Mouthy Little Chinchilla

[eatthemeek]

I've recently gotten by first chinchilla, Gus, and he is an extremely lovable, calm little guy. However, when he's in his cage and I try to put my hand in to scoop him out, he barks at me. When I went and picked him up from the breeder I reached in and scooped him up and there was nothing, even though this was the first time we had ever met. Do you think maybe he's just territorial over his cage? He never barks during play time and is super happy- always popcorning and playing. This barking only happens if I scoop him without as much coaxing as normal, so maybe he's just scared. I'd just like to hear some opinions maybe I am just too anxious because he's my first! Also, he cries occasionally even if we are around him, but usually will stop if we talk to him, is he training us to come to him or could he just be lonely?

thanks!!

 

[lauralynne]

How long have you had him? It sounds as if he's just not settled into his new environment yet, so is scared.

 

[eatthemeek]

I've had him for about 3 months

 

[hownowbrowncow]

There are a lot of threads on here about bonding with a new chin. I would recommend reading them and taking things slow.
Here is a link to a great chin site that has a page all about bonding:
http://owningchinchillas.webs.com/bringing-your-chin-home

 

[eatthemeek]

Thanks! I was hoping he was settled and maybe just territorial But I'll give him some more time

 

[Newt]

I had one chin, Baby J, who was very territorial over her cage. She'd come out if she wanted too, but if I put my hand in her cage and she didn't want me too, even if I was delivering food, then she'd kack like crazy.
I sort of had to wait until she was "ready" (kinda hard to explain, sorry), before putting my hand in.

Maybe you could try coaxing him out onto your hand, with a treat, instead of just scooping him up?

The crying is probably just attention seeking!

 

[eatthemeek]

Kinda sounds like Gus, except for the food part (he's a little piggy lol). He's really good natured everywhere but his cage, but I'd be pissed too if some giant just pulled me out of my house hehe

 

[Zoaea]

Three months is more than enough time for adjustment. He might be more startled when you scoop him up directly if you sometimes coax him first. Stick to the coaxing method if it works better. Some chins are cage territorial too, and he might just be developing this as he gets older. I get my chins out with a dust bath that dont like being picked up, just find the method that works for him.