With any new animal it is recommended that you give them at least a week with no handling in order for your new friend to become comfortable in his/her surroundings. So, it is perfectly normal for your chinnie to be a bit timid in the beginning. =)
However, from your latest post it sounds like...
Wow, only two hours away from me! I don't think there has ever been a closer show.
Wish I could attend but my car will probably be in the shop during those days. Darn thing had to have all these problems arise.
Awh, wonder what your little guy was dreaming about. =)
I've heard my chinnies make the occasional bark or squeak when they are in a deep sleep. It's nothing to be worried about.
As others already have mentioned. My chinnies eat of the bark first and then leave the rest of the stick. I remove them for about a week and then place them back in their cages. They think it's a brand new treat and will chew it to pieces!
Unlike dogs or cats, I don't believe chinchillas have an average age when they're considered senior. I think it honestly depends on the chin as each are different and what their previous health record was/is like.
I've always used the good ol' soap and water.
However, I recently got job at a pet store and we are suppose to use Buckeye Watchdog. It is really a great disinfectant, been told it is used primarily in the animal industry so I can only assume it's pet safe. But someone please correct me if I am...