Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

This section allows you to view all posts made by this member. Note that you can only see posts made in areas you currently have access to.

1

Q & A / Re: Handling Chinchillas

« on: April 24, 2008, 11:10:53 AM »

Thanks all for the advise.  We seem to be getting closer.  Every time I go anywhere near the cage, he stands up and reaches for me (or the treat he thinks I may have... maybe he doesn't know he's limited so he won't get fat!).  He closes his eyes now when I rub his neck or behind the ears.  You advise seems right on, he's climbing on my lap, likes petting or rubbing for only short periods of time and for the most part, seems very busy, so he takes off just running around the cage for no reason at all.  He's not running on the saucer yet, but I did put a silent wheel in his cage so maybe he can get used to that first.

Can you all tell me what kind of toys you have for your chins? I bought some tubes and some wood chews of various kinds, but I don't want him to get bored.  Can they chew leather, like the kind on parrot toys, I'm thinking of the ones that hang and have bells on the bottom.

2

Q & A / Handling Chinchillas

« on: April 22, 2008, 12:07:13 AM »

I have a new chinchilla.  I believe he is two years old.  He was purchased and then surrendered to the SPCA, then adopted out and offered to me by the new owner.  I have a lot of animals and keep them once I make a commitment to them, so this guy has a stable home now.

My question is:  What should I expect form him as far as touching/handling/etc.?  Also, will he learn to run on a wheel?

He loves being rubbed behind the ears and will tolerate me petting him down the back a few times, and he likes his tummy rubbed if I catch him stretched up on the cage.  I have been working with him slowly, trying to make friends with him.  I have seen definate progress in that he seems to be getting used to me, so will come to me for a treat and allow some touching.  I want to be able to pick him up and stoke his back, cuddle him, that kind of thing, but I've read some conflicting information.  Some sources say they don't like to be held and some sources say they like cuddling with their owners.  I bought two play pens and I put them together outside his cage every evening so he can get some exercise, he loves coming out and always protests when it's time to go back in the cage.  I also bought him a saucer-type exercise wheel and a regular enclosed plastic wheel, neither has bars to catch tail or legs in.  He has not figured out how to use them yet.

What have your experiences been?  Any tips appreciated.