New Chin Owner

[mommabear0306]

Hello everyone. I am new to the site and have been trying to read older posts but most of what I see is about kits. I just got two beautiful chinchillas about two weeks ago. However, they are not kits, nor have they had an easy life. This is their back story:http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/400-Chinchillas-Rescued-in-Vista-272041951.html

So we got two of these little ones. One is 10 and one is 7. Both girls. Complete opposites. They are very different in personality. We have a Ferret Nation cage for them. Right now they are separated. The 10 year old is more mobile but also has more attitude. The 7 yr old is more docile but doesn't seem to run or play.

When we take them out of the cage (one at a time) they hide. They don't run around. They don't play. They just hide.

I'm just wondering how long do you think it'll be before they warm up. I understand it varies by the animal. I think I'm just nervous about having gotten these two critters and I might be doing more harm than good. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Chinmama]

It can take a while for chinchillas to warm up to you, especially if they are older and not used to human interaction. Sit in the room with them during playtime and talk to them, or read out loud. They are prey animals, so they are just hiding because they aren't sure if you're going to try to eat them or not.

Sometimes it can take a week, sometimes it can take six months...it just depends on their personality and your patience and persistence. I can tell you from experience, however long it takes it is absolutely worth it. Once you have gained their trust, you will be something to chew, a jungle gym, a perch and a treat dispenser. A slave to them basically.

 

[Godofgods]

if you just got these chins, then you may want to just keep them in the cage for a good long while. Don't let them out. They don't deal well with stress. Having just moved and being in new cages, new environment, new ppl around, and new noises is going to put them on edge a bit. Being let out could just cause even more stress at the moment. They can lose the feeling of safety/protection that the cage provides. You can try again later once they are adjusted.

Fyi: my first chin had a rough back story as well. He was kinda neurotic and paranoid when i took him in. Now today is is the most lovable of all 5 of my chins!

 

[Macaroni and Chiz]

If you just got them maybe leave them in the cage for 4 days to a week, so they can get used to their new surroundings. Just reach your hand in there to feed them. You can try giving them a treat, but let them come to you. Depending on the chin, it can take a long time or a short time for them to warm up to you, just be patient. If you have any other questions feel free to ask!!

 

[Cuddlebug]

Due to their background, these chins are probably scared to death because they were taken from a calm, quiet home and then bounced around like crazy by people they do not know. Also, they were kept in small cages and now you have them in huge cages. This can be absolutely terrifying for them. Give them lots of attention and patience and they will eventually be fine.

 

[Chinmama]

Also, keep in mind that they have never been out for playtime before, so this is all new to them.

 

[mommabear0306]

Thanks for all the advice!

Thank you everyone for the words of encouragement. I'm happy to say that they are both still alive and kicking. We've named them Sugar (the 7 yr old) and Spice (the 10 yr old). Sugar has finally taken her first unassisted dust bath since we've had her. Before, she wouldn't get in either tub we offered her so I landed up sprinkling the dust on her and rubbing it in. But now she rolls around in it, although she isn't as enthusiastic as Spice is.
They are both eating and pooping a lot which from what I've read is pretty normal. We've started giving them time on the floor (closely supervised and only about 10 min) but they still seem to just try to find hiding spots.
Spice is chewing on the apple wood sticks and the wood toys but Sugar shows improvement in her exploration of the cage. Going to take them next week to the vet to make sure they haven't lost any weight and are still healthy.

Just wanted to give a thank you to all the kind words and let you know things are looking up. Thanks for letting me into this great community!

 

[Godofgods]

Hope everything goes well for them!