Chinchillas are simpler to keep in terms of their food. They need a good chinchilla pellet, lots of timothy hay and fresh water. Treats must be limited to a raisin or craisin every day or every other day. They need nice big cages like ratties, out of cage time and socialization. They also need dust baths which are fairly easy and fun to watch. They don't have much smell at all but can be messy with the hay. They need to be kept at cool temperatures and are very suseptible to becoming overheated which can be fatal. I have three chins. They aren't as affectionate as ratties, but they are a neat pet. I think chins-n-quills is an excellent source of information. Good luck and keep us posted on what you do. Warning...they are as addictive as ratties.
Diana