If your chinchilla is not tamed, it may take them a while to get used to you. Just like with human relationships, you will have to earn their trust before they allow you to form a close bond with them. You will have to provide your pet with a lot of love and care. Don't get discouraged if after a few months, they still don't reciprocate. It just means it may take a little longer than you thought. It is much easier to get a baby chinchilla to trust you than it is an adult.
Chinchillas have more of a problem with being tamed than say, dogs or cats. They are filled with a lot of smugness and they demand your respect. They don't pay attention to you when you call their name. If you want your pet to really trust you, try doing some of the following:
- Provide treats for your pet as they come to whatever side of the cage you're located on.
- Talk to them in a calm tone to keep them calm.
- You will know when they no longer fear you if they remove the treat from your fingers in the cage.
There are other things you can do to get your pet's trust. There are also some things you shouldn't do in order to get their trust:
- A Chinchilla's body is delicate and you must handle it with care. If you pick them up, avoid grabbing their ribcage. You could injure it or possibly fracture a bone.
- Your pet should be close to your body if you're carrying it.
- Like humans, chinchillas need to breathe easily. Don't squeeze or hold your pet tight. They will let you know when you are by squealing loudly or biting you.
- Help your pet feel safe by allowing it to bury their head under your arm or cover their face with your hand. Chinchillas like to know that their owners like to keep them safe in any way possible. They want to know they have a protector at all times.
- Hold your pet by it's tail base and hold your pet's weight with your other hand. Don't hold on to the tip of its tail. If the chinchilla tries to get free, that part will come off.
- You can also hold your pet as though it were standing up. Use one hand for its hind legs, and your other hand to hold his body. Your pet's hands should rest on yours.
You will know when your pet trusts you when they start doing these things:
* Snuggling up to you
* Allowing you to stroke their body
* Follows you around
* Comes to see what's in your palm
* Sniffs your clothing and other items on your body
* Allowing you to curl their tail
* Sniffs your nose
It is an honor to have a pet such as a chinchilla that is fond of you and you have gained their trust. You must remember to continue doing things with your pet to continue that trust.
For complete guide on how to raise a healthy, happy chinchilla CLICK HERE.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Monday, October 11, 2010
Your Pet Chinchilla And Environmental Stress
Environmental stress can affect your pet chinchilla in different ways. This type of stress results in either health or behavioral issues. Your pet can experience the following: anti-social behavior that includes biting, fighting, spraying urine, fungus, or irritation of the eyes. Your pet can also feel angst toward other chinchillas, biting the fur, gnawing on their cage or even depression.
Unless you know in advance, you won't necessarily detect that one of these actions can come from environmental stress. You usually find out when the behavior or illness becomes a chronic issue. If you are not aware of the issues of environmental stress, your pet may be more prone to suffer the after-effects.
If your pet is hyper, environmental stress will just compound the way they're already feeling. In order for them to get a grip, behavioral rehabilitation would help them regain their footing. Of course, if your pet is already easy-going, then rehabilitation is not necessary. Environmental stress can affect how the chinchilla was treated, before and now. Environmental stress can affect your animal if they were abused or handled badly. This in turn, can cause them to exhibit anti-social tendencies towards the next owner.
If your pet is experiencing boredom, this may eventually suffer from stress. Your pet should be in an environment where there is some movement and noise. On the other hand, enduring constant loud noise can take its toll on them, also. It's better for them to have noise, but it should be at a moderate level. This way, if they do experience noise out of the ordinary, such as people, thunderstorms, etc., they'll know how to handle it. Your pet has to have a happy medium between the two extremes (boredom and chaotic noise).
Your pet will have to make adjustments if they came from an environment where there was boredom or chaos. They'll have to make adjustments to the unfamiliar and unknown. Like a human being, your pet will feel strange because all they know at the moment is the environment to which they were accustomed to. It may take your pet at least a week to regroup. You can help by putting them in a quiet room with some soft jazz music. There should be no other pets in the house while your pet is getting acclimated to different surroundings, including the owner.
Giving your pet this transition time is crucial and imperative because if they came from a chaotic environment, they will have to learn to relax and if they came from a boredom environment, they must have time to get in the groove to handle noise in a timely manner. If they take on too much too quickly, your pet can get overwhelmed, causing additional stress.
You will have to learn to be sensitive to their needs and get a sense of when they might be ready. It's always best to start out small and gradual, then work your way up with your chinchilla. This way, your pet can accept the gradual transition with ease.
To become an expert on Chinchillas visit THIS SITE for more information.
Unless you know in advance, you won't necessarily detect that one of these actions can come from environmental stress. You usually find out when the behavior or illness becomes a chronic issue. If you are not aware of the issues of environmental stress, your pet may be more prone to suffer the after-effects.
If your pet is hyper, environmental stress will just compound the way they're already feeling. In order for them to get a grip, behavioral rehabilitation would help them regain their footing. Of course, if your pet is already easy-going, then rehabilitation is not necessary. Environmental stress can affect how the chinchilla was treated, before and now. Environmental stress can affect your animal if they were abused or handled badly. This in turn, can cause them to exhibit anti-social tendencies towards the next owner.
If your pet is experiencing boredom, this may eventually suffer from stress. Your pet should be in an environment where there is some movement and noise. On the other hand, enduring constant loud noise can take its toll on them, also. It's better for them to have noise, but it should be at a moderate level. This way, if they do experience noise out of the ordinary, such as people, thunderstorms, etc., they'll know how to handle it. Your pet has to have a happy medium between the two extremes (boredom and chaotic noise).
Your pet will have to make adjustments if they came from an environment where there was boredom or chaos. They'll have to make adjustments to the unfamiliar and unknown. Like a human being, your pet will feel strange because all they know at the moment is the environment to which they were accustomed to. It may take your pet at least a week to regroup. You can help by putting them in a quiet room with some soft jazz music. There should be no other pets in the house while your pet is getting acclimated to different surroundings, including the owner.
Giving your pet this transition time is crucial and imperative because if they came from a chaotic environment, they will have to learn to relax and if they came from a boredom environment, they must have time to get in the groove to handle noise in a timely manner. If they take on too much too quickly, your pet can get overwhelmed, causing additional stress.
You will have to learn to be sensitive to their needs and get a sense of when they might be ready. It's always best to start out small and gradual, then work your way up with your chinchilla. This way, your pet can accept the gradual transition with ease.
To become an expert on Chinchillas visit THIS SITE for more information.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
How To Cure Some Health Problems of Your Pet Chinchilla
As with humans, prevention is the key for your chinchilla to staying healthy and not getting sick. Even though precautions are taken, sometimes steps are still missed. It is crucial that your pet's cage have fresh food and water daily. Their cage should always be kept clean and their food should not contain fungus or insects. Any violations of these can cause adverse effects for your pet. Keep in mind your chinchilla has a sensitive digestive system. It cannot easily get rid of bad food from their system. This means they could get sick.
Please find below some health problems that could affect your pet and what you can do:
Constipation:
You will know that your pet is constipated if their bowels are dry, small, strangely shaped and have a foul odor. Provide them with more fresh water and hay. Also, you can give them 1 - 2 raisins.
Bloating:
Your pet will look like a balloon and their bowels will contain mucous. Their bowels are also holey and sticky. Give your chinchilla a longer time to exercise and give them food culture.
Diarrhea:
Your pet's bowels will stick and look like a grape. The diarrhea in your pet could be caused by hay that is moldy or algae that has grown in their water. Check the hay for mold and check the water for algae. It is imperative that their water is changed out everyday and that it's fresh. Also check to see if their diarrhea is caused by an environmental change.
Seizures and Cramping:
If your pet does not move or starts to tremble, this may be a sign of a seizure. This can be caused by stress, injury to the head or lack of calcium. You will know if your pet lacks calcium if their teeth turn white. This can happen moreso with the female chinchilla. Don't allow your pet to injure themselves. They should be kept warm. Since this is a more serious issue, see a veterinarian immediately.
In addition to the above, you should see a veterinarian immediately if your pet is experiencing any of the following:
Severe diarrhea or constipation, injury of the eye from a sharp object, pneumonia, weight loss, ingesting poison, or broken bones anywhere on their body. Any of these will require additional medical care from a specialized veterinarian.
You hope that you don't have to experience any of this with your pet chinchilla. There are things you can do to make sure your pet stays healthy and not fall into any health dangers.
Listed below are some of the tips:
- Keep their cage cleaned on a regular basis.
- Don't change their food too often; they have a sensitive digestive system.
- Don't move them around a lot; chinchillas can't withstand changes too well, especially sudden ones. If you do have to move them, try to do it gradually.
- Make sure their roughage food is fresh.
- Make sure their water is fresh and constantly changed out.
- Their food should be administered in small portions.
- Since chinchillas are night owls, they should rest during the day.
Follow these tips and your chinchilla will live a long and happy life.
Please find below some health problems that could affect your pet and what you can do:
Constipation:
You will know that your pet is constipated if their bowels are dry, small, strangely shaped and have a foul odor. Provide them with more fresh water and hay. Also, you can give them 1 - 2 raisins.
Bloating:
Your pet will look like a balloon and their bowels will contain mucous. Their bowels are also holey and sticky. Give your chinchilla a longer time to exercise and give them food culture.
Diarrhea:
Your pet's bowels will stick and look like a grape. The diarrhea in your pet could be caused by hay that is moldy or algae that has grown in their water. Check the hay for mold and check the water for algae. It is imperative that their water is changed out everyday and that it's fresh. Also check to see if their diarrhea is caused by an environmental change.
Seizures and Cramping:
If your pet does not move or starts to tremble, this may be a sign of a seizure. This can be caused by stress, injury to the head or lack of calcium. You will know if your pet lacks calcium if their teeth turn white. This can happen moreso with the female chinchilla. Don't allow your pet to injure themselves. They should be kept warm. Since this is a more serious issue, see a veterinarian immediately.
In addition to the above, you should see a veterinarian immediately if your pet is experiencing any of the following:
Severe diarrhea or constipation, injury of the eye from a sharp object, pneumonia, weight loss, ingesting poison, or broken bones anywhere on their body. Any of these will require additional medical care from a specialized veterinarian.
You hope that you don't have to experience any of this with your pet chinchilla. There are things you can do to make sure your pet stays healthy and not fall into any health dangers.
Listed below are some of the tips:
- Keep their cage cleaned on a regular basis.
- Don't change their food too often; they have a sensitive digestive system.
- Don't move them around a lot; chinchillas can't withstand changes too well, especially sudden ones. If you do have to move them, try to do it gradually.
- Make sure their roughage food is fresh.
- Make sure their water is fresh and constantly changed out.
- Their food should be administered in small portions.
- Since chinchillas are night owls, they should rest during the day.
Follow these tips and your chinchilla will live a long and happy life.
How To Discipline Your Pet Chinchilla
When you want to discipline your chinchilla, you have to be mindful of how you do it. Please note that they are not responsive when you verbally berate, hit, or smack them in anger. The physical actions can result in wounds and abscessing. The physical actions don't serve a purpose because your pet already has a sensitive body. Chinchillas are already fearful and chewing them out verbally will do nothing but escalate the situation. The negative verbal actions are not effective at all.
Since they are fearful, when their owner treats them as such, they start to feel withdrawn and stressed out. Like a human, they can feel your hostility and anger. In turn, they will become more defensive. You should never blow in their face to punish them. The germs from your air can transmit onto them. They are susceptible to catching a virus, the cold or the flu.
When a chinchilla gets hostile, they will spray urine. They are acting out on their need to withdraw. They still feel defensive, and you may not know why. The withdrawals won't start until the root cause of it is revealed. When the owner finds out what the problem is, the pet will feel better and can be safe in their habitat.
They will definitely make a change when they sense that you are not trying to put them down (degrade). You will have to spend time giving them lots of love and patience. This scenario is reminiscent of what humans go through in relationships. Women, for the most part, want respect. If their boyfriend or husband can't or won't give it to them, then they won't be happy campers.
As long as you show your pet genuine love, concern and compassion, they will respond to you with a more accepting reaction. When you give them a warning, do it in a stern, but loving manner. Don't get in the habit of just saying "no" all the time. Doing this will just take your pet back to square 1. That's not a good idea. On the other hand, there are some chinchillas that have no personality and tend to be harsh, abrasive or moody. These kinds of pets are very vocal.
If you have a pet chinchilla that is withdrawn due to owner neglect or abuse, it may be helpful for them to have their behavior rehabbed. This type of rehabilitation can help your chinchilla to change their tune. You have to be very mature to take care of an exotic animal such as a chinchilla. Just remember that you have to be even-tempered, calm and non-threatening. You also have to have patience because changes just don't happen overnight. You'll have to look past it and do your part to help in the change. The chinchilla is scared and they may pretend to be threatening, but they're really not.
You must continue to love them, be compassionate, gentle, constantly give them assurance and lots of affection. In time, they will change to the loving pet chinchilla you want them to be.
Since they are fearful, when their owner treats them as such, they start to feel withdrawn and stressed out. Like a human, they can feel your hostility and anger. In turn, they will become more defensive. You should never blow in their face to punish them. The germs from your air can transmit onto them. They are susceptible to catching a virus, the cold or the flu.
When a chinchilla gets hostile, they will spray urine. They are acting out on their need to withdraw. They still feel defensive, and you may not know why. The withdrawals won't start until the root cause of it is revealed. When the owner finds out what the problem is, the pet will feel better and can be safe in their habitat.
They will definitely make a change when they sense that you are not trying to put them down (degrade). You will have to spend time giving them lots of love and patience. This scenario is reminiscent of what humans go through in relationships. Women, for the most part, want respect. If their boyfriend or husband can't or won't give it to them, then they won't be happy campers.
As long as you show your pet genuine love, concern and compassion, they will respond to you with a more accepting reaction. When you give them a warning, do it in a stern, but loving manner. Don't get in the habit of just saying "no" all the time. Doing this will just take your pet back to square 1. That's not a good idea. On the other hand, there are some chinchillas that have no personality and tend to be harsh, abrasive or moody. These kinds of pets are very vocal.
If you have a pet chinchilla that is withdrawn due to owner neglect or abuse, it may be helpful for them to have their behavior rehabbed. This type of rehabilitation can help your chinchilla to change their tune. You have to be very mature to take care of an exotic animal such as a chinchilla. Just remember that you have to be even-tempered, calm and non-threatening. You also have to have patience because changes just don't happen overnight. You'll have to look past it and do your part to help in the change. The chinchilla is scared and they may pretend to be threatening, but they're really not.
You must continue to love them, be compassionate, gentle, constantly give them assurance and lots of affection. In time, they will change to the loving pet chinchilla you want them to be.
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