Why wont my chinchilla let me cuddle him?

Question

I've had my chinchilla for 5 years, i play with him every day but every time i pick him up he squeaks and tries to get away.

I've read leaflets on how to pick them up so I know i'm not hurting him. Why wont he let me? Does anyone else have this problem and how did you resolve it? Thanks.

Answer 1

You chose the wrong kind of pet if that's what you wanted.

Chinchillas are extremely skittish critters. It is well known that they don't like to be held. You should have done your research before you got a chinchilla.  A cat would be better for you.

Answer 2

Chinchillas are not "cuddle" friendly animals. End of story. Not only that, but their rib bones are quite fragile, and this sort of handling could hurt them. By trying to do this you're scaring him, which explains the squeaking, but you may also be hurting him, regardless of what your leaflets say.

Answer 3

Most people say that Chinchillas aren't the type of pet to cuddle with.  But really it depends on the personality.  I have a male chinchilla who loves to cuddle and a female who doesn't even like to be played with.

Answer 4

maybe its still a little nervous

Answer 5

Maybe he is ill.

Answer 6

You've had him for 5 years?

What happens with chinchillas is if you don't handle/pick them up when they're young, they grow to dislike being held (getting antsy and trying to get away). You're better off just not doing it.

Answer 7

Maybe hes sick or something. I hear that they get sick real easy. Maybe you have been feeding him some new food and he dosen't like it. Or maybe he is tired of the food that he has now. Lol I don't know I've never had or seen a chinchilla.

Answer 8

My chinchilla is exactly the same . If you smooth him he is quite happy but if I try to pick him up he goes bonkers and flits round the cage. Although when I open the cage if I put my face up the the cage he snuggles up to my face and nuzzles away . So you just have a chinchilla who doesnt like being cuddled im afraid.