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1

General Chat / Re: Help with neglected chinchilla

« on: May 08, 2019, 01:02:49 PM »

Hi I am very familiar with this topic. In Janurary I rescued a 2 year old chinchilla. She had little to no human interaction,a 1 story hamster cage that was literally being held together by zip ties. She had poor quality food, not enough hay, no toys, and no way of exercise. When I brought her home she was a little stressed out, especially since our dog discovered her. I got her a 4 story cage, a wheel, huts, toys, quality food, and much social interaction. She let me pet her and was a little uncomfortable with that but warmed up to it. She doesn't like to be handled and I respect that. As of last month our bonding got much better. She jumps on my shoulder for transportation, she know tricks, when I walk into the room, she immediately gets out to say hi. No longer feels the need to hide in her huts and sleeps in plain site. She and our Husky/Malamute even get along to the point he sleeps in the same room and I feed her while he is there. It took a lot to get to this point however. It takes time and be patient. As long as she gets time out the cage, quality food, fresh water, and a lot of socialization and love he will be happy and healthy. It was easier for me to bond with her cuz despite she being neglected, she has a very social and outgoing personality and craves attention. Yours may not be like that and may take some time, but be patient. One thing you can do is play music for him or set up a tv. Many chinchillas love tv and music. Mine actually dosn't like music on the radio but if I pull out ANY of my guitar ( eletric, acoustic, or bass) she comes out and watches.

2

General Chat / Re: Where can I get a nice wooden shelter house?

« on: May 08, 2019, 12:48:39 PM »

The best place to go for chinchilla needs is TJs chinchillas. His Wood huts are very cute and has some awesome fleece, treats and toys. He also custom makes toys for you if you don'y see anything you like and he charges only for the materials he uses. http://www.tjschinchillasupplies.com/

3

General Chat / Re: A Special question for the Ladies ....

« on: May 08, 2019, 12:31:49 PM »

Ive aqctually never payed much attention to it but I will now

4

General Chat / Re: I saved a life tonight..

« on: May 08, 2019, 12:30:33 PM »

Yeah those hay balls suck. You can get a wooden hay feeder or can get the one I have. Its the only kaytee product i trust and it works perfectly. https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&source=images&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwit89WTyIziAhUTx58KHaUAAU4QjRx6BAgBEAU&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FKaytee-Rollin-Dispenser-Colors-Vary%2Fdp%2FB0006G7TCU&psig=AOvVaw2YUPq_3GIRBvqI3R7QP8am&ust=1557426542157291
Ive never had issues with it. It does have plastic on it but Roo has never chewed on it and she chews on everything. This one can hang, stand, and roll depending on your chinchillas intrest.

5

General Chat / Random Fur slipping.

« on: May 08, 2019, 12:26:50 PM »

Hi I have noticed recently that my chinchilla is fur slipping. She doesnt have bald spots but I find clumps of fur around the cage. She isnt paired with another chinchilla and I don't handle her at all, she jumps on my shoulder. Why would she be fur slipping?

6

General Chat / Re: My chinchilla is still afraid of me!

« on: May 08, 2019, 12:24:46 PM »

I may be able to help. I have tamed many animals who don't trust people. What I would do is while she is eating see if she will let you watch while standing in front of the cage. If not take a few steps back. Eventually she will get used to you there while eating and at this point you can take a few steps foward and see if she is fine with that. If so watch her eat while standing in front of the cage for a week, at any distance that she is ok with. After a while of doing this you can see if you can touch the cage bars or slightly open the cage. Progressively get to the point where you can have your hand resting in the cage while eating. Talking to her through this entire process will help. If she is fine with that see if you can gently pet her. If you get to this point, it would be a amazing change. You can stop at that or you can continue to try to build a better bond. See if she will eat out of her food bowl while you are holding or touching it. This is a bigger step and she might be uncomfortable. If she gets used to that see if she will eat out of your hand.  In my experience, if an animal trust you around their food it is the greatest honor you can get from them. I would however for the next week, before starting this, leave her be to calm down. I would wait 2 weeks for you to let her out. When you do I would get small treats and see if she will come to you. If she does give her one and start rewarding her for being around you. I would make sure there is nothing she can crawl under or jump on. The best way to do this is to use pillows to cover areas or use cut up, flattened box to cover the areas. This will take time and don't push and of the training to far too fast. You know your chinchilla better than anyone and if you think she is too stressed out during these times, take a step back. One last thing. If she panics during these training methods and runs away, don't completely walk away, just take a step or two back. If you walk away she will learn that all she has to do to get you away from her is to run away. Like the others said she may never warm up to you. 5 years old is pretty old to be teaching social skills and she may never learn. Also do you know where she came from? What her past home was like? Mine was neglected and took her a while to get used to me. If she was abused in her former home her behaviors would make a lot of sense and would just take more time and patience. It could also be that she is shy. Chinchillas are weird little creature with different personalitys so just take it slow.

7

General Chat / Re: Do you do Chin rescue?

« on: May 08, 2019, 10:45:55 AM »

Hi Nibbler. I want to find a chin mate for my 2 year old chin who has never been paired before. I would need a female and preferably a younger one. How far North are you in California?

8

General Chat / Shredding her toys

« on: May 08, 2019, 10:36:18 AM »

Recently my Roo has done intresting things to her toys that have earner her the name Roo the Shredder. I am curious if any one else chins do this and if its healthy/safe.