Holding Chinchilla?

[starlight]

I have just bought a very cute, sweet chinchilla from a breeder. She loves running around and sleeping in her little wooden house, but does not like to be held. Is there a way to somehow "tame" the chinchilla into sitting still while being held?

-Luna

 

[Jadebf700]

From what I have read around the site and advice I have been given, some chinchillas just don't like to be held but can get used to it. I know Buddy squirms like there is no tomorrow but seems to sit stiller if his belly is on my chest and he can see me while he is being held. I hold one hand under his bum and the other by his neck. I also reassure him that it is ok (he probably doesn't understand this but I hope he understands the tone of my voice) and when I put him down I promtly give him a little treat.

 

[ABBY W.]

That is correct, most chinchillas do not like to be held, and will squirm. There are a couple of things you can do though, make sure to keep hold of the base of your chinchilla's tail, NEVER the tip, but hold near the base so they won't jump away from you. Also, always make sure to support their hind feet. Chinnies hate having their feet dangling, it makes them feel insecure. Eventually, your chinchilla shoudl get used to being held and carried, but will probably never really enjoy it.

 

[Olallie]

My chinchilla although not "loves" but likes and tolerates being held. im not sure why, and im not sure how i did that. I guess I just held him alot when he was younger. BOth of my chins that i had when they were 3 months love coming out and sitting on me. While the girl i got at a year old, hates it. And i have to grab her out of the cage to make sure she's ok once in a while.

I guess just make sure they feel comfortable in your hands, and hold them while they eat a treat. I think that helps too.

 

[Mystic]

My older chinchilla, Toby, doesn't really like to be held but he usually just perches himself on my shoulder. If I'm carrying him around I hold him by the base of the tail, even if he is sitting on my shoulder.
He is definitely less tense than my younger chinchilla, Tristan. Tristan usually just hops on and off my hands when I have them in the cage to interact. Where Toby will actually climb on my hands and try to use me as an escape route lol.

 

[Terbear24]

i only have a few chins that enjoy being held and pet but for the most part they may but only if you make them think that it was their idea..... kinda like my husband!

 

[Cuddlebug]

Let him come to you. sit by his cage and place your hand in it. Let him come to you and investigate your hand and arm. don't reach out to him. Let him be the instigator. Do this for several days, until he is used to your hand. You can try placing a small piece of a treat in your hand to encourage him. Once he is used to your hand, start trying to gently lift him when he is in your hand. Don't take him out, just lift. When he starts to stay on your hand during lifting, you can begin to try taking him out of his cage. this can take a lot of time, but it works.

 

[jmdebb]

When you get a new chin you need to build their trust up for you. To do that you would sit by the cage and talk to him in a quiet tone for about 2 weeks so he learns you aren't going to hurt him. Then eventually you can stick your hand in there and like someone else said let him come to you. But it will take time so be patient and he will come around.

 

[Rickman]

I've a female in a run that would rather be held than be in there with the "evil dustpan" doing it's thing!
Today, I held her by the tail on my chest, and she was fine, but next time I'll try putting her on my shoulder, so I can use both hands!