So, you have everything ready for your new chinchilla and are about to bring him/her home. Be sure everything is set up before hand. The last thing your new chinchilla needs, is to be sensing your stress as you fumble around to get things ready!

When a chinchilla is exposed to a new environment it can be a very stressful period. The best thing to do is leave them alone! A lot of first time owners are eager to hold and interact with the chinchilla, but it needs time to adjust to the new environment. Most reputable breeders will tell you it can take anywhere from 2 weeks to several months for a chinchilla to become accustomed to their new environment. Resist the urge to fuss with them. Let them be and go about your daily business so they can get used to the new environment.

Use the chinchilla as your guide as to how quick to move forward. You want everything you do to be a positive experience for the chinchilla. Spend time in the room, doing basic everyday things, perhaps sit and read. This allows the chinchilla to get used to your scent, your habits and learn that you are not a threat. Start to approach the cage, if the chinchilla shows any sign of stress (runs and hides, barks loudly) then back off, go back to 'ignoring' it. Again, the chinchilla will let you know how fast to progress. Once the chinchilla no longer runs from your presence, begin to introduce it to your hand. Open the cage door and just set your hand in the opening. Chinchillas are incredibly curious and it will not be able to resist coming out and seeing what you are all about. After some time of doing this (over a few days-again, watch the chinchilla for signs) start to move your hand. When the chinchilla is sitting fully on your hand, start to lift it up, slowly just a few inches a then just let your hand hover above the floor of the cage. The chinchilla will pry jump off several times, but will eventually start to realize again, that no harm will come to it. Make sure to keep your hand in the cage while you are lifting so if the chinchilla spooks it does not fall to the floor. Once the chinchilla is comfortable with your movement, you can try bringing it to your chest. Remember, chinchillas are a prey animal. They are often afraid of anything coming over them, their instinct is to run. As you are lifting the chinchilla out of the cage, the best thing to do is hold it at the base of the tail (nearest the body, not the tip). This will give you a secure hold on the chinchilla should it unexpectedly jump. Once the chin is against your chest talk softly to it. Giving it a small treat will positively re-enforce the experience. If the chinchilla struggles or starts to slip fur, allow it to go back to the cage. You don't want to stress it out. Always keep in mind as well, that most chinchillas are not cuddlers and will not want to be held for any extended period of time.

Once the chinchilla has accepted you and allows you to handle it, you can start to allow the chinchilla free time outside of the cage. Make sure the room you use is completely closed off, all wires and other dangerous chewable materials are blocked off or removed. Do not use a baby gate to block a doorway, a chinchilla can easily jump over it. The best room to use is the bathroom. It's easily shut off, there are usually no electrical cords and very few other dangers. Be SURE to close the lid on the toilet and dry the bathtub. I also recommend putting the plug (stopper) in the bathtub and sink drains so that there is no chance that the chinchillas leg can get caught. If possible, bring the cage to the bathroom, open the lower door and let the chinchilla come out on it's own. The cage will act as a safe house should the chinchilla get spooked. Alternately, if the cage is too awkward to move, or does not fit in the bathroom, transport the chinchilla in the dust container and it then will act as the safe house. Should the chinchilla choose to do something you wish to correct (say start nibbling at the baseboards) I find a sharp clap, followed by a firm no will distract them. Never chase, hit or otherwise terrorize your chinchilla. Remember, they are a prey animal. You will seem like a big scary predator and they will loose their trust of you. Plus they are much smaller then you, a small smack from you can break bones in a chinchilla. Physical reprimands should never be used. Most chinchillas will return to their safe house once they are done, however for some that could be several hours! So, should you need to return your chinchilla to its cage before it decides it wants to the following methods work best.

1. Put fresh dust in the bathing container, for most it's a chin magnet. Once the chin is inside, pop the container back in the cage.
2. Bribery. Use your chins favorite treat and lure him onto your hand.
3. Curiosity. Use your chinchillas sense of curiosity against them and lure them towards you with an open faced hand. Once they come up to look at what you have, scoop them up!

Remember, the above methods work best with a sense of trust between you and your chin, if there is no trust you won't catch them. NEVER chase the chinchilla. All you will do is further it from you and cause undo stress.