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[Cereal-Killer]

So  I'm getting my chinchilla TOMORROW

I'm very excited, and have been sticking my nose into care websites for almost a month. Every minute feels like days. I'm very apprehensive as well. I have anxiety conditions, leading me to believe worst case scenarios where my chin is sick hurt or worse,  Does anyone have any tips for caring for a new chinchilla, especialy when i'm in school from 7:30 - 3:45? I want to make sure he gets all of the love and attention he needs

Also, I'm most likely going to name him Tate, after Tate Langdon, but if any of you have any other suggestions, I will post a pic of him the minute he gets home.

[GrayRodent]

Considering chinchillas are mostly active after sundown I don't think you'll be missing much. It will be less stressful for your pet if you don't handle him very much at first. You need to give him about two weeks to adjust to his new home. During this time you should leave him in his cage and do not try to pick him up. After that you will have to ease into handling and petting until you have gained his trust.

Remember that chinchillas are not like cats and dogs. They are prey animals like birds and horses. Do not approach them from above or behind if possible and handle yourself in a calm and collected manner around your pet or you will make him nervous. As your pet get used to you and becomes tamer it gets much easier. Do not put yourself in a situation where you must chase your pet if at all possible.

Taming a chinchilla is a process that typically takes months depending on the animal and it should not be done all at once or you will have an animal that is shy. Over time you will be able to do a lot more with him.