Scared Little Chin

[Deviant]

Ok so I'm new obviuosly and I've had my two chins for 3 days now. One is 2 1/2 and the other is 1 and they are both boys. Now the older chin since the first day has been fine romping around ,jumping in and out of his cage at will when the door is open, and coming over to me to check me out. The younger one still hides in his house. I've only seen him out on his own will 2 times. Both of those times he would hide behind the older chin. I'm just worried that he's not eating or drinking. I haven't tried to handle either of them yet but my girlfriend felt the need to hold the younger one a few times to make sure he is ok with people. When she held him there was no struggle to get loose. The older chin struggles whenever held. Is there anything I can do for the younger chin or will it just take patience? Thanks for any help and sorry for the long post.

[dawn]

It just takes time-some chins will take a month to get used to a new place and some can take longer or shorter. He is probably eating and drinking at night so that I would not worry about, just leave him alone to get used to his new digs.

[foxbite2]

3 days isn't long enough to start worrying. Chins stress easily and yours were just uprooted and taken to a whole new environment.. you need to gain their trust.. once they realize you aren't going to hurt them... they'll come around.. but all chins are different, some don't mind being held, while others will do anything NOT to be held. Good luck.

[Deviant]

I was letting my older chin sniff my hand today as usual and out of nowhere he bit me hard enough to draw blood! I had a raisin in my other hand that I was about to give him for coming out of his cage for playtime today. I'm guessing he didn't realize he bit me that hard cause he just kept sniffing my hand untill I actually noticed the blood.

[Kmammone]

I actually tell people not to let their chins our of their cages for two weeks after they get them home. This gives them time to know that their cage is their "safe space".
As Dawn said, some take longer than others. I have one that took over a year! I didn't think he'd ever come around and had actually given up on being his friend. Now we are buds!
The important thing is to let it be on the chin's terms, both of you will be happier in the end.

[Deviant]

Well I'm so happy tonight when I opened up my cage for playtime my younger chin, who I finnaly decided to name Stitch, came out to play. It's only been 5 days since I brought him home and he came out on his own will so I'm guessing thats good? He also took a bath finnaly which he probably hasn't had in a week. Since he came out of his cage on his own am I rushing things? Sometimes I peek my hand into his nest box just to make sure he's alive.

[littlelaughie]

Today was my 6th day with my 5-month-old and I'm no expert on chins whatsoever, but here's what has helped him get used to me and his new home:
- let them come out on their own
- avoid picking them up as much as possible (it was so tempting to pick mine up when I got him, he's just so adorable, but I had to resist and now it's paying off)
- hold out your hands and let them come to you

I'm sure you've heard that already, but thought I might let you know as a fellow six-day-chin-owner that those tips really do work. Since he came out on his own and got a bath, it sounds like he is and will be more comfortable. Give him more time, of course, but so far seems like they're on a pathway to chin comfortability : o )

[Chinch]

yup, just take it slow, it takes time. i have had Andey now for 3 weeks and 1 day now, and he has already grown so much.

me on the other hand, when i got him home, i didnt give him time, i was constantly talking to him, trying to hold him, trying to touch him, almost like forcing him to be near me, i didnt know to give them time first, thank god everything has worked out.

this morning, i was sitting on the floor with my legs crossed, and there was just a perfect little chinny sized space between my legs, and Andey climbed right in there, sprawled out and went to sleep, right in between my legs while i was petting him!! i was almost late for work, because i didnt want to get up and ruin it. if im laying on the floor, he'll climb up me and get right into my face, and give me mouth kisses!!

just spend A LOT of time with them, talk to them constantly, lay by they're cage, they'll come around.

[littlelaughie]

this morning, i was sitting on the floor with my legs crossed, and there was just a perfect little chinny sized space between my legs, and Andey climbed right in there, sprawled out and went to sleep, right in between my legs while i was petting him!! i was almost late for work, because i didnt want to get up and ruin it.
you have no idea how coincidental this is: i went through the exact same situation today lol. i felt so bad when i had to get up!