Understanding Your Chinchilla's Behaviour

Hey everyone! Today's video is going to be on how you can try and understand what mood your chinchilla is in or what their behaviour means. I hope you find it useful and don't forget to have a great week! :)
Find us on Instagram: @the_chinchilla_notebook

[@Lunalis_610]

I heard my chin squeak in her sleep and it made my heart melt. I've only had her for a little over two weeks and I just love her.

[@windysky357]

aliSeis GE Aww that is so cute!😍😍

[@dowowowowowow7878]

how is she now?

[@rayepps69]

She was probably destroying the universe.

[@jiririnagl302]

Biggest sign of chinchilla being happy is so called popcorning jump, youtube is full of this, they remind me kangaroos when they do this type of jumps.

[@gasaiyuno3064]

I’m actually confused on this, because I never see my chin popcorning around and she is just.... kind of relaxed/depressed, she sometimes runs around in her cage but she never popcorns

[@krisitodorova3399]

Gasai Yuno depressed ..?

[@gasaiyuno3064]

@@krisitodorova3399 just kind of looks like it but I can't be sure

[@sketchdoge7327]

My chin’s version of popcorn involves high bank turns off off walls during playtime on the floor. I haven’t seen her do it in her cage yet but god is she a daredevil.

[@Imyamilex]

yay my chinchilla does this everytime

[@aliviamiller239]

Because of you I got my own chinchilla, it will be two weeks ago on Wednesday. I am so happy that I got a chinchilla and I am so happy I found your KZbin channel!

[@khardram]

The barking is also due to fear, not just anger, they will bark as a warning to themselves and those around them when scared, an extra thing I've noticed as well in case of fear is that they give off a specific smell, if your chin ever seems truely scared or frightened by something, take note of the smell it's pretty special and a good way to notice it.

[@TheChinchillaNotebook]

Tarash That’s true, my first Chin was a very scared fellow and he always barked too

[@bobbienichols1741]

Can't wait to get my own chinchilla❤️❤️

[@Kate-kz8se]

same i get mine in less than a month

[@mikahansen4631]

They are wonderful animals! Her videos where so helpful before I got mine

[@maggiesullivan3783]

Bobbie Nichols SAMEEEE

[@Kate-kz8se]

now its in 4 days so exited.

[@Kate-kz8se]

now its 3 days

[@ann7060]

My chinchilla usually does this thing where he will start chewing out of nowhere and making these clicking noises. He doesn't look stressed or angry when he does it, and acts normally after a while, but it just happens when he's tired, I think? Has Merlin ever done this? Also, love Merlin's little tummy, he's adorable!

[@TheChinchillaNotebook]

Andorra I don’t think I’ve ever heard Merlin making a clicking noise but he does chew randomly all the time😊

[@CrayolaCoffeeBean]

One of my chinchillas does chatters his teeth when I'm filling his food bowl and seemingly when he's content... for example, I'm currently sitting on the bathroom floor and he's smushed up against me and just chattered his teeth lol he's a little love bug

[@lidanceworkscutie2146]

Hi, this is kind of like guinea pigs and hamsters. It could either mean that they’re happy and content, or angry/mad. My hamster does this when she’s tired also, it might mean they want to go to bed, or are just tired.

[@grey7153]

My Chin pops off of walls and does a “flip” he will do it at random moments lol

[@lpspretzelpuppy1018]

Mine barked last night and it sounded like some guy in my room yelling. I was so scared

[@mitsunikisdiary]

PFT SISBEOSBWOENRLD I'm dying, loool

[@serenandmiskap.2693]

🤣🤣

[@xxitscrazyxx6371]

My chin hates me and I don’t know why, I try and interact with him, he barks or even bites hard. I feed him he barks and hides. It’s like he’s scared and I don’t know why.

[@grey7153]

Update?

[@xxitscrazyxx6371]

@@grey7153 Hes been so good lately! I've actually let him out more often since quarantine is keeping us in and I have a bunch of time now. He's popcorning a lot. And doesn't bark that much anymore. But the greatest improvement is he hasn't bit me in about 2 months. Which I am really proud of.

[@guilttt]

Same but I just got him

[@serenandmiskap.2693]

@@xxitscrazyxx6371 That’s good news!

[@textingstory7814]

I am getting my chinchilla next month and I'm soooo excited

[@Hello-ek7md]

Texting Story You don’t realize how lucky you are. My mom won’t let me get one as they live 10-15 years. She thinks it will get in the way of University.

[@kaliyahsanai733]

well she's right if you can't take care if a chin in University and that's where your going in a few years don't get one

[@epickingdomgirl7942]

This video saved my having a pet life xD This helps me a lot because i just got my chinchilla i didn't know how to tame it at all, But this video helps a lot because the first time i tried to pet him he barked. This also helps because i like to spend time with my chinchilla, and whenever I'm just watching him play or giving him food i know exactly what he feels if i see that he's scared i can leave him alone, if i see that he's angry i could stop what ever is making him mad so he can see that I'm listening I've watched a bunch of videos on how to gain trust or how to under stand behavior. This video was a LIFE SAVER now my chinchilla trusts me way more than when i first got him.

[@staticskies9494]

I have to thank you for making videos like this. I have been wanting a chinchilla for years, but my mother said that I’m not responsible enough. She said once I learn enough about them, I may be able to get one. So, I wrote notes as I watched your videos. I would try to keep the knowledge you would show us. And it worked. I seriously thank you, I know more about chinchillas then I had learned from any other videos thanks to you. I drop random facts to my mother, and she says if I can start doing better on my school, she will get me one! I can’t thank you enough for all the knowledge that you have given me. I only discovered your channel a few days ago, but I learned more in those few days than I had in the past 2 years. You really are amazing, so for the third time, thank you. Now I have the ability to get a chinchilla of my own. Remember. *love may just be a fake emotion our brains make to help keep the human species from dying out, but that won’t stop me from loving you and your work. Stay amazing, my friend.*

[@TheChinchillaNotebook]

Rora Verana Aww, this comment just made my day and encouraged me so much! Sometimes when my videos don’t get as popular as I thought they would or just seems like no one benefited, I get a comment like this and just brings me back up and helps me to keep going. Thank you so much, and I’m so glad you can get a beautiful little chinnie😊

[@windysky357]

I love this video! And my chin wags his tail when he gets angry too, lol 😆😆👌💕💕

[@chillinchinchillas9924]

When you have a pack of them their vocals are alot more expressive. Mine have a about 10 noises they make in different scenarios. Great vid.

[@TheChinchillaNotebook]

Chillin Chinchillas That’s so cool, I wish I had more chinnies😉

[@cbcambridge]

In their native habitats, chinchillas live in burrows or crevices in rocks. They are agile jumpers and can jump up to 6 ft (1.8 m). Predators in the wild include birds of prey, skunks, felines, snakes and canines. Chinchillas have a variety of defensive tactics, including spraying urine and releasing fur if bitten. (pasted from other website).

[@GenvinelyAlex]

Chinchillas also bark when they notice that something is different. If something changes in their routine they might be just barking out to say “hey...something’s different. Acknowledge me and tell me something’s different” I usually tell my chin what’s different, and tell him “it’s ok,” and he usually quiets down.

[@TheChinchillaNotebook]

Alexandra Yeah I’ve heard other people say that too. Merlin usually makes a yipping noise when that happens. He usually only barks when he’s not happy about something😉

[@anythinggrr9985]

Same!! I thought that meant he was scared so when my chin does it i always give him a lil treat 😂😂

[@GenvinelyAlex]

The Chinchilla Notebook my chin will bark if I forget to tell him goodnight. It’s insane how they remember even the smallest things about their routines.

[@humanyeastinfection2960]

I’m gonna get a chinchilla soon and your the reason my mom thinks I’m ready. Thanks for all the tips. I’ve been binging your videos. Thanks

[@TheChinchillaNotebook]

Amazon Alexa That’s awesome! I hope you get one soon and I know you’ll be a great owner😉💕

[@kathardy413]

So I’ve heard the warning bark, which is like a short “back away from me” but my new chinchilla does something I’ve never heard before which is alert barking. It means he’s startled (I think) and also it’s startling!

[@eelaikim1864]

Thank you for covering this topic ❤️😊. I love Merlin's hay sack. It looks funky 😉

[@TheChinchillaNotebook]

Ee Lai Kim Thank you! A fan actually sent it to me😉💕

[@graceixo6633]

Omg your videos are actually truly amazing. I’m literally thinking of getting a chinchilla and all the information Ik is form u. I asked my mom and she said some day 😂 you should really keep up the good videos bc there really helpful. I’ve been watching ur videos a lot that’s past two days. I’m pretty much addicted 😂 if you go to my yt history you’d see SO MUCH OF YOU CHINCHILLAS VIDEOS!!! ❤️💕

[@hartvoordieren8097]

I wach this video on school i can wait to getting a chinchilla this holiday

[@wooshwoo3498]

I will have had my chinchillas for a year coming June, and I don’t know how they were treated at their old home(all I know is that they were once fed a Cheeto, had not great food, and they kept a wild pigeon in a guinea pig cage), but they hate being touched anywhere that isn’t there heads and only sometimes will let me rub under their chin. Most of the time they push me away with their paws. Most of the time when they don’t wnat to be touched the younger one who is better will push me away or hop away, while the older one will either push me away or squeak. They don’t really like being held and are horrible with being picked up, which makes taking them out very difficult because I can’t let them out in my room I have to bring them to a different part of the house(my room isn’t able to be chinchilla proofed) they know quite a few tricks and are overall happy very young chinchillas but just have problems with touching(they’re fine touching me though)

[@hollybom121]

My chinchilla is simply a spoilt brat 😂but he’s always happy and calm,never aggressive or angry. Today I discovered that he is scared of the hoover, I put him in his cage after playtime and as soon as the hoover turned on he ran and hid in his wooden box were he sleeps and didn’t come back out until it was turned off. 😭😂❤️

[@TheChinchillaNotebook]

Hollybom Lol that’s so cute!😍

[@SaraGold]

End of the video: sorry what did you say? I was watching Merlin be adorable.

[@VoidDreamkiller]

One of my chinchillas barked at me as i watched this video O.o

[@reneegraves2751]

My chin barked when I first got him and tried to pick him up

[@JasmineBKong]

Great video! Thanks for explaining! My Chinchilla acts the same way..especially if you try to pet his back..he barks

[@reneegraves2751]

Does your chin grind his teeth? I have enough chew toys for him though

[@TheChinchillaNotebook]

renee graves I totally forgot to include that! Yes, Merlin does sometimes and I think it’s a natural thing for them just as long as you aren’t noticing them doing it too much😊💕

[@the_gang3954]

mine does

[@reneegraves2751]

Did u know that boy chins are more active then girls and I found that out from an exotic vet

[@bethanylee3660]

Love this video

[@sinillreis7323]

Its only one month that I have my adorable but satanic chin, he practically loves me, he's always close to me, when I get close to the cage he comes close to me as to tell me:Oh you're here again! Yay! He loves when I handle him(I don't handle him out of the cage because he gets nervous we're still working on it) he loves to sit on my arms and hands, he stays there and chew a little on me he doesn't bite hard they are just gentle bits I already fell in love with him, he is energetic, he always popcorns after I handle him and after the sand bath and he really knows how to comfort me when Im sad or stressed💗🥺

[@kawaiidesu9529]

So I recently got a chinchilla, he’s just running around his cage jumping all the time, I’m worried is it a bad thing? Is a sign his cage is too small I’ve heard they don’t like small cages, his cage is pretty big kinda like one for birds it’s tall and wide.

[@yasiyo5259]

😍

[@psychgacha3389]

I got my chinchilla on Friday

[@anne-sophietermansen5803]

The Dawn_Keeper of the Moon same😂

[@toxic_cover2266]

We have a gate so my chinchilla doesn't get upstairs. When I was going up to my room and wouldn't let him up, he started to bite my pants and noble me. After 15 minutes, I sheoed him away with my toe, he jumped on toe and bite my ripping my skin. It was like a paper cut. It wasn't that it was bleeding it, my skin was just ripped off. Ever since, he randomly bites me, got any advice. Also are chinchillas names are the same lmao

[@legojangofett5584]

Hello so like i have these two chins and they were getting close and started sleeping in the same place and then just random i see blood on the one and i didnt know what to do so i seperated them and do not know what to do

[@frenchfries7964]

I love you I found out about chinchillas from my mom bc I wanted a hamster but she said they stink and she said to google some stuff about chinchillas and keep your room clean I did that but I never got it so I'm writing a binder book thing about chinchillas and cleaning my room I let my sister read it and she said I want a cat maybe I should do this so just in case are chinchillas cool with cats?

[@frenchfries7964]

Micho The Chin ok ty

[@carrieboucher4064]

My chinchillas hate my cats!!!! My chinchillas bark at my cats😂 Its funny to people but it really stresses the chinchillas out. In fact we had to put my chinchillas cage in a room the cats couldn't get to. My cats try to catch my chinchillas and if they got ahold of them they would probably eat them. I suggest no to put a chinchilla if you get one near any cats

[@atfbproductions7458]

Question, my chinchilla ashes sometimes when sleeping makes this kinda honk noise is the best way to describe it and it comes in 3's..do you know what that is

[@the420pandalife8]

What does it mean when the chinchilla is screaming bloody murder? I was sleeping and he woke me up screaming and i woke up jumped up so fast just for him to be sitting at his cage looking at me... could he be lonely? I have been gone for a few days but i didnt think he would mind much since it would mean a quiet room for him to sleep in

[@chinchillamdgamer]

You need a chinchinlla pal for your chin!!

[@tielsonspotify]

How old is Merlin? He’s lovely, my chin’s called Harley & she’s almost a year old :)

[@TheChinchillaNotebook]

HarleysRevenge He’s 3 years old😉

[@MYKe1217]

Something I found interesting is mine never goes potty when I let her have playtime in my bathroom. Considering how much they go normally, it’s got me wondering why that is?

[@carrieboucher4064]

My chinchillas squick at each other they are brother so i think they are not actually fighting. Do you know what they could be saying to each other?? They are white and gray. There names are Ash and Cole i love them i used to have 2 gray chinchillas like your chinchilla but they died. I love my new chinchillas soooooo much though. Do you have any suggestions for me i want to keep my chinchillas alive for longger then my other ones lived. My chinchillas also nibble on my clothing sometimes do you know what that meens? O am a chinchilla lover for life😍😍🐭🐭

[@TheChinchillaNotebook]

Carrie Boucher I honestly have no idea what they are saying to each other lol, but just take good care of them and make sure their quality of life and health are up and they should live for long😉💕

[@carovp8219]

Thos cage is so dreamy

[@filbert7900]

3:42 awww that was adorable🐭

[@emilyricketson1190]

Good to k ow about the noises !

[@AppleCakeFan]

My chinchilla always wants attention at night and I’m always scared something is wrong that my chin is chocking or is hurt Also does your chin eat at night a lot or is that not usual for chinchillas because my chin Ellie eats at night mostly

[@TheChinchillaNotebook]

Lovely_Angel_ Merlin eats the most at night too. Also, he makes such weird noises and sometimes I think he’s hurt but in reality he’s just sitting calmly and wanting my attention. I wouldn’t worry too much about it, especially if he makes those sounds all the time and you check and nothing is wrong. Chinchillas are just mostly active at nigh 😊

[@AppleCakeFan]

The Chinchilla Notebook ok thanks

[@angelinadelaney4134]

Should I get a boy or a girl chinchilla? It would be my first chinchilla

[@TheChinchillaNotebook]

Angelina Delaney It doesn’t really make much of a difference, I don’t think. I guess it’s just up to you whether you like a certain girl name better than a boy name or something because as far as the animal, they’re pretty much the same in traits😊

[@angelinadelaney4134]

@@TheChinchillaNotebook Thank you 😊

[@GlitchFade2077]

I've had my chin for about a year so far and he hasn't barked at me once.

[@BMN_Prime]

Now i'm ready!

[@loner2967]

My chinchilla is a grumpy boy because he sometimes shows signs of aggression but he's actually really kind and is gentle with everyone. He just shows off a disposition of being antisocial. Then again, he isn't neutered. So...it could be testosterone things?

[@umlotha6672]

How do I know if I can get my chinchilla a friend? He is very calm and good, so I don't think he'll have that many issues.

[@menace2fear]

Dude I loved the outro

[@ryangaut154]

yo love the intro music

[@TheChinchillaNotebook]

RTG/Vlogger/ Animal helper Thank you!

[@ryangaut154]

The Chinchilla Notebook: yeah no problem

[@mydoghatesme2448]

Ok umm my chinchillas sides are not covered with fur

[@alexjaffebil]

I have the same cage as you and my chinchilla learned he can chew the corners of the bars to break them off. I put a metal feeder in front and wiped it with lemon juice any other suggestions?

[@TheChinchillaNotebook]

alexjaffe23 bil23 Not sure what else you can do. Just watch and check the cage regularly to make sure it doesn’t happen again. I remember my old chinchilla cage had cheap, easy to bend bars and my chinchilla also escaped once from that cage by biting only two bars off.🤷‍♀️

[@nitoborito9132]

I have a chinchilla and they never barked before

[@dapthepcplug]

SOMEONE HELP ME ! My chinchilla keeps sniffling I don’t know what to do, around the cage he squeaks and runs super fast also he knocked down his pellets and started to excessively shed

[@lifewithasiak]

Can’t wait to get my chinchilla! 🤪

[@Christian-ho4sq]

My chin is always Frightened form me and I really don’t know how to approach him but he’s still fairly new I only got him 3 months ago but I’m not sure what to do

[@TheChinchillaNotebook]

Concept It can be harder to break into certain chinchillas’ shells, you just have to have patience and keep trying. Make sure you don’t try and grab your Chinchilla and offer him treats here and there to show him you’re not the bad guy. Also spend lots of time around the cage maybe and let him get used to your scent and sound of voice

[@maggiesullivan3783]

Where did you get Merlin? Is it Okay to get a chinchilla from a pet store?

[@TheChinchillaNotebook]

maggie sullivan I got Merlin from petsmart back then. Chinchillas are not treated the best in big pet store chains and it’s just recommended that you find one at a breeder or rescue. But if a pet store is all you have, then that’s okay too😊

[@Crystalblue23]

I don't think barking means angry. It prob needs attention for food, etc

[@hbugishere7056]

Hi! I love you channel! Do you think the yaheetech 6 level white cage would be good for a chinchilla if I took out some of the ramps and covered the floor and ledges with fleece? You can look it up on Amazon! ❤

[@TheChinchillaNotebook]

Hbug is Here Yes, that cage would definitely be okay😊

[@hbugishere7056]

@@TheChinchillaNotebook Thank you so much!!!

[@Matthew-dv2gn]

ok my chinchilla was squeaking and i thought he had a disease or got hurt and i was scared

[@Blackstar.shadowMeister]

Sometimes my chinchilla will freeze and just stare for 2 mins straight

[@lilly7823]

My chin is sleeping on his barn hide rn he looks so cute

[@QCpro1]

So m'y Little chinchilla ( skaven ) does this thing where she sits still for a while ( can be almost 2h at a time ) and has her eyes wide open but doesnt move unless i scratch her chin, then she nibles my finger ( lovingly ) and starts moving around again. Thats usualy during the Day and morning but kind of freaks me out as i never owned a chinchilla before and i only got her 3 Weeks ago so im scared she isnt well

[@carrieboucher4064]

Bring her to a vet call around to fknd a exotic vet. Chinchillas are exotic animals so only exotic vets take them in. If your chinchilla is drooling, has alot of eye boogers, is lethargic, has matted fur, or is not eating, drinking, or going to the bathroom it is probably sick

[@QCpro1]

@@carrieboucher4064 she has non of that and the vet sais she is fine. She just sits very weirdly still sometimes. I can put mi finger on her teeth and open her mouth and she does nothing when she does that its weird

[@carrieboucher4064]

@@QCpro1 oh ok do you have any cats or anything that could frighten her?? When they stand still they are alert. If there is anything around that could scare her put her in a different place to pervent her from being scarred

[@QCpro1]

@@carrieboucher4064 i dont have any other animals and i am mostly alone in the house. Oh but maby the dishwacher could that be it ?

[@carrieboucher4064]

@@QCpro1 Maybe if it is loud it could be what tipe of noise dose it make??

[@FubuTheRatTerrier]

First!!! Great video😁

[@kb54927]

How big of a cage should an adult chin have

[@Matthew-dv2gn]

oooouuuu the lil peep luv it

[@ryssaoliveras7301]

Can you pleasee tell me where you got your chinchilla cage ? I have a boy and a girl and I need one like yours so they can move around more freely ! Also do you know how you can tell if a girl chin is pregnant? My girl seems to be getting bigger lately lol

[@TheChinchillaNotebook]

Ryssa Oliveras My cage is from Amazon and it’s a Critter Nation model 162. I have no idea how to tell if a female is pregnant but if you suspect it, definitely take her to the vet because she’ll need proper, special care if that’s the case😉

[@leafyfrombfdi2866]

Are chins good pets?

[@d3athcrush]

Very useful video & I adore lil cute merlin ❤

[@TheChinchillaNotebook]

marika giakoumelou Aww, thank you!

[@joespacy1120]

Didn’t need to be told how to tell if my animal is scared and hiding 😹

[@meeperpie5511]

Lol I have eight of the little potato’s.

[@TheChinchillaNotebook]

Miriam Chinchilla Wow, that’s truly amazing keeping up with so many😊

[@meeperpie5511]

The Chinchilla Notebook Yep! I’m work at the Maine shelter for them too!

[@skullsociety3562]

Where did you get your cage?

[@TheChinchillaNotebook]

Skull Society Amazon😌

[@skullsociety3562]

Thanks

[@anythinggrr9985]

😍😍 Falling down 😍😍

[@TheChinchillaNotebook]

Cameron Smith You know that song? I love it!

[@pechi6801]

how can you tell if your chinchilla is sad or lonely?

[@TheChinchillaNotebook]

Sid My Chinchilla specifically, or just anyone’s in general?

[@pechi6801]

@@TheChinchillaNotebook any chinchilla

[@TheChinchillaNotebook]

Sid Well if they aren’t as active when they usually should be. If they’re not eating a lot, don’t show excitement at things they used to (like treats or greeting their owner) Hope this helps

[@Mairiain]

Mine will bark when he gets irritated with me.

[@tatacuzmai9773]

How old ur chin?

[@murielgrace6655]

Sorry I’m a little late I was at school

[@XXYukiXXRoblox25]

We are gonna sell my chin bc they dont behave😢😢😢

[@kandam5517]

Mine barks for attention though…

[@movedwe1849]

MILKY IS THE MOST SWEETEST

[@Kate-kz8se]

Do you have a p.o. box?

[@TheChinchillaNotebook]

Kate Charlton Not currently, no😊💕

[@Kate-kz8se]

@@TheChinchillaNotebook ok thanks

[@stella2428]

He should probably get a friend 😕

[@TheChinchillaNotebook]

Stella Kitty Merlin has to live alone for specific reasons. If you want to know more I have a video called Can Chinchillas Live Alone where I discuss his situation😉

[@jennysanchez-garcia2928]

欧盟个i哈ve 哦呢他哦和isnameis投入没朋友 (omg i have one to ans hia name is trumpy)

[@hotdogdoodle8508]

My birthday is the Oct. 25th so i just wanna say thank you for helping me understand and care for my new chin! You helped me so much, so thanks for that! If you can or you want im gonna start my own youtube channel if you wanna check it out. Also can you please give me a shout out for my b-day that would mean the world too me!❤

[@TheChinchillaNotebook]

Laci Roomes Sure, I can give you a shoutout on my Instagram if that is okay 😊

[@hotdogdoodle8508]

@@TheChinchillaNotebook Yea, thanks so much!!!

[@mcringelpietzz4085]

Is There anyone Who has 2 chins like you are supposed to ? Ffs

[@georgeslefteyebrow4359]

McRingelpietz z yee i have two but merlin can’t live with another because he is too territorial

[@MSRAWBLOCK]

Get to thee point dang