She doesn't like me

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MissyChinchilla

New member
Joined
Mar 8, 2015
Messages
2
I got my chinchilla in October 2014 and she bit me recently and barks when I try to pick her up. She will take raisins from my hand but she doesn't want anything to do with me so she spends a lot of time in her cage. I don't know what I'm doing wrong.
 
Most chins hate being picked up, they are prey animals and being picked up is scary and threatening. Also bonding takes months in most cases, sometimes years, give it time. The best thing to do is wait her out, and let her come to you. Sit by the cage and read, sing, talk, and just be with her without even trying to touch her. Let her know that just because you are there doesn't mean she is going to be touched. You can also just rest your hands in the cage and allow her to come smell you and explore you without you moving. You could also try hand feeding her hay, pellets and sticks. I don't advise people to let their chin out for playtime until they can pick up the chin without having to chase it, I'm not sure if that is what is happening but chasing hurts the bond and makes the chin fear you.

I would do away with the raisins, they (and all other fruits and veggies, dried or fresh) are very bad for chinchillas, they are too high in sugar, can cause an imbalance in her gut leading to diarrhea and/or bloat, as well as an early death. Healthy treats include roses (rosehips, petals, and buds), plain cheerios, and slow cook oats, to name a few.
 
even my chin who now is the most lovable guy ever, hates being picked up. And if he thinks im going to try doing that, he will run, hide, spay urine, anything. He is afraid of it and is telling me not to. If i keep picking him up he starts to lose any trust with me and will run and hide at the sight of me.
 
Thank you both for replying! I decided to give her to a family friend who has experience with them so my chinchilla can live a better life.
 
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