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Handling a Chinchilla
By peace | November 24, 2005
Only pick up your chinchilla when it shows no fear for your hand or your body. For an untamed chinchilla, you will have to gain its trust and confidence before you are allowed to get close to it. Taming the animal takes time and a lot patience, it might take a few months in some cases. Providing a lot of love and concern for the chinchilla, the animal will in turn trust and love you. In general, it is easier to tame a baby chinchilla around 3-4 months old than a full grown adult chinchilla. Just like it is easier to discipline a child than an adult. 
DOs & DON’Ts
1. Hold it strongly by the base of its tail with one hand while supporting the weight of the chinchilla with the other hand. If you hold the tip of the tail, it will come off as the animal struggles to break free. Imagine a lizard or newt, you’ll know what I am talking about.
2. If you are not comfortable with the above method, you can hold the chinchilla like it is standing. You have one hand securely holding it hind legs, putting your thumb on the base of the tail. You use the other hand to hold the body, with the animal resting its hands on yours.
3. Try to carry the animal close to your body then away. It makes the chinchilla feels safer.
4. When the chinchilla is frightened, you can either let it burrow its head into your arm or armpit or you can covered its face with your hand. Chinchilla feels safe when it feel that on one can see it. Now you understand why it hides when frightened.
5. Never never hold the animal too tight. Chinchilla will give a warning scream and/or bite if it is held too tightly.
6. Never grab its rib cage, you can easily break its bone without realising your own strength.
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