New Chinchilla, Few Questions

[Mircat]

Hi everyone. I'm new to this forum and also to chinchillas, although i've owned many other small animals in the past. Well, this past wednesday was when I got my Davy. He is a pink white chinchilla boy, about one and a half years old. He only has one eye due to an accident when he was a baby trying to escape his cage. He was born in a home and handled since a young age because of that, and has been housed with his mom and another male chin. I think he is depressed right now because he no longer sees his owner or friends. I went to see him a few days before getting him and I fell in love because he was so friendly, and he even perched right up on his owners shoulder in a jacket hood. I thought he was a sweet chin, but he bites me a lot. I do admit i've made mistakes because I've rushed into petting him, holding him, and letting him run around the house. He barked at me a few times the other day, but other than that he's just always huddled up in his cage, seemingly unresponsive. I can stick my hand or a treat or food in front of his face, pet him, even lift up his paws and rub his tummy, and pick him up but as soon as he's up he squirms and bites. But I think it's weird how unresponsive he is :/
I really don't know what to do. I included some pictures.

 

[lauralynne]

Start over and take it slow. He's not used to you or his new environment. Try spending time by his cage just talking or reading out loud. Let him get used to his new home. He'll adjust.

You may also get him a cuddle buddy. Several members on the forum sell them.

Hope that helps!

 

[Mircat]

What is a cuddle buddy? is it like a stuffed toy I can put I'm there for him?
Also, we seemed to make some progress this morning. He came right up to the door for q treat and climbed on my hands and let me pet him :') I tried the whole "lay on the floor for your chin" thing last night during play time with a treat for him and he would climb on my legs and come up to my face.

 

[lauralynne]

It's a small stuffed animal or pillow made from fleece and filled with fleece (the only material suitable for chins).

 

[Newt]

You haven't had him for very long, so he's still getting used to his new home. I am sure he'll become more friendly and responsive as his confidence grows!

He's gorgeous, by the way