Reassuring a possibly traumatized chinchilla

[StarryNight]

Hello!

I recently adopted a female chinchilla from a friend of a friend who didn't want her anymore. I immediately noticed that she was very skittish and afraid of people but I thought that could be her personality. However, I've started learning more details about her former guardian's treatment of her in the past couple of weeks. Apparently, he would play rough with her as if she was a dog, grab her frequently, and smoke pot around her. He is young and didn't seem to have any knowledge about chinchillas. He said she was friendly when he first got her, climbing on top of him, but that she later became "a b***h". She developed behaviors like spraying urine on him and biting. She hasn't done those things with me although she will sometimes get up as if she is about to pee if I reach into her cage.

It's been about a month now. I've been patient and gentle with her and there has been some progress. She was terrified of me at first but now she will jump on me at playtime, eat pellets from my hand, and sometimes tolerates being held (struggles for a second and then stops). "Sometimes" is the operative word as she is quite moody. She will come to sniff my fingers on some day and get up as if to pee on me on others when I reach into her cage. I am not sure what is different for her because I've tried to establish a routine.

I did make some mistakes with her during the first week. I would chase her to put her back in her cage. But after I learned that was too scary, I've started leaving her cage in the play room. She jumps back in by herself so I don't have to catch her. I don't think she completely trusts me yet because she always has an eye on me when I am nearby. But the fact that she jumps on me during playtime is a positive sign, right? And today, she nibbled the tip of my nose when I held her up at eye-level. I wasn't sure if that was a sign of affection or a request to put her down.

Is she still traumatized from her past guardian's behavior? If so, how can I reassure I won't hurt her? I've been lurking around here and reading chinchilla info pretty much since I made the decision to adopt her. But I worry that there might be something I am missing. Do you have any advice? I just want her to feel safe.

 

[ticklechin]

I had a rescue that was physically and emotionally abused by a teenage boy, it took 6 years to tame her, its just going to take time and more time when they are that damaged.

 

[Godofgods]

My first chin was the same way. Came from a bad environment for a chin. Completely traumatized. He would freak out if anyone even came near his cage, much less him. - Today i have 5 chins, and he is by far the friendliest.

It can take a lot of time and patience. You may even want to not let him out for a good while. He is already scared. New environment, new ppl, new smells, new sounds, its a lot to get used to. You may want to let him adjust to all that before letting him out. Otherwise it could only end up scaring him even more.

Nibbling from chins/grooming you is a good sign. And some times they will do that and get carried away and use a little to much pressure. An innocent mistake on there part. Buts its quiet different then actually trying to bite someone. Biting of course is never rly a good sign.

 

[Pepperpot]

It deeply saddens me to hear of chinchillas that suffer abuse or trauma. Well done you for taking this poor chinchilla on. Patience and empathy are now needed to help this little animal cope. One of my boys is a rescue case, and came to me traumatised. He's now just starting to show interest in his toys, and my other chins. He's been a difficult and demanding little boy, but I don't regret a moment of the time spent with him. It cheers me greatly to see his cheeky little face peeping out of his nest box in the morning, and then getting excited at the prospect of breakfast. :wink3:

 

[StarryNight]

Godofgods, playtime seems to be her favorite time though. She makes these chirping sounds and jumps around. She seems more curious than scared. It's when she is in her cage that she is grumpy. She stands up on her hind legs and grabs the bars. I've just ordered a bigger cage for her, a hammock, and more chew toys. Hopefully, that will help her feel more at home. I also just discovered that she likes music! I played her some light music on my phone. Her ears perked up, she came closer, and then she lied down and closed her eyes. I've never seen her so relaxed!

I'm really optimistic about her. Any ideas for bonding and getting her to trust me specifically? Should I hold her everyday or give her space?

 

[Minccino]

Poor Chinny. Chinchillas are smart and have a good memory. She will know the difference between you & the previous owner, so I think she will come around to trusting you. It will just take time and patience. :heart5: