love nibbles

[midgemidge2000]

One of my chinchillas has a really bad habit of giving a little love nibble. It dosen't hurt but it needs to stop ,because I don't want someone to mistake it for a bite. If anyone has any suggestions it would really help!!!








Proud mommy of Coya and Ruby

 

[pingpongbb]

I read on another forum that chinchillas give each other a lil nip on the nose as an affectionate hello so its like a chinny kiss!Have you tried just saying no and pulling away? its a difficult one

 

[Peep_erz]

I let my chins nibble/groom me. If they do it too hard I kack at them the way they kack at each other if they don't like it. If you are really afraid someone is going to mistake it for a bite I would just not let anyone stick their fingers in.

 

[Luci]

i agree with peeperz. your chin likes to bond with you...i wouldnt discourage that.

sometimes Gizmo is a bit edgy and will bite (more like a grab with his mouth, then holds it there). so when people want to pet him i always tell them to pet behind his head or on his back- that way they feel how uber soft he is too!!

 

[Cuddlebug]

Chinchillas love to groom the people they have bonded with. I recommend explaining the behavior to anyone who comes near and warning them that if they stick their fingers in the cage, they will get nibbled. If they don't want to be nibbled, they shouldn't be putting their hands in the chinchilla's cage.

 

[Airyn]

I wouldn't discourage the behavior at all. That's how they show love. All four of mine groom me daily. Sometimes they get really into it and pick up each finger to nibble, working their way down the line until all fingers have been given some love. It's a nice little routine we have in the morning and at night. I also kack at them if they nibble too hard, but it's rare that it comes to that. When I have visitors, I always warn them. Generally people listen, but if your group doesn't, you can always stick a sign near the cage, out of chinnie reach.

 

[midgemidge2000]

thanks guys... i don't think of it as a problem but i am a kid and live w/ my mom and she thinks it is annoying and wants her to stop. i know that is not something to discourage. i will now warn people if they come to pet either one of my chinnies thst they nibble.

 

[Chin_Up_Sunshine]

I just warn people before they try to stick their fingers in the cage that they are likely to get a "taste test" nibble.
But for people I'm worried about I just don't let them near the cage. Problem solved.

 

[Jenn]

I agree with the others, don't discourage your chin from bonding with you. It is a show of affection and not meant to be aggressive at all. My chin does occasionally chomp down too hard and I just use the word, NO, be gentle, and she seems to understand. Anyone that approaches your chin should be warned that chins will nibble, and that it is not the same as a bite. I have 2 sons that I constantly remind that it is ok for her to nibble on them.

 

[mishellyshel]

thanks guys... i don't think of it as a problem but i am a kid and live w/ my mom and she thinks it is annoying and wants her to stop. i know that is not something to discourage. i will now warn people if they come to pet either one of my chinnies thst they nibble.

tell your mom to keep her hand out of the cage and it will stop.

seriously though i also would not discourage or tap on the nose. if you dont want a chin to nibble, than tell your visitor to refrain from putting their hand in the cage.

i tell my kids all the time not to put thier fingers in any of the pet cages unless they want to get nibbled. a lot of times they think they are getting a treat, especially my guinea pig. it is instict, their nature, and somtimes habit.

 

[midgemidge2000]

tell your mom to keep her hand out of the cage and it will stop.

seriously though i also would not discourage or tap on the nose. if you dont want a chin to nibble, than tell your visitor to refrain from putting their hand in the cage.

i tell my kids all the time not to put thier fingers in any of the pet cages unless they want to get nibbled. a lot of times they think they are getting a treat, especially my guinea pig. it is instict, their nature, and somtimes habit.

hahahaha. that is funny. i will tell my mom that !!!:laughitup: