Chinchilla biting?

[ChinNewb]

hello i'm a brand new chin owner of about 2 weeks and I just have a concern I would like the communities take on.

Our chin is super cute and enjoys us around her cage and loves to be petted and scratched behind her ears and such but now she keeps trying to nibble on our fingers. At first it didn't hurt and I just assumed she was trying to decide if there were something edible on me or something but now it is starting to hurt when she bites. What is causing this or what can I do to help change this behavior.

Thanks in advance

 

[Kansas City Chinchillas]

It's normal for chins to nibble on fingers and chew finger nails. It's a form of grooming and loving you.
Be sure to wash your hands before you handle her so your hands don't smell like food or something good to eat.

Sometimes when a chin (especially a young chin) is nibbling they will nibble too hard. Personally I don't think they realize they are hurting you. So you need to tell her that it hurts. I usually do this by saying "no bite" in a gruff manner and move my finger from the mouth. Then I talk with the chin about it. From my experience they learn pretty quickly to nibble gently. It might take a couple of times for her to understand. Don't act afraid of her.

 

[Lynn & The Chins]

I agree...plus, I usually kack at them like they do when they don't like something that I'm doing to them. :thumbsup:

 

[Cuddlebug]

Whatever you are doing, co not back off because the chinchilla is nipping. If you do, you will teach it that biting gets her what she wants. For example, if you are picking her up when she does it, tell her no, gently but firmly, continue to pick her up and try not to flinch or withdraw. She will learn pretty quickly.

 

[Anna35]

I agree...plus, I usually kack at them like they do when they don't like something that I'm doing to them. :thumbsup:

That's what I do to my little Wakka but she is still young (7 months) and she stops when I kack at her....lol she is getting better about it now though