the past couple of months. This week we've been working on trying to pair them up. Chinchillas are interesting critters in that they like to choose their own friends, most of the time we have a pretty good idea who will get along with whom. But there have been some surprises in the past.

We start by running a soft introduction. We place potential friends in a three compartment carrier that keeps each safe from harm. And then we watch. If either chin shows immediate aggression, then we know the pairing is not likely to work. In the best case scenario, the chins will sniff briefly, then ignore each other. The first sniff is the most important. It's like the chins are trying to measure each other up and decide what to do. Eventually, we'll move the compatible chins together in a neutral cage and keep an eye on them until we're sure they will click. Females typically get along easier and males do great...as long as there are no females around. In an ideal situation, each chin loving home would only contain a single gender.

Yesterday we managed to successfully pair Octavia and Tequila, two adult females who came from separate homes. We're very pleased to know these two have each other to snuggle with now. Octavia is especially thankful and the new friend has really seemed to calm her down. Now, who would like to give these lovely girls a home?

We're gearing up for the holidays! Are you ready to spoil your chinnie? Would you like to finally get your own furball? Contrary to some opinions out there, we believe kids and chins go great together! Assuming, of course, your child is kind and gentle enough to handle these delicate critters. Currently we have 13 wonderful singles and pairs ready to go to a new home and several more that will be ready before Christmas. But aside from that...

...check out our holiday packages! We've been working hard to prepare items just for you and your furry friend. Right now we're ready with three different $50 each package deals. These three packages include shipping, but you can save $15 if you pick them up. Shipped items come with a surprise extra! ;)

**Package 1~ The economy bridge and ledge combo!

We've used rounded pine slats instead of our usual wooden dowels for the bridge. It cuts costs tremendously! We're offering that, plus two 12" ledges complete with jumpholes and all the hardware. Keep in mind, this is made especially for Ferret Nation brand cages, so the bridge length is made in approximately 3 foot lengths.

**Package 2~ The 5 piece ledge with backboards combo!

This is a wonderful start for decorating (or redecorating) a chin friendly enclosure. We include 

1 -12" lounging ledge
2- 8" look out ledges
2- 6" leaping ledges

**Package 3~ The chewy play pack!

Includes a chin safe and chewable swing, one large pumice and willow wreath, and a hanging pine wafers toy, in many different colors.

Watch for our pennywise pack, coming soon to the Store!

We're a few days late in posting about our anniversary. Whimsy's Menagerie & Chinchilla Rescue has now been "officially" running for two years! What started out as a homeschool project has morphed into something much grander and more permanent.

We've come a long way since our modest beginnings where we first started out in the dining room...

The chins slowly took over...

Eventually, we had to move the operation into the converted garage where Whimsy had her office and spare room.

Not long after that, Whimsy gave up her office to the chins.

The website has had to grow to accommodate our growing reputation too. We began with Freewebs and the bare minimum with the free budget. Now, our daily visits, updates, store, videos and other information has caused us to continue expanding with help from friends like you.  we now have an amazing network of new chinfriends and others who appreciate and encourage the work we do here. Thank you all for your support!

To date, Whimsy's Menagerie has found homes for 58 chinchillas! But we have at least a dozen here who are looking for new homes. Christmas is coming...would you like to place a hold on a single, pair or trio?

Our two invalid chins who have been recovering from two different surgeries are now almost completely healed up. Kismet, the black velvet girl who needed the hind leg amputation is bumping along just fine now. She's learned how to adjust her remaining rear leg to compensate for the loss of the other. She rides low to the ground, but can still manage to hop and jump to the same high ledges as before her accident. Her stump is almost completely covered over by new fur and it's actually quite difficult to notice the loss.

Xanadu, the chin with the uterine prolapse, has been returned to her previous mate. Now that she cannot have any more kits, she can live happily ever after without concern for unplanned pregnancies. Shiloh is thrilled too. ;)

We're nearly caught up on paying off the vet fees. But we thought we'd run an upcoming holiday special to help work those costs off more quickly. If you're looking to treat your pet to some awesome new toys, or if you are looking for a creative gift idea for the chin lover you know, check out our store page.  We are working on gift "packages"....so check back often to see what we come up with. :)