The decision to add a chinchilla to your family is an exciting prospect, and will provide you with years of enjoyment.
I recommend researching before you bring your new chinchilla home. You are always welcome to e-mail me and ask if you can not find what you are looking for. I do take in rescues and will ocasionally have one avaiable for pet-only adoption. A rescue may or may not be altered.
Living in the hot and humid climate of Louisiana creates a different problem than other areas. Chinchillas are succeptable to humidity and care must be taken to keep them cool and dry. They are indoor pets.
Crystal Chinchillas has a very good site that covers most of the genetic issues chinchillas have.