Maybe chinchillas are not the usual pet choices like rabbits, gerbils, or hamsters, but they are also very attractive. Like rabbits, gerbil mice, and hamsters, chinchillas also include rodents with fine hair and medium tails. This animal comes from South America. If you are raised from a young age, your chinchilla will get used to being comfortable with you. Hold the chinchilla firmly to make it feel secure.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Getting the Chinchilla Used to You
Step 1. Give the chinchilla time
Let the new chinchilla rest in its new cage. Give him a few days to adjust to the contents of the house. When ready to introduce yourself, make sure you wash your hands first. Make sure your hands smell like your body, not like the object or food you've just come into contact with..
Step 2. Let the chinchilla get used to you
In a friendly manner, use food to introduce yourself to the animal. Hold chinchilla food (timothy hay - a type of forage grass - or green vegetables and cactus fruit) in the palm of your hand. Position your palms horizontally. Chinchilla will come to check it out. Let the animal sniff your hand and get its own food.
Once the chinchilla is comfortable enjoying the food from your hand, hold it with your finger. Feed the chinchilla once over a few days, until the animal is comfortable
Part 2 of 3: Approaching the Chinchilla
Step 1. Approach the chinchilla slowly
Chinchillas may feel a little nervous. So take a gentle approach as possible so as not to stress him out. Usually chinchillas do not bite, but tend to avoid.
Step 2. Speak calmly to the chinchilla and gently stroke it
Chinchillas are more active in the afternoon, while during the day these animals prefer to spend most of their time sleeping. This is the reason why during the day chinchillas prefer a quiet atmosphere.
Keep in mind that chinchillas are rodents that are common prey. That is, the animal will run and hide to protect themselves. If the chinchilla runs away from you, don't chase it. It will only make the chinchilla more afraid
Part 3 of 3: Holding and Lifting a Chinchilla
Step 1. Hold the chinchilla with a towel
If the chinchilla is squirming, consider lifting it up by wearing leather gloves or using a towel. This way your hands will be protected if the chinchilla tries to bite. Keep the chinchilla in the towel and pet it for a while. In no time, successful control efforts will help the bonding process between you and your chinchilla.
Holding your chinchilla in a towel will also prevent you from pinching the nape and shedding its fur. Make sure you choose a towel or blanket made of light. Do not leave the chinchilla on the towel/blanket for too long, as the animal may overheat
Step 2. Gently place your hands around the chinchilla's chest
You should place your palms under his stomach with your fingers extended toward his back. While lifting him, slide one of your hands so that it supports his back leg and waist.
If you have to, you can lift the chinchilla at the junction of the base of the tail and the body in no time. Do not make the body of the chinchilla dangle. To avoid injury, immediately place the chinchilla on your other forearm
Step 3. Lift and bring the chinchilla close to your body
Hold the chinchilla firmly between your chest and hands. Make sure that one of your hands continues to support the leg from below. If you tug on the fur, the chinchilla may go bald, even though it can take months to grow back.
Some chinchillas like to be supported on the bottom of their front legs which allows them to sit in an upright position
Step 4. Slowly introduce the chinchilla into its cage
When you have finished handling the chinchilla, slowly bend over toward the open cage. Make sure you don't put pressure on the animal while doing this. Stick the chinchilla up to the cage door and carefully insert it. You should still support the buttocks and legs.
Tips
- Do not chase or corner the chinchilla. The animal will feel frightened and may bite.
- Always be careful not to let the chinchilla jump out of your hand. Position yourself close to the ground or a soft landing area to prevent injury if the chinchilla falls.
