How to Tame a Chinchilla

To tame a chinchilla takes some time and dedication. A training book will help with most of the training, but one has to do the taming correctly. Chinchillas are similar to a ferret when it comes to training and taming. The chinchilla has a mind of its own and will try to do things that you may not want them to until they learn. This velvety soft bunny looking pet is so friendly when trained correctly.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Time
• Patience
• Consistency

How to Tame a Chinchilla

1. Place the chinchilla in a cage. Offer food through the cage for it to take. The chinchilla will probably not take the food, so drop it in the food dish or on the floor of the cage. They will learn after a few days that you give them food.
2. Offer the chinchilla the food through an open door once they have learned that you are the one giving them food. This is done slowly as not to scare them. Meet the chinchilla half way so that they do not have to come all the way to your hand.
3. Slowly touch the chinchilla after a few days when the chinchilla starts coming to your hand for the food. Gently and slowly, touch the body of the chinchilla with your fingers and remove. This will show them that you mean no harm.
4. Petting can start after a few days of touching. Start petting the chinchilla while saying their name. This must be done slow and gentle. The chinchilla will like a little scratch by the ears and a full open hand pet down the back.
5. Place a hand around the chinchilla's body after they are accustomed to your petting and scratching. This will allow you to pick up the chinchilla and cradle them in your arms while petting them. They will sit still as long as you do not make fast movements. Now the chinchilla is tame and ready to learn other things.

Tips & Warnings

• Always move slowly around the chinchilla.
• Keep up with the daily routine until they are completely tamed.
• Keep the cage in a quite room until the chinchilla is tame.