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1

Health / Re: Pumice types

« on: October 21, 2009, 09:53:11 PM »

My new chinchins came with 2 pumice stones from their previous owner, but I have yet to see them so much as play with them. The LOVE the little wood blocks I put in there though... although one of them for a reason unknown frequently knaws on the cage bars as well. His teeth don't look bad so let them do as they will. I would guess that as long as what they are chewing isn't harmful to them and they aren't injesting toxic/harmful parts, who cares as long as they are happy and healthy!

2

Q & A / Re: Bonding Advice?

« on: October 07, 2009, 12:59:27 PM »

Hey everyone!

I have recently adopted my sister's 2 chinchins Salt and Pepper. She first got Salt a year and a half ago from a family who didn't realize chinchilla's weren't 'just like hamsters' and then got him a friend from a similar situation so he wouldn't be alone. I gather they are between 3-5 but I'm not sure.

They are not used to being handled, petted or even let out of their cage. I don't particularly like letting them out because Pepper never goes back in on his own and I don't want to leave the room without knowing they are safe. Pepper really likes to chew on the baseboards  Because it's a particularly old apartment I really think that it’s very unsafe for him. Pepper is the more curious of the two, where as Salt will jump out of the cage, but eventually make his way back after an hour or so. So I only let them out when I’m home, and in the living room with them. Pepper has learned that he isn’t to go in the kitchen so far.

Is it too late to train them to be handled? I've cleaned the cage twice, and each time I went to scoop them out, they panic and scratch me. I don't particularly care about my hands, but I don't want them to be so upset because this is their new home. I have the same cage, toys, food etc that they had over at my sister's, but she didn't really play with them or anything. I would really like the chance to play with them and be affectionate, and it is really good to have some other heartbeats in the house. Am I out of luck because they are older and set in their ways? or do I just have to be persistent and patient? I don’t expect them to do super tricks or anything- I just want them to be happy and enjoy my company. Thoughts?

Thanks!