Any chinchilla owners? I im need of some info from direct owners.

>>2318436
I don't know much about chinchillas, but I hope you're not keeping it in that aquarium. Especially not for the last two years. I mean, actually, you really shouldn't be keeping any small animals in a tank. The only ones that can really be kept in tanks are dwarf hamsters and mice.
I would say that it'd probably be best to get her a friend. They're social animals and like most small animals, it's not really possible for them to thrive alone. I don't know much about chinchilla intros, but i'd imagine it would be best to take it very slow. Do a lot of research into introductions and compatible ages/sexes before you try anything.

>>2318736
The tank is actually very big, she had enough room in it to make leaps, but in actuality, its basically her bed. I leave the top open so she can go in and out as she pleases. When i said she has plenty of room, i meant she has the entire house. I dont limit her, when she gets tired or sleepy, she has little domes scattered around the house. But she knows food and water is always in the tank. Its never closed.

>>2318942
I really would advise doing more research if you think a tank is an acceptable habitat for a chinchilla in any context. "big enough to jump" isn't really an acceptable standard for housing an animal.

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First off...get rid of the tank. It doesn't matter if it's "big enough" in your eyes it's definitely not recommended for chinchillas. Get her a nice, 2 story cage.

As for socialization, it's really up to the chin. Most chins do well in pairs but you need to be extremely careful when trying to bond them. If they don't get along you'll almost never be able to have them out together. I currently have a 3 yr old chin who has been raised in a single chin household. They can do alright by themselves with proper interaction and socialization with their owner. My lil guy controls the house and he knows it. He is let out as soon as he is active on days off and is let out as soon as I'm home from work. Our vet has never mentioned concerns of depression or loneliness but then again I constantly talk to him and he has his own iPad for music when no one is home.

Bottom line is this: it's hard work and risky to introduce/bond older chins but it can be rewarding. Otherwise if you actively interact with her she may be fine as a single chin.

>pic related

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I've had my chin for about 5 months. I still don't think he likes me yet, and I wonder if it has something to do with him being lonely...

Your room is messy
Very triggering for an oc autist

>>2318942
She can leave the cage when she wants? Wouldn't she shit EVERYWHERE?

>>2318436
Former chinchilla owner here. To make a long story short my brother dumped it on me to look after it 'for a while', and I had to dump it back after a few years.

Chinchillas need to be on the same page as guinea pigs and rats as far as socialization goes. I don't understand why it's so common place to get two birds, two rats, a school of fish, but no place advertised chinchillas as needing another chinchilla pal. At this point I would suggest getting another chinchilla, HOWEVER you may want to get one from a rescue or a breeder who will take it back or from CL from a person who would take it back. Reason being, your chinchilla at this age may not get along with all chinchillas, or might not get along with any other chinchillas. For the introduction you will need to keep them in cages when unsupervised, which means you'll have to nix the tank for two big cages. There's a couple things you can do, obviously one is to get a chinchilla cage. I've also seen large ferret cages work well. My brother used a large parrot cage that he added platforms to, and I switched it out with a cage meant for cats. I highly recommend the latter because it's huge, big vertical space and easy to clean, and are pretty cheap for their size since no one keeps cats in a cage. Check CL for Cheap cages.

You should not be expected to replace a chinchilla's socialization with it's own kind. That is a lot of work. But if your chin doesn't make friends then you'll just have to make due.

>>2319177
While your chin may love a pal, chances are the two chins would be more inclined to interact with each other than with you. My chin was the same way; he didn't like to be touched more than just a finger rubbing his cheek. But I noticed that when I fostered other chins, he was just more active and playful but didn't care to hang with me any more. Although he did approach more.

>>2319237
I was thinking the same thing, especially considering it's carpeted floor.

>>2319177

It can take quite a bit of time for chinchillas to warm up to you. Most chinchillas don't like being picked up or handled. The most you'll get is scratching their chins or behind the ears and occasionally their jump on you. However, chinchillas can be very social. They like being around you and will try to match up to your schedule to interact with you.

How are you bonding with your chinchilla? What do you do with him?

I personally recommend sitting on the floor in a quiet room and just letting him explore around you. Be sure to talk with him often and maybe even put a shirt or something in his cage to help him get use to your scent.