How soon to leave cage?

[Rachel]

Hello! Madeleine and Sophie have been living with me for 8 days now. They weren't looked after very well where they used to live. Madeleine got out of the cage on the second night (previous people didn't tell me she was an escape artist!) and last night when i was playing with them through the door of the cage Madeleine made Sophie jump so she leapt out of the cage and had a lovely time running about. Today Sophie deliberatly got out of the cage. Previously she hadn't shown any interest in the wide world.

So I am wondering if it would be ok to let them both out tomorrow evening, or is it too soon? I keep reading that they should remain in their cage of at leasr 2 weeks, but Sophie at least seems to think differently! I don't want to rush them and was trying to establish a routine of play then bath then treat then feed so that when i did let them out they'd return to cage to complete the routine.

Hope that made sense! Many thanks!

 

[Jazicat]

I actually go by how bold the chinchilla is and if it is coming out of the cage on it's own. Once they are interested in exploring outside the cage they get out time. I have always timed first play times because if a chinchilla is not in shape as they will wear themselves out and could overheat. Usually it's 5-10 minutes the first week and I add 5 minutes each week until I get to 20 to 30 minutes. All of my guys my guys started out a little clumsy because they weren't used to out times and tired easily. After a few weeks they can popcorn and surf the walls of the playpen amazingly fast.

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[Dusty Foot Prints]

We let Annabelle out the second day we had her, but my daughter had already had playtime with her at Crysta's (Essentia) house, so they were familiar with each other. I agree with the advice to let the chin be your guide, you can probably tell if they are ready for playtime.

 

[nonniemorris]

Mr. Pickles came out for playtime after about 4 days, it all depends on the chin. If they're happy to come out then it sounds like they're ready

 

[Rachel]

Many thanks! Tonight it is then! Sophie has been looking hopefully out of the cage since I got in from work about 20minutes ago!

 

[Rachel]

Hello! Played with them in the cage and then opened the door so they could come out and they changed their minds and both sat on the top shelf! Can't be ready yet, nevermind, plenty of time yet!

 

[Jazicat]

Chinchillas can be so funny. I'm sure you'll be having play time soon.

 

[Dusty Foot Prints]

Yes, I'm sure they will be ready soon. Just be patient. A lot of people here have good luck acclimating their chins by sitting next to the cage and reading to them. It lets them get used to your voice and your smells. Pretty soon their natural curiosity will take over and they'll be climbing all over you.

 

[Rachel]

Many thanks! Will let them take their time. Know that it will take a long time for them to get settled and happy with a person, because their previous home wasn't nice. So will be very patient! In the meantime, Sophie is very happy in her cage and Madeleine is quieter, but I think she's OK (she eats and drinks and baths and runs around, just not as much as Sophie)