Chipmunks are a pet suitable for older children and adults. They need attention every day but once a routine is established they are not a demanding animal. They are definately not a pet for a young child as any grabbing or dangerous handling can cause stress and sometimes even prove fatal.
Chipmunks are a nervous animal, they will bite sometimes but after gradual handling they will become tame. The regular handling does have to start from a young age. They are most active during the day and this means they are fun to watch. They are very quick movers and you must be very careful to close the cage securely after feeding or cleaning.
Chipmunks live on average to 5 years, the females being the longest lived of the species. If looked after properly with lots of love and care, they can live up to 8 years.
Chipmunks should have a good sized cage with plenty of items to keep them occuiped, such as rocks, pipes, branches and toys. A nesting box with bedding material should also be provided for each chipmunk. Like hamsters, chipmunks do store things in their cheek pouches so bedding material should be chosen carefully. Hay should be broken into small pieces, straw should not be used. To avoid causing the chipmunk any stress, their cage should be situated so at least one side of the cage is against a solid wall. It should also be kept away from draughts or damp. Chipmunks do not like to be in the direct sunlight or near hot items such as radiators.They must also be kept away from the television as they will become very stressed because of the electrical radiation.
You can buy Chipmunk food from certain pet stores and this should be given to the chipmunk in the recommended amounts. There should also be a supply of fresh water and they do like small amounts of fresh fruit and vegetables.
The chipmunk may be kept on their own but ideally it is better to house them in pairs or colonies. It is recommended that colonies are made up of chipmunks from different litters.
Because the chipmunk was originally found in North America, the chipmunk is a rodent that naturally climbs and will forage around in the branches of trees. As rodents they need to gnaw on wood and twigs to keep their teeth trimmed. In certain climates the chipmunk may hibernate during cold winter weather.
Chipmunks may be a bit harder to look after than the average pet but the entertainment they will provide as they dash around the cage will definately make up for this. You must provide plenty of stimulation for a chipmunk otherwise they can suffer from unusual behavious patterns such as running backwards and forwards using the same route for long periods of times. As long as you provide them with plenty of entertainment and feed them the correct diet, your chipmunk should lead a healthy life.
CHIPMUNK CHECK LIST
*LARGE ESCAPE PROOF CAGE OR AVIARY
*SUITABLE NEST BOX
*FOOD BOWL
*WATER BOTTLE
*CHIPMUNK FOOD
*VITAMIN DROPS
*PERCHES, TUBES AND BRANCHES
*CHEW TOYS
*MINERAL STONE
