Light nips / light bites??

hillary.a.webb · Nov 18, 2009

My chin has been doing this thing where he walks out onto my arms and nips up and down the skin, it's not hard, he's not trying to break the skin and he doesn't appear threatened. At first I thought he was testing to see if I was edible or something, but after awhile, I have to hope that he realizes he can't eat my arm.

Is this a common thing? Is it bad, good, just strange? It doesn't annoy me, I just want to make sure it isn't an indicator of maybe him being a future bite-happy chin or him being upset with me...

He's very new to my house, we just got him Friday the 13th and he seems to be making really good progress in terms of his being comfortable with me.

Kansas City Chinchillas · Nov 18, 2009

This is very common behavior and a sign he likes you. He is grooming you just like he would another chin.

hillary.a.webb · Nov 18, 2009

Thank you!

Can I ask a follow up? He's still doing the grooming thing on my arm, but he's taking to nipping on the hand, grabbing with his teeth and pulling my hand into his cage.

He's a non-neutered boy, is this some sort of male thing? He's only supposed to be six months old...

Kansas City Chinchillas · Nov 18, 2009

It sounds as though he likes you. I don't think it's a male thing but no 2 chins are alike.

Gizmo24 · Nov 18, 2009

he loves you!!

Bethany2386 · Nov 20, 2009

All of my boys bite my fingers or hand and pull it towards the inside of the cage. It does hurt sometimes, but they just are playful! My boys also try to stick their noses out through the bars so that I can kiss them. And they show off for me in their own way. My boy, Tubz, will run in his wheel for a few seconds, stop, look at me, then do it again. I think he is just saying, "Look at what I can do, mama!!!!" It makes me smile and laugh!

Jenn · Nov 20, 2009

My chin loves to nibble on me. Most of the time it is gentle, but ocassionally she will bite too hard. I really don't think she means to, she just gets too carried away in her grooming of me. I agree with the others that it is a sign of affection and that your chin likes you and your company.