Chinchillas won't be as common a choice as rabbits, gerbils, or hamsters, but they too can make great pets. The chinchilla is a rodent native to South America, with soft fur and a medium-length tail. If you have chosen one as a pet, you should handle it from an early age to get used to you: learn how to hold it in the most correct and safe way.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Getting Acquainted
Step 1. Give it time
If you've just taken him, you should wait a few days for him to settle into his new home. When it's time to introduce yourself, you must first wash your hands with a mild soap: it is important that your hands smell like you rather than that of the last thing you touched or ate.
Step 2. Let him get used to your presence
A friendly way to introduce yourself is to offer him food. Take a chinchilla treat (hay, green vegetable or prickly pear) and hold it in your palm, with your hand open. The chinchilla will approach to investigate - let it sniff your hand and take the morsel of its own accord.
When he seems comfortable taking the food from your hand, he begins to hold the treats with his fingers. Keep feeding him from your hands until he gets used to it
Part 2 of 3: Get closer
Step 1. Approach slowly
Chinchillas can be quite wary, so move as slowly as possible so as not to shake it. They rarely bite, but they tend to be shy.
Step 2. Speak to him softly and caress him gently
Keep in mind that chinchillas spend most of the day sleeping and are most active in the evening; it is therefore important that they have peace and quiet throughout the day.
Remember that the chinchilla is a rodent and, therefore, a natural prey; this means that he will tend to run away and hide whenever he feels threatened. If he runs away from you, don't chase him: you will only scare him even more
Part 3 of 3: Pick it up and Hold it in Hand
Step 1. Use a towel
When you first pick it up, or if it tends to squirm, it may be a good idea to use leather gloves or a towel to protect yourself from bites. Keep him on your lap while he is still wrapped in the towel and give him some cuddles, but only for a short time. These brief moments of physical contact will help build a bond.
Furthermore, by keeping it wrapped in a towel, you will avoid inflicting damage to the fur and skin. Use a thin towel or light cloth and don't leave it wrapped up for too long, or it may feel too hot
Step 2. Gently surround it with your hands
Cupped your hands, with your palms under his abdomen and fingers curved towards his back. As you lift it, move one hand to support the back of your body.
If necessary, you can quickly lift it by taking it from the base of the tail, where it is attached to the body. You don't have to let it dangle, though; support him immediately with the other arm or you could hurt him
Step 3. Bring it to your chest
Keep it safe between your chest and hands, while continuing to support the front legs with one hand. Avoid grabbing it by its fur - you may tear its fur and it will take months for it to grow back.
Some chinchillas like to have support under their front legs so they can sit upright
Step 4. Gently put it back into the cage
Once you are done cuddling him, slowly lower himself towards the entrance of the cage and gently tuck him in, being careful not to squeeze him too much. Continue to support the legs and hindquarters as you put it inside.
Advice
- Avoid chasing or trapping him; he would feel threatened and could bite you.
- Always be very careful while holding it, as it could break free and jump off - try to stay curled up on the ground or near a soft surface to prevent accidents.
- When you have to pick it up, keep dogs or other animals out of the room.
