First-time chin owner, three bonding questions

[phren]

I have had Sophie, who is about four months old, for a full week now, so there's a really good chance I'm overreacting, but I'm worried about our bonding. She and I had been doing pretty well the past couple of days. She's taken to hanging out in her dust bath (which is fine, I don't want to take away her safe spot), and she frequently pokes her head out to see what's going on. I usually give her a treat (1/2 raisin per day max, and I just got some rose hips), and if she sticks around, I'll start giving her pieces of her food or hay. Here's my first question: is that an acceptable tactic? Would this encourage bonding or would it perhaps make her think that she's always going to be hand fed and thus won't eat on her own? Basically, should I take these opportunities or is that ill advised? The main reason I ask is because I tried giving her a rose hip for her treat last night, but she absolutely would not take it or anything I tried to give her after that (though, I left it in her cage and she did eat it during the night). Does she perhaps feel like I'm violating her safe space?

My second question relates to the first: From what I've read in chin guides to bonding, it's best to offer treats and the like when the chin comes out from their hut/safe spot and approaches the bars. Sophie has not done that once since I brought her home--except when everyone is sleeping but her, which is why I've been offering the treats and food when she's still in her hut. I've been sitting by her cage and talking to her softly like the guides suggest, but it has done nothing from what I can tell, and I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong that she doesn't feel safe enough to come out of her hut or bath house when I or my boyfriend are in the same room.

My third question comes after what happened today: How should I be cleaning her cage? I have no way of getting her out of her cage without scaring her, so I started cleaning her cage today just by taking out the old bedding. It was okay for a few minutes, but as soon as I started moving around the bedding that surrounds her hut, she started squeaking and wouldn't stop until I had been completely away from her cage for about five full minutes. I don't want to upset or frighten her, but her cage needs cleaned. What can I possibly do here?

For the first two, it may be that I'm entirely too worried too soon, but the third question really needs an answer because I can't just let her sit in her own filth. Help?

 

[nightnurse]

They say that chins under 6 months shouldn't receive any treats. Raisins are actually really bad for them- way too much sugar. One every couple of weeks would be pushing it. Look up suitable treats on the forums here- sticks are always acceptable, a cheerio or shredded wheat would be a lot gentler on the stomach.
Is there dust in her dust bath? Dust baths should be limited to 10-15 minutes every couple of days depending on how dry or humid the living area is. Having constant access to the bath can dry out her skin and if she poops or pees in it, she could be spreading unwanted bacteria everywhere- into her eyes or respiratory system- rolling in poop is just asking for an infection.
I lucked out with my boy and didn't have to worry about bonding too much. For the first while you just need to continue sitting by the cage and getting her used to your voice and movements. You could then try setting you hand in the cage and waiting for her to feel comfortable exploring you, a small reward for good behaviour wouldn't hurt but you don't want her to expect it either. It can take a few weeks for them to feel comfortable. When I first got mine it took about 2 1/2 weeks for him to feel safe sleeping with his eyes closed. I was just lucky he was so attention starved all he wanted was to be pet all the time. I would get her a new house to feel safe in [don't get the ones that look like tree stumps- they are glazed with honey, again too sweet].
As far as cleaning her cage I wouldn't attempt to move her out until she is more comfortable. You will just have to clean around her. Spot clean if neccessary. And talk to her lots.
If you just take things slow you will be rewarded with a very trusting chin. Keep checking out the forum, they have a lot of great articles and info sheets posted.
Congratulations on your new fur baby.

 

[Cass C]

It takes a long time to bond with a chinchilla, so be paitent. Also try to get away from the sugary treats. Use something healthy like plain oats (not instant or flavored ones), or even a chin safe stick you can experiment with different types of wood and find your chin's favorite.

As far as the dust bath only leave it in the cage for short periods or empty it completely after bath time. If you don't already have a regular hiding house I reccomend you get one, as this is a much better option for hiding.

You obviously need to clean the cage if it is more than one level you can put your chinchilla on one level and clean the other or if it is one level maybe start with cleaning half the cage at a time. It won't stay as clean, but it will get your baby used to the idea. Hopefully with not much stress.