So I’ve decided to try clicker training her like people do with dogs. There have been reports of success with chins on the web so we’ll see how she fares. Rather than buy an actual clicker, I’ve opted to use a clicker training app. I’ve spent the last two nights loading the clicker with oats – clicking and then giving her a treat, which she’s responded to quite well. So far so good. Next, to get her to come to me when I call her name.

She’s become more accepting of being stroked but isn’t quite so keen on being picked up. Last night while I sat next to her cage, I put some oats on my shoulder and she came out and perched there nibbling away and then decided that my hair was tasty too.

When she runs around, she jumps off the wall like a ninja, but since she’s so fast, it’s difficult to get a decent shot.

The other night when she was out, I gave her access to her dust bath, even though it’s more or less enclosed except for the entrance, she still managed to get it everywhere and chucked a good chinchilla handful at me. When I swirl the sand about, she knows it’s bath time and comes a runnin’.

The past week has been rather hot so I’ve had to put in a wrapped ice pack for her to chill out on which I think she appreciated. She looks really cute when she’s all flatted out.

I chinchilla

Progress has been at a leisurely pace as expected. A few nights ago, she let me rub her belly and over the following nights, it progressed to a chin scratch, side of face stroke and this evening, a head rub along with some scratching behind the ears like you do with cats.

She’s very willing to have both front paws on my hand while taking treats from the other, but seems a bit reluctant to sit in my palm. Having said that, last night she sat in my hand momentarily before jumping off and running around in her cage.

I still haven’t let her run loose in the room. Don’t think it’s wise until I have her trained up some more.

She’s pretty friendly and is slowly coming out of her shell. Her fur’s just so soft. Cici has pretty soft fur as did Watson, but her’s is in a league of it’s own.

You can follow her on Twitter – Click me.

Cuzco the chinchilla, she likes a whole lotta hay

Cage interior

Chinchilla cage