New chinchilla questions

[katechinstevens]

I got my first chin yesterday. I have been acclimating her by just leaving her be in her cage. A few times I've been sticking my fingers in the cage and it's scratching her side. Sometimes she lets me pet her but others she barks or turns hey head to me really quickly. I really want to know how to bond with her successfully and what I should be doing during the acclimation period. Also if anyone has any name suggestion, she is a standard with a white belly and front paws.
Thanks so much

 

[ninjaturtletayy]

Every chin bonds differently. I would not reach through the bars and try to pet her, especially this early on. Just try sitting next to the cage and just talking to her for a few days. This way she can get used to her surroundings, the sound of your voice, etc. Then maybe after about 4 or 5 days or so, I would open the cage door and just put your hands in the cage and let her come to you. Let her check you out, sniff you, climb on you, etc. at her own leisure. Don't force her to touch you, let her explore on her own.

 

[katechinstevens]

Chin noises

I recently got a female chin and she has been making some really weird noises. One sounds like a scratching noise but it's coming from her mouth. She was doing this at night time but would stop when I came to the cage. Any idea why this means?

 

[ninjaturtletayy]

Is she like grinding her teeth? As long as she doesn't seem to be in pain, she's fine. Probably just doing it to make noise and get your attention. My little guy does that sometimes too.