Pet Chipmunks
There are two common species of chipmunks kept as pets. They are the Asian and the Siberian. They have stripes on their face and three stripes on their back. They are tannish-brown and have a long bushy tail. They are about the size of a male hamster. They are quite interesting animals.
They are very new to the pet world. They are great for people who are responsible and enjoy watching chipmunks in the wild.
No, they aren't common. They may require a permit is some areas, to own, or they may just be plain illegal.
Chipmunks are not as interactive as rats and sugar gliders, but they do enjoy your company. My chipmunk loves to run all over me, but does not want to stay in my hand! They are very active creatures!
With any animal you have to be responsible. This includes cleaning the cage once or twice a week. Chipmunks are smart. My chipmunk uses a dish that never had a use, as a litter box. This makes cage cleaning easy. Remember to give fresh food and water out everyday.
In order to own a pet, you have to have money. You will need to take your pet to the vet, should it ever become become sick. You will need to buy a new pack of bedding and food every month or so, which is actually very cheap.
Chipmunks can peacefully be housed with another chipmunk from the same litter, but two strange chipmunks will not usually get along.
Chipmunks are prey animals, so you need to be extremely careful before exposing your chipmunk to other household pets, such as ferrets, large birds, cats, and dogs.
Supplies
I feed mine a mix of cockatiel food and Science Diet cat food. You can also addd fruits such as apples, bananas, and grapes.
Fruits: Apples, bananas, and grapes make healthy snacks. You can also give them sunflower seeds and peanuts(Not too many!). They will gladly accept mealworms and crickets.
I use a large bird cage. There is plenty of jumping room. These cages usually have lift-up doors. Chipmunks are very smart and will learn how to open them in a matter of minutes! Make sure they are locked shut. Remember to always keep your chipmunk in a wire cage with lots of space to jump around in.
If you buy a bird cage for your chipmunk, they usually come with a food dish. Hanging water bottles can be a problem, sinces the wires of the cage are vertical. My cage came with four cups, two on the bottom and two on the top. I took one of the bottom cups out and placed the water bottle on the door. This works great-and you don't need a lock for that door!
Chipmunks have constantly growing teeth that need to be clipped if not worn down. You can keep your chipmunk's teeth worn down by providing branches and chew blocks for your chipmunk to chew on.
Chipmunks enjoy hamster wheels for exercise. They will also enjoy ferret hammocks(of course, you will need to replace them every once in a while).
Cedar has toxic chemicals in it, so I don't recommend using it. Pine or Aspen bedding works great. Chipmunks have large cheek pouches in which they use to gather food and bedding. This is a cute sight! Theres nothing funnier then a chipmunk with full pouches!
Choose a chipmunk that is tame. It should be bright eyed and it's nose should be free of discharge. Listen to the breathing. Do you hear any strange noises? A healthy chipmunk should be curious and active.
Allow your pet time to explore it's new surroundings. After that, bring your pet to an enclosed area, such as a bathroom. Let the chipmunk approach you. You can do this by offering a sunflower seed. Allow the chipmunk to "explore" you. Eventually, you will win your chipmunk's trust!
Chipmunks are very hardy animals. They are not as delicate as you would think. It is very rare that they will become sick. However, I have listed possible symtoms. If you notice a change in your chipmunk's behavior, see an experienced vet.
Sneezing/Wheezing....Pnemonia-see a vet; Colds.
Injuries....Dangerous furniture-remove!; Fighting-separate chipmunks.
Not Eating/Drinking....See a vet as soon as possible!
Chipmunks are diurnal, which means they are most active during the daytime, unlike many other rodents.
They are wonderful creatures and a joy to own! 
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