making noises while out of cage and seems to be looking for something

[jburnham00]

So i just rescued a chin(thor) from someone on craigslist. Today is the third day ive had him. And today during play time he was making a sqeeking type of noise and running around like he was looking for something. Is this normal and when should i be really trying to pick him up so he can bond and feel more comfortable with me

 

[kellylynnmarie]

Sounds like he's just checking out his new surroundings. I have two boys who will periodically still do the same thing and they've had the same playroom for over 2 years. Sometimes different smells (even simply a window open) or a different surrounding makes them very curious (and cautious of course).

I've had to separate mine for fighting so they get separate play times. Which means sometimes they'll squeak to ensure there is no one else around. They want to know they're safe AND warn others that they are there and it's their space.

But it's totally normal. They are curious animals!

I always suggest taking some time (days or weeks or months) to let them come explore you (if you grab at them first they can get skittish). Mine got comfortable with me when they were out of their cage because I would lay on the ground on my stomach and I became a jungle gym... they got to play on my back without me grabbing at them and know I wasn't going to harm them. Eventually I sat up, they climbed on my legs and I was able to pet them. It also helps to talk to them in a calming voice. Mine seem to talk back sometimes too!

 

[Rara814]

I agree with Kelly, it is way too soon for you to try to pick him up, it could ruin any chance at a bond with him. He may end up feeling threatend by you. A key way to help him warm up to is open up his cage and offer him a treat when he starts coming near you. After a bit of doing this slowly start petting him. I really like her idea of laying with them, I've never thought of that. bust just give it time, he will warm up.

 

[kellylynnmarie]

Yes, treats are a good way, too. However, Splinter used to just steal them and run to the back corner so for bonding it wasn't the best for us.

They like to be above everything (hence the ledges and giving their cages some height). So by me being on the floor on my belly, he could jump on me or on the chair and be taller than me. Which let him know that I was not a threat. A good tactic that's worked with all my boys.

 

[SeeleyAnne]

Mine does this too! But he never seems to be looking for anything. We've had him for 6 months (since he was 10 weeks old) and he is really comfortable with us. When we let him out for play time, he will be out for a while, and be running around, and eventually he will hide behind the couch and make a squeaking sound that sounds exactly like a squeaky toy. I don't know what it means! Does he get scared or something?