Difficulty relaxing

[mmcc]

I bought two chinchillas yesterday and they are super cute! Anyway they seem to like to play around in their cage and on the wheel when I'm not paying attention. But they seem to freeze and kind of stare at me when I am.

I can tell they are uncomfortable so my question is how long is that going to last?

Also, is there anything I can do to help them get acclimated?

I don't feel like I should take them out of the cage yet. Last night I left the door open but they didn't come out. Is there any reason to pull them out of there cage?

 

[javachin]

Chins can take any length of time to get used to their new environment, sometimes even months. Just be patient and go about your normal routine and they'll eventually get used to you. At this point, unless its absolutely necessary, I wouldn't take them out of the cage. Just give them time.

 

[Riven]

My personal theory is you treat them from day one what you plan on treating them like later. I use this with all of my animals, it puts them in a routine. Just doing pussy footing around them now will only cause them to be stressed later when you do want to start handling them. Similar to a puppy. People say oh cute puppy, sleep with them, then wonder why their 140 lb dog won't stay off the bed, off the couch, off the counters...

JMO

 

[mmcc]

Seems like some conflicting opinions here. I should mention that they are a year and half old. I think they were handled by the previous owner but preferred their cages.

I ultimately want them to come out of their cage and hang out and be comfortable.

 

[VikiH]

They may still be a little distressed from the transition from their old owner. They definitely take time to adjust. Allow them to get used to your voice first, then your hand by offering a treat in the cage. Once my chin got used to my hand in the cage, he followed it out. Try not to rush them, they are quite sensitive animals. But, as stated above, if you keep on not handling them they will never get used to it! Good luck with your new little fuzzies

 

[Riven]

There will always be conflicting opinions. The only chins I ever went slow with were any that were so upset they would spray or bite.

 

[VikiH]

Every chin is different - mine quickly fell into a playtime routine and got used to cuddles, some may not be that way, best to sew what works for you