How to train chinchilla

Question
QUESTION: Hi
Its me again:) lol

Every time I let my chin out, he doesn't have a problem getting out. He LOVES when hes let out. He runs all over my room, and hides under the dresser and desk, then runs out. Its cute.

But, Leo(my chin), doesn't trust me yet. I've only gotten to the point where, I would put my fingers in front of him to sniff me, then pet him a bit, then I'd place my hands flat where the door is, and he'd jump onto them, and stay there compfterably.
Now, he would jump off ocastionaly, and jump back on again. He's actually climbed up my arms a few times. Sniffing me and that. Mind you, he jumped of me and onto the table behind me when he did that, but anyway..

What I would do, is make steps for Leo to climb out himself, and then open the cage. He'd run to the door and come out and do his thing.

But, when it comes time to put him back in, he's very difficult to put back in. He'd run and hide under the dresser and desk. Sometimes make those "get away!" sounds.

I hate chasing after him, it always makes him scared of me. When I can, I use a towel, or something to catch him. And I'm quite gentle when handling him. But, he fusses. I know he doesn't want to be handled.
He's getting better, but still doesn't like it.

I'd like to know, if there is a way to training Leo for getting him back into his cage?
Please help me

Adriana




ANSWER: Hi again Adriana,

You can't really 'train' a chinchilla, to be honest. I had that same problem with my Chinchilla at the very start too.

Another key thing is to never chase a chinchilla. The outcome  makes things a lot worse and winds the chinchilla up making it hide/go all the faster and it stresses the chinchilla out a massive amount. You would not want to take him to stage one again when you have gotten so far with him.

You could try and get one of these dustbaths:
http://www.rabbitrodentferret.org/rabbitrodentferret.org/products/dustbath.jpg
You could use it during playtime and keep it there for him to go in and out of. Then when he is in again and you want to put him back scoop it up.

I wouldn't suggest using this exact dustbath for his ACTUAL dustbaths as these are quite unhygienic; harbouring bacteria.
A tin baking pan would be the best thing for dustbaths.

You could also put his cage on the floor for him to go in and out of. He would see this as yet another place to go during playtime. Do not do anything the first time he goes in. You want him to see that when he goes in you do not close him in. My Chinchilla loves to go in and out of his cage rapidly!

Mae.


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Ah, ok.

Yeah, I knew that chasing him wasn't the best idea.
Ok then. I'll give it a shot.

Now, for dust baths....I've noticed that some chinchilla owners do not put their baths in their cages.
When they come out, thats their dust bath/play time.

Now, for Leo, I DO keep the dust bath in his cage. And his fur is quite nicley clean and smooth. And not scruffy at all. Or messy like.
Now, I've resieved 2 other chinchillas. Rightnow, I'm in the procces of interuducing them. They are all males.

They owner that ha them before me, told me she gave them a dust bath once a day. But, their fur looks nothing like Leos. I'm no talking abou the colour either.
It seems, that thier fur is messy. Like it looks "un brushed". Not that I would go and brush the chinchillas lol.

But anyway...
Is this healthy for the new chinchillas?
Is my keeping the dust bath in the cage better? If not...
Do I just take the bath out, or would I have to slowly get Leo out from the bath in the cage?

Adriana

Answer
Okay, VERY IMPORTANT! You have to do a quarantine with your new chinchillas. They have to be seperated at ALL times from Leo for 30 DAYS.

This means that if they have any invisible/visible illnesses or are carrying any diseases it won't get to your current chinchilla.
(Do not let them share anything. Including dustbaths, waterbottles, room etc.) Remember to wash your hands in between handling them. (Leo and other chins)

I simply give playtime everyday in which his dustbath is provided 3 of those days...3 times a week.

Your chinchillas have a high chance of not getting on. Especially because 2 of them are already mates. Please make sure that the males ARE males.

Mae.