Hey Everyone! Good news! Jack the chinchilla has a new name, a new home and is doing great. check out the email exchange below from Crash's new human friend and Stacie:

Jennifer,

Just thought I would check in and give you an update on how Jack is doing. He has been adjusting very well to his new home, and his new name. I decided to change his name to crash because he seems to skid and "crash" into everything during playtime. Also, my boyfriend noticed that he looks like he is wearing a helmet because of the way his fur looks around his face. Crash is becoming very good friends with everyone in the house. The first time my mom held him he took right to her. He even let her hold him and pet him. Every time I hold him he seems to try and run across my arms and shoulders, so we are working on that. He loves taking dust bathes and jumping around like a little kangaroo in the bathroom. The best thing I wanted to tell you about was his new living quarters. Today I decided to go out and get him a bigger cage. I found an really good one at petsmart. It has 2 levels and a wooden ledge for him to sit on. Eventually I want to phase out the wire ledges and get wooden ones for him.. As soon as I put him in there today he was in his glory. Jumping, running, and bouncing about. But his absolute favorite part of the whole thing is the granite slab that is in there. He keeps rubbing his face and body on it because it is nice and cool. I wanted to give you a few pictures and a video to see how this little guy is doing. You can find them attached to this email. Thank you so much for letting him become a part of our home. He has been a wonderful addition thus far and cant wait for the many years to come.. Im actually hoping to get him a room mate at some point down the road.

Enjoy,
Stacie

Hi Stacie,

Thank you so much for the update and the pics! I love the name, Crash, so cute. I am really glad to hear he is adjusting so well to his new home. I actually have the same cage for 2 of my chinchillas as well. I have not yet changed the shelving but it is on the things to do list:) I am sorry I was not able to meet in person and for the inconvenience with getting Crash to you. I usually deal with all things Chin, not the hubby so much, but with the oral surgery I was out of commission a few days, at any rate, I am glad it all worked out. Chins are quite addictive. I started with one and now have 9, 7 of which are my main family and herd. In the future if you would like a friend for Crash let me know. Sometimes we end up with pretty cool colors like white and tan as well. Would you mind if I post an update on chinchilla place w/ the pics and email you sent. I am sure everyone would be excited to hear he is doing so well.

Thanks,

Jennifer
ChinchillaPlace.com

Hey Jen,

I have no problem at all with you posting that stuff on the site. I would love for people to know how well he is doing. Also, don't worry about the mix up the other day. I have been in your position, and I totally understand. Everything ended up turining out ok in the end. It is so fun to watch his personality grow- I am constantly learning new things about him. I was just wondering, did he ever let you just hold him and pet him? I feel like sometimes he sort of lets me and other times he just wants to scurry about. I think it might take a little convincing with the bf, but I really would eventually like to get him a friend. I will definately keep you guys in mind. One last thing I wanted to ask you. Crash seems to absolutely LOVE eating Timothy hay. I have one of those metal orbs hanging from his cage that I fill with hay (the thing that came with the set-up) and he cleaned up an entire one over night. I'm just afraid of him eating too much and becoming obese or having a health condition. Is that a normal amount for him to be eating in a day? I guess that's all for now. If anything new and exciting happens with Crash I'll let you know. Hope your mouth is feeling a little better by now!

-Stacie

Hey Stacie,

Young chinchillas can be pretty skittish. I would try and hold him for small amounts of time every day. Also reward him with a treat after he lets you hold him. He is at a perfect age to work on his people skills, but sometimes it can take a while for young chins to settle down. Think of it as having a young puppy vs a one year old dog. Young puppies tend to be more hyper and wiggle around a lot more. The good thing about young puppies and young chins is they are in prime time for training. Not all chinchillas love being held, but I think Crash will be a good one to work with. It's been my experience that males tend to bond with their human friends much faster and easier than their female counter parts. He is also far more outgoing than his sister and was easier for me to work with than many of the young chins. Best advise would be keeping him on a schedule, start by holding him for small amounts of time and increase slowly from there. Many chinchillas also prefer riding on your shoulder rather than being held in your hands. I had one chin that would ride on my shoulder even while I vacuumed! It was pretty neat. Here is an article on tips to help shoulder train your chin http://www.chinchillaplace.com/blog/bid/6871/Shoulder-chinchillas-and-you

As for the hay, there are a couple differing views on chinchillas and overeating. Most experts agree that chinchillas will not become obese and stuff themselves on hay or pellets. Treats they can go overboard with and throw their system off track (ie diarrhea). Young chins get pretty excited about trying new hay and will gobble it up quickly. Until they learn a little self control a large handful a day is good. for him. As for my mouth it is feeling better thanks for asking. Best of luck with Crash and keep us posted!!

Jennifer