My chinchillas hate being picked up as do a lot I've heard. Problem is they also love play time and happily get straight out of their cage when I call them out so no problem there. But they do not get back in. I have two very cheeky boys and they know when I'm trying to herd them back in and it is impossible as they run away from me which unfortunately means I usually have to wait until they are in a corner or just pluck them up and then support them close to me immediately. I know this isn't advised and that they prefer a scooping action but this just doesn't work. They don't seem to mind though, the first few times they malted but they no longer do but they try and wriggle free. As soon as they are back in the vage they jump to the front to see if I'll treat them so I don't seem to have scared them or lost their trust. Do yo think this is ok? Or any tips? I've tried coaxing with favourite treats and they are not interested because they love play time so much.

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I just kept with the herding them closer to the cage and now all my bf has to do is herd them over and tell them cage and they go in, then we give a treat !! (ive been told im lucky) Alot of people hold their chinnies by the base of the tail and support the legs with the other hand, you have to hold them at the base of the tail though so it doesnt hurt.

I didnt like that idea so i just kept with the herding