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[Callifax]

Hey guys,

Just joined the forum!  My boyfriend and I have an adorable chinchilla named Yuffie who we've had for about a year.  She was skittish and timid for the first month or two, but now she is completely adapted to her new home - loves chin scratches, being cuddled, and is generally very friendly.  When we get home, she comes right up to the front of the cage to be played with.

I've noticed, however, that she seems to favor my boyfriend or me for certain tasks.  She's very, very comfortable with leaping right on to my boyfriends hands and being brought in for a cuddle.  She has never been comfortable with coming directly onto my hands...she'll put her front paws on my hands and snuggle, but won't come all the way onto my hands.  Yet, she is happy to have me scratch her belly, but doesn't like my boyfriend to do the same. 

Is this normal chin behavior, to have preferences between two owners?  Has anyone else had a similar experience?  Does anyone have any suggestions for how to get her comfortable with coming onto my hands?

[AnnieHank]

Yeah, there's no difference with the way the girls treat us but Buddy goes through phases. He used to let me scratch his neck but not let my boyfriend. At the moment, he's far more comfortable with my boyfriend than me but maybe that's because I've been handling him more lately and he doesn't like that.
I reckon just spend more time with her, and give her the odd treat and she should become more comfortable with you holding her.

[Jo Ann]

   Chinchillas are much like humans (but better) in the way they feel towards different people ... but ... smells play a huge part in how one may react differently to the same treatment.

I avoid perfume or colognes when around my chins.  These can be harmful to them.   

Always wash your hands and around your mouth before you handle or pet your chin.  Lingering food odors can lead a little one to be curious enough to try a bite to see if this new smell tastes good or not.

Sometimes, chinchillas need their own space (much like humans) and you just have to give it to them ... they will do the same for you.   

Now, if you are not properly supporting his legs completely at all times, this might be your problem when it comes to him allowning you to hold him.  It is obvious he wants you to hold him, or he would not come to you and put his paw in your hand, but he must feel safe to let you hold him.   If the chins legs are not properly supported, he thinks he is going to fall and will not feel safe with you. 

I have one chin that is jealous of my husband and me.  Hubby can not hug or kiss me in front of her, or she will spray me everytime I pass the cage for the next couple of days.  She will allow only him to handle her.    We have another that will allow only me to touch him. 

Chinchillas definitely have a mind of their own and moods to match!     So, don't worry, it is all normal.

   Jo Ann