Behavior Question

[Annieo]

I've only had my chinchilla Handbag for less than 2 weeks so bear with me

Handbag seems to have adapted quite happily to his new surroundings. He comes out of his cage, jumps and runs around, popcorns a few times and eventually goes back to his cage. There he will run around on his flying saucer and then run up to the top level and stand up with his face into the corner. Kinda of like how humans play hide-n-go-seek and you're the "seeker." Then after a minute or two, he sprints out of the cage for another round of running.

He doesn't seem to be frightened of anything as he hops into his cage readily and takes a spin on his saucer, maybe grabs a snack, etc.

I just don't know if he's playing? or retreating to his cage for another reason. He's not startled of anything before he jumps into the cage. Usually I'm on the floor doing exercises or something and he'll come over and check me out, wander around, and then hop up to his cage without any sense of urgency before he goes to the corner.

I appreciate any guidance.

Annie

 

[VolunteerChin22]

Hi Annie

I think Handbag (lol) is just being cautious in his exploring - when I had my first chin he would do the same thing come out, hop in, come out, hop in, come out a step, hop in...It wont be long before he just stays out and hops in when he's tired or wants a bite to eat...

 

[caiti]

Simplest answer: Sounds normal; chins are weird.

My chin does that also. Both retreating to her cage and sitting facing a corner. I don't think I've seen her do the latter in between runs around the room, but I wouldn't be surprised by it either. His cage is his safe place, so he's probably just going back for added security until he gets curious again about what's outside of it. I wouldn't worry about it, personally.

 

[QnMidnight]

Since he's still in a fairly new environment, it could be that he wants to explore, but also wants to make sure his new home is still where he left it. Things just changed a lot for him, so maybe he's making sure they're not changing again while his back is turned.

 

[Annieo]

Thank you! I was figuring it was that. Funny Midnight your comment about making sure nothing changes when his back is turned. :laughitup: