Chinchilla Community Forums

Chinchillas => Q & A => Topic started by: Beth on February 08, 2008, 07:23:25 PM

Title: flying saucer teaching methods?
Post by: Beth on February 08, 2008, 07:23:25 PM

Hi guys!  I was so excited to set up and have Lulu use the flying saucer.  But it's been several weeks and she doesn't know how to use it.  She just hops on and off occasionally to get from section to section of her cage.  Does anyone know a way to teach them how?  She won't let me hold her yet so it's not like I can hold her there and show her how.  Please let me know your experiences and/or advice!  Thank you!

Title: Re: flying saucer teaching methods?
Post by: KCchins on February 11, 2008, 08:31:22 AM

My chins took a while to learn the flying saucer.  What seemed to work here was showing them with my fingers how the wheel turned.  I would "walk" my fingers on the wheel which would turn it. 

Title: Re: flying saucer teaching methods?
Post by: rodafer on February 11, 2008, 08:36:46 AM

you might be suprised, maybe she is doing it at night when you are sleeping like my chin did. at first she would never get on it, until one night i just happened to get up to use the restroom and there she was just working up a sweat. she didnt even notice me! she was a pro!

Title: Re: flying saucer teaching methods?
Post by: Beth on February 11, 2008, 02:52:19 PM

thanks guys!  I also did some research online and some said to use a raisin on a stick to have them walk on it! ::shrug::

Title: Re: flying saucer teaching methods?
Post by: paulfg on February 11, 2008, 04:13:22 PM

We have never had a problem.  Our newest chins only ran when we went to bed and we would sneak down to "catch them". We recently added a 5th chin and moved the others cage and they have started running 24/7 so maybe they liked the move?

To be totally honest I have never had to train a chin to do anything - they are very intelligent! We havebeen pretty blessed with our 5 so far!

Good luck!

Paul

 ;)