Are Chinchillas Friendly Pets that like to be Handled?
Yes! They can be handled, but they need affection and gentling. They are very shy and have long memories. If you frighten them they will remember that and can reject you until you regain their affection. When children have chinchillas, they need to remember to be gentle and affectionate and not frighten, or squeeze them too hard. For that reason children under the age of around 10 years old are not mature enough to have chinchillas. The age is not as hard and fast as the maturity, and the ability to understand another’s needs – e.g. learning empathy which comes with maturity. Letting chinchillas out of their cages is something that is done only after they are no longer afraid of you. Because if you have to chase them that only increases fright and mistrust. Begin with giving treats while in the cage, then graduate to laying your hand in the cage and letting them come to your hand which has a treat on the palm. They have to come to get the treat and will equate your scent with the treat
