Can a chin get a cold?

[Stacy]

I have read a little about this but not much. Can a chin catch a cold or anything else a person has? My husband really gets a kick out of it when I get sick because I put a bandanna over my face when I feed them or anything. I just don't know if they can catch it.

[chinclub]

That is a hard question.  Some people say they can, some say they can't.  The strongest argument seems to be that they can not get sick from humans, but then I know someone who's family got really sick and so did the chinchilla...maybe it was cooincidence, but with 110 chinchillas of my own I don't take any chances.  When I am sick I wash my hands very well before feeding and watering and I don'thold my chinchillas what I am sick.  I may be over reacting but for me its better to be safe than sorry!

[Jo Ann]

Good question ... need to do some research on that one.

I've always assumed it could be either way ... depending on the particular germ/virus.
I play it safe and let Bill take care of them or will put on a surgical mask if he can't do it for some reason.

Chinchillas are relatively new to the pet world and we are learning new things about them daily.  

 
Jo Ann

[Summer]

;)I do the same thing , I don't take the Chance.